St. Louis Blues: A Divided Fanbase
In St. Louis, the recent trajectory of the Blues has ignited a passionate debate among fans. Previously seen as unlikely contenders for a postseason appearance, the team’s impressive finish—recording 17 wins against just 5 losses and 3 overtime losses in their last 25 games—has led them to escape from the bottom ranks of the NHL standings, climbing from near the cellar to 11th overall.
Fan Perspectives: Embrace the Tank vs. Competitive Spirit
This resurgence has left fans split. On one side, proponents of the ‘Embrace the Tank’ movement advocate for losing to secure a better shot at a high draft pick, reminiscent of the 2008 draft which yielded defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Conversely, dedicated supporters are elated to witness their team displaying competitive spirit and skill on the ice.
As the members of the tanking faction express their frustration, arguing that these victories compromise future opportunities to draft potential stars, others in the fan base celebrate the team’s newfound success. With a slim chance of obtaining a high pick in the draft lottery, the discussion becomes one of whether last season’s outcome is detrimental to the team’s future or if it lays the groundwork for a successful rebuild.
Management’s Perspective
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong addressed these complexities, acknowledging the difficulty in balancing immediate successes with long-term aspirations. He indicated confidence in the current roster, stating:
“Once the season’s over, you wish you had the high pick. It’s the pain of going through that to get it… I told the players after the trade deadline that our mandate was to promote younger players in meaningful roles. They responded to the challenge, demonstrating their professionalism and commitment.”
Currently, the Blues are positioned to hold the 11th, 15th, and 32nd picks in the upcoming draft, accompanied by an additional pick stemming from the Brayden Schenn trade. Armstrong noted that all options remain open regarding trades or potential movements up or down the draft board, depending on how their evaluations proceed.
Looking Ahead
As scouts prepare for extensive review periods—including attending upcoming U-18 tournaments—Armstrong remains committed to fine-tuning their strategy for the future. In addition to player development discussions, other layers of the team’s future are unfolding, including a minor medical procedure undergone by forward Jordan Kyrou, which he is expected to recover from in time for training camp.
Furthermore, coach Jim Montgomery now has the opportunity to choose his assistant coaches—a critical shift from his previous roles—and has plans for player evaluations as the Blues look to reshape their approach following successive years of inconsistent standings.
