Looking at the current situation with the St. Louis Blues, there is a sense that this will be a busy summer. General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Doug Armstrong, has already declared it.
With that being said, there is some time here to at least name who should be deemed untouchable this summer. These players will be suiting up for the Blues this October.
The Untouchables
This is a pretty simple list, as this is the makings of the next core group. It consists of younger players, top players, and those who will have an impact on this franchise’s future.
Jimmy Snuggerud, Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, Jake Neighbours, and Justin Carbonneau highlight the forward group. There are a few others down in the minors who could join this group of untouchables soon, but that is up to their performance and placement for the future plans.
It is important to note that players like Dalibor Dvorsky and Pius Suter are in a limbo tier, as their future is up in the air.
Philip Broberg, Logan Mailloux, Tyler Tucker, and Adam Jiricek are the defensive group. Each of these players has an upside to them, though it could be hidden for now. This is a group that will be under constant pressure, as they were one of the biggest downfalls last season.
Last but not least, Joel Hofer is the lone goaltender who should not be moved.
Up for sale
That leaves some pretty big names on the table, and not everyone will be moved this summer. But it should not come as a surprise if one or two are traded.
The big names are Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, Colton Parayko, Cam Fowler, and Jordan Binnington. One of those five is very likely not going to be with the Blues this fall, and it is in the best interest of the organization and the player.
Over the next two months, these players will be called about and potentially dealt, and it should be a top priority for Armstrong to do so in his final weeks as the head man.
