Blues’ Doug Armstrong on the hot seat and more?
Jim Thomas of St. Louis Post Dispatch: A long underachieving season has the Blues facing many questions as the trade deadline approaches. One thing becoming clear is that Armstrong appears to be safe barring a catastrophic collapse.
Then, there is Alex Steen. Steen’s numbers dropped due to injuries but now poor play has crept in. Two more years at $5.75 million may be too hard to swallow. Is a buyout or trade possible? The same can be said of Jay Bouwmeester, who has played better of late. Would he waive his no-trade clause to go home to Calgary?
How this team plays in the next few weeks will determine what they do as far as players like Brayden Schenn as well. Schenn is not performing at 100% and has been seen wearing a knee brace.
Jeff Gordon of St. Louis Post Dispatch: St. Louis looks at other teams going for it or thinking about it. One question must be asked. Will the Blues join the fray? Toronto acquiring Jake Muzzin should help the Blues. It appears Colton Parayko or Alex Pietrangelo may stay put. Chicago and Los Angeles expect to unload players. Anaheim may consider this. Furthermore, teams like Colorado and Minnesota are pondering ways to improve their team.
The Blues are straight in the middle. St. Louis waiting may cause them to miss out on potential opportunities. Time will tell what the Blues may do. Stay tuned.
Muzzin trade hints at buyers’ market…
Chris Johnston of SportsNet: Trading Jake Muzzin to Toronto early was what the Los Angeles Kings needed to do. This allows them to consider other moves as well in time. More essentially, this hints at a buyers’ market where a lot of teams could exchange players before the deadline on February 25th.
Supply could outstrip demand here. Buyers and sellers will come down in price in enough cases to see a good amount of trades. Do not expect a ridiculous amount, however. Do not be shocked to see more early trades this deadline. Teams desire to acquire players earlier to get them acclimated for the playoff push or to make the playoffs.