Blues Rumors: St. Louis Could Become Sellers

According to Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic, the St. Louis Blues could become sellers later this season if they fail to stay in the playoff race, despite significant investment in their current roster. 

With the team spending to the salary cap—and beyond, due to long-term injured reserve commitments like Torey Krug’s $6.5 million cap hit—GM Doug Armstrong’s primary focus is on making the playoffs. 

However, Rutherford explained on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio that Armstrong is pragmatic and will prioritize long-term planning if the team’s performance falters. 

“If the Blues don’t look like they’re that playoff team he hopes, I think he’s going to have to sell off whatever players can draw some interest,” Rutherford said.

BRANDON SAAD HAS DELIVERED THE BIGGEST GOAL OF THE SEASON!!!!! pic.twitter.com/BzjagbqusT

— BluesMuse (@STLBluesMuse) March 26, 2024

Potential trade candidates include Brandon Saad and a healthy Nick Leddy, though Rutherford cautions that returns would likely be modest compared to previous deals involving stars like Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko. 

While Armstrong is not expected to move valuable picks or prospects as part of a rebuild, offloading veteran contracts to contenders could align with a retooling strategy. 

Rutherford noted the urgency of the Blues’ situation, noting, “They’re spending a lot of money not to make the playoffs,” and suggested that failing to contend by early January could prompt a shift toward selling assets.

Nick Leddy looking for the popcorn in all the different press boxes this season #stlblues pic.twitter.com/T6gHbNTiQx

— Thomas Welch (@twelcher15) November 9, 2024

With new head coach Jim Montgomery at the helm, the next few months will be big for the Blues in determining their direction. 

If they cannot establish themselves as a postseason contender, the focus may shift to leveraging depth players for future assets.

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images