Welcome back to NHL Rumours here at Last Word On Hockey. In this edition, we will analyze the St. Louis Blues. This time, we are going to look at general manager Doug Armstrong’s blockbuster trade history. In that way, we can imagine what that might mean for the current core pieces of the Blues offence.
NHL Rumours: St. Louis Shopping Offensive Players
Rumour: The St. Louis Blues might trade key core pieces, such as Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn.
Analysis: The hockey market in and around St. Louis knows that GM Doug Armstrong is not afraid to make blockbuster deals before the trade deadline. In 2011, Armstrong traded away then captain Eric Brewer to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The next day, he dealt Erik Johnson, the only first-overall pick the Blues ever had, to the Colorado Avalanche. In 2018, just four years after snagging Ryan Miller and Steve Ott from the Buffalo Sabres, Armstrong called again. This time, he sent a hefty return in a trade that brought Ryan O’Reilly. A year later, O’Reilly brought the 2019 Stanley Cup to the Show Me State.
The Blues have lost a lot of great leadership to free agency during Armstrong’s tenure, as well. Captain David Backes walked in the summer of 2015, followed by Stanley Cup Champion and captain Alex Pietrangelo in the summer of 2019. Losing players like this without anything in return can create massive holes in any roster.
Given the Blues consistently, inconsistent play through the first half of this season, the time has come for Armstrong to start answering the phones again. The Blues have a solid group of players in the AHL ready to make the leap. This is a prime opportunity to move players out, bring in draft capital and prospects, and usher in a new era for the St. Louis Blues. Here are three names that have continued to be in conversations as the trade deadline draws near.
1. Brayden Schenn
Age: 34
Position: Centre/Right Wing
Remaining Contract: Three Years; $6.5 million per year
Schenn’s name has been involved in trade rumours since the deadline last season. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman spoke just last month how Schenn was almost a Toronto Maple Leaf. Not only would it have been a reunion of Schenn and former coach Craig Berube, but Schenn wanted a family reunion. He refused to waive his no-trade clause unless Toronto was able to acquire his brother Luke as well. This deal obviously came to pass.
The return for Schenn in that deal would have seen two high-end prospects and an early round draft pick. A year later and one has to wonder if his asking price is the same. He brings with him a contract that will payout $6.5 million each of the next three seasons. For these last three seasons, his full no-trade clause is now limited to just 15 teams. With half the league open for business, Doug Armstrong has many more options for a trade to materialize.
Schenn has played over 1,000 games in the NHL. Of those, 642 have been played wearing the Blue note. In that time, Schenn put up great numbers (181 goals and 278 assists). In his career, he was never toted as a point per game player, but someone who is consistent. Mainly, Schenn provinces incredible veteran leadership, a Stanley Cup winning pedigree, and passion for the game that any truly contending team would be grateful to have.
2. Jordan Kyrou
Age: 27
Position: Right Wing
Remaining Contract: Five Years; $8.125 million per year
Kyrou’s name might surprise some people who have not followed the Blues closely the last few seasons. His defensive struggles have been magnified by the poor team play around him. At points through his career, Kyrou has shown a lack of desire to play defensive hockey. Unfortunately, this has existed throughout his entire career.
His offensive abilities have never been in question. In 459 games with St. Louis, Kyrou has scored 161 goals and 195 assists. He is a three-time, 30-goal scorer that any team would love to add. Aside from his glaring defensive mishaps, another huge obstacle hinders Armstrong from moving on from Jordan. This being the contract that Armstrong himself offered.
In 2022, Kyrou signed an eight year, $8.125 million average annual value contract. After that signing, Kyrou scored 104 goals across three seasons. By coincidence, his play began deteriorating after that third season. His full no-trade clause took effect at the same time.
Insider Nick Kypreos reported that Kyrou is still available on the trade market, despite the clause in his contract. He says “there is a sense he may be softening on waiving it to go to a contending club.” While he can’t be blamed for wanting to win, is his value really where Armstrong believes it to be?
3. Robert Thomas
Age: 26
Position: Centre
Remaining Contract: Five Years; $8.125 million per year
Thomas’s name appearing in trade talks seemed impossible, as recently as the start of this season! With the poor play of the Blues all year, it unfortunately is a reality. So much so that Nick Kypreos has reported the asking price Doug Armstrong is asking for in return.
Any team taking a look at Thomas has to be willing to give up the equivalent of three top 15 picks. This price is arguably the highest on the market. These could come in the form of picks, prospects or a mixture of the two. To put in perspective what Armstrong thinks Thomas is worth, he was drafted 20th overall in 2017.
Robert Thomas’ rookie season was the year St. Louis won their only Stanley Cup. He has spent his entire 508 game career with the Blues, scoring 118 goals and adding 311 assists. At just 26 years old, he is 6th in assists amongst Blues players, trailing the likes of Brett Hull and Bernie Federko. Through injury this year, he has been able to put up 33 points in 42 games.
Apart from Armstrong’s asking price, Thomas also has the exact same contract as Jordan Kyrou. This includes the same no-trade clause. Any of the other 31 NHL teams could call Armstrong after the break and offer something truly impressive. Only Robert Thomas can say yes or no.
What Happens Next?
The short answer is nothing. As of puck drop on February 4th, all NHL teams are unable to make any moves. This embargo lifts at 11:59pm EST on February 22nd. Most activity around the league is expected to begin then. The league has seen a few small trades in the buildup, but general managers are focused on the two weeks before the deadline.
It seems unfathomable that the Blues would trade their current captain and potential future captain (Thomas) at the same deadline. Given the nature of the business, Schenn is the more likely candidate to be dealt. At the end of the day though, a business is a business. Knowing Armstrong’s track record in making big trades, nothing is out of the question.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images