What does St. Louis Do About Ville Husso?
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The decision on Ville Husso will shape the St. Louis Blues’ off-season. With most of the nucleus in tact, it comes down to a few players for Doug Armstrong and assistant GM Ryan Miller.
For St. Louis, this boils down to value. That is, does one value his regular-season play more than what occurred in the postseason? The goalie market could clear up a bit before free agency opens next month.
Armstrong invested a lot in Husso’s development but if a chance to be a 1A opens up, Husso will go. If not, he likely comes back on a more friendly deal. Meanwhile, everyone waits.
David Perron and St. Louis Have Interest In Each Other
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The worst kept secret in St. Louis is the obvious mutual interest that David Perron and Doug Armstrong have of keeping their partnership. It boils down to agreeing to a deal.
St. Louis remains the perfect fit for a player like Perron. The results speak for themselves. Even with injuries and COVID, the forward scored 27 times in 41 games. That included 11 power-play goals (33 in four years).
Injury concerns are worrisome but again expect a rekindling and agreement at some point.
St. Louis In A Good Position Right Now
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: This point was resolute with Doug Armstrong at the start of the off-season.
“It doesn’t need major tweaking,” Armstrong said Tuesday at the team’s season wrapup media availability. “In a cap system, we’re in a really good spot for next season. We have so many returning players under contract.”
Minor tweaks err beefing up seem to be the theme. The question of the three free-agents is likely to be Ville Husso. Nick Leddy could come back on a more team-friendly deal which would help the Blues’ cap situation. Defensive depth is something of a possibility if they cannot re-sign Leddy.
Again, there is some time between now and free agency. These dominoes are the first ones that have to fall.
The Rangers are on the road against the Lightning and are
+150 on the moneyline with Betway
