The St. Louis Blues entered the new season in the middle of a retool. The team started with the expectation that they would be fringe wild card contenders. Furthermore, they had a plan in place for their retool. Within the last month, those expectations have increased some. Following their recent trade, however, it is clear that the expectations are higher and the plans have changed.
The Original Plan
As the summer of 2024 progressed, it seemed clear what the Blues plan was for their retool. The team announced that Drew Bannister had agreed to contract to be the official head coach for the next two seasons. Furthermore, it was announced that over the course of the next two seasons, general manager Doug Armstrong would slowly transition former Blue Alexander Steen into the general manager role. In two seasons, Armstrong would step down and Steen would take over general manager duties.
It seemed that in two seasons, Steen would go into his first off-season as general manager with the flexibility to build the roster he wants and possibly hire the coach he wants. This two-year window ends at a time when the Blues may finally be out of the salary cap restraints they put themselves in. It seemed the organization believed that in two seasons, they would be truly ready to compete.
When a Door Opens, Walk Through It
After successfully tendering offer sheets to forward Dylan Holloway and defenceman Philip Broberg, the Blues showed they were willing to take risks to speed up the retool. Another door opened in November when Jim Montgomery was fired by Boston. Days later, the Blues made the bold decision to dismiss Bannister and hire Montgomery. Furthermore, the Blues gave Montgomery a five-year contract, showing they believed he is the coach to get him through the retool.
The doors opened and the Blues walked through it. The team went from being fringe wild card contenders to suddenly having a little higher expectations. A third-place finish in the Central Division suddenly seems possible. A return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in two seasons suddenly seems possible.
But Wait, There is More
In 2011, Doug Armstrong made a bold trade to bring a defenceman to St. Louis. Now in 2024, he has done it again. Bringing in the veteran Cam Fowler is one of the better moves Armstrong has made as the Blues general manager. Yes, there is some risk to it. Fowler is 32-years old and is the past the prime of a great career in Anaheim. The Blues have not acquired a spring chicken by any means.
However, the risk is low. The Blues were able to get 32% of Fowler’s retained, meaning the team is not adding his full contract to their salary cap. Furthermore, Fowler is a free agent after this season. If it does not work, the Blue are not handcuffed by his contract.
Fowler brings a veteran presence to the Blues defensive core. The Blues may not need him to play top defender minutes, but he will have a top-defender role. This trade is also important as the Blues have missed the veteran presence of play of Nick Leddy. Even though Leddy had struggled to start the season, there was hope he would return to form once he returned from injury. However, this trade indicates that Leddy will not be returning from injury anytime soon. As such, the Blues have brought in someone to fill that void.
Fowler Trade Officially Changes Plans
The Fowler trade cements what we suspected by the offer sheets and the hiring of Montgomery. It is simple. The Blues may be in a rebuild, but they are not just going to lie down and let the NHL walk all over them. The Blues are a proud franchise who once made the playoffs in 25-straight seasons. The team is still in a retool, no denying it. However, it is clear they are looking to make some noise this year while they retool.
When you look at how the Blues have gotten to this point, you cannot help but be impressed. The Blues acquired Fowler for a low price and with retained salary. They took chances on players like Holloway and Broberg and are seeing it pay off. There was an opportunity to bring an elite head coach and the Blues took advantage.
The plans have changed. The Blues should very much be looked at as playoff contenders now. Will it work? Time will tell. However, one thing is clear. The Blues are back and they are here to make some noise.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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