The St. Louis Blues are facing a pivotal offseason, with General Manager Alex Steen at the helm. With a mix of veteran trades and a strong finish to the season, the Blues are poised for a strategic shift. Here's a breakdown of the key decisions Steen must make.
Choosing a Direction
Steen's first challenge is deciding the Blues' future. The team's late-season surge and the acquisition of draft picks present a unique opportunity. Steen has three options: maintaining the status quo, rebuilding, or retooling.
Reversing Course: Despite a strong finish, a full-scale reversal is unlikely. The Blues' cap space and draft picks offer flexibility, but a sudden switch could be risky given the division's competitiveness.
Rebuilding: With veterans like Thomas and Kyrou on the block, a rebuild seems imminent. Steen can capitalize on their trade value, potentially generating strong returns. This approach could see the Blues out of playoff contention for years, but it's a calculated risk.
Retooling: This option involves retaining key players like Thomas and Kyrou while moving older veterans. It's a safer path, allowing the Blues to build around their current offense without a complete overhaul.
Extension Negotiations
The Blues' focus on young core forwards is evident. Jake Neighbours, a top-six power forward, is a priority. With a qualifying offer and salary arbitration rights, an early extension is crucial.
Negotiations could mirror Dylan Holloway's deal, with a price tag around $6.5-6.75MM for a long-term contract. This approach ensures a key piece of the puzzle is locked in early, especially with the premium for power forwards.
Goalie Decision
The Blues' goaltending situation is intriguing. Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington have similar contract lengths, but a shift in power is necessary.
Binnington's move could bring a change of scenery and value. Meanwhile, Hofer's extension could be modeled after Karel Vejmelka or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, with a cap hit around $5.45MM in the next two seasons.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
The Blues' coaching staff is in flux. With changes already made, Steen's decisions will shape the team's future. Steve Ott's role is uncertain, and the team's direction will influence assistant coach hires.
A longer-scale rebuild might favor younger assistants, while a retooling approach could bring in veteran mentors. The coaching staff's makeup will be a crucial indicator of the Blues' timeline for success.
As the Blues navigate this offseason, Steen's decisions will define their future. With a mix of strategic moves and careful planning, the Blues are poised for a significant transformation.
