Blues Open the Door to Trades as Jets Rematch Rekindles Playoff Memories
Right now, the St. Louis Blues find themselves at a crossroads, and it’s a position the organization clearly didn’t expect to be in this season. As they prepare to host the Winnipeg Jets in a highly charged rematch, memories are still fresh of last spring’s dramatic first-round playoff series that ended with a double-overtime Game 7 loss. That heartbreak was supposed to fuel a step forward. Instead, the Blues are stuck searching for answers.
With a 12-15-7 record and sitting near the bottom of the league in winning percentage, general manager Doug Armstrong has made it clear that nothing can be ruled out. Trade calls are being taken, conversations are being had, and for the first time in a while, there are no “untouchables” on the roster. It’s not being framed as a threat or panic move, but more as a reflection of reality. When a team struggles this deeply, everything has to be evaluated.
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Last season’s late surge, when St. Louis won 19 of its final 25 games to sneak into the playoffs, created hope that momentum could carry over. That spark simply hasn’t been rediscovered. Injuries have played a role, but Armstrong admitted the bigger issue is inconsistency. One night the defense looks solid but scoring dries up. Another night the power play clicks while other areas collapse. Stability has been missing, and without a clear identity to fall back on, small problems have been snowballing.
Veteran names are now firmly in the spotlight. Jordan Binnington, Brayden Schenn, and Justin Faulk have all been mentioned as potential trade candidates if the Blues remain outside the playoff picture closer to the deadline. Each has a limited no-trade clause, and Armstrong has stressed that communication with players would be handled respectfully. Still, loyalty to the organization and its fanbase comes first, and tough decisions may be unavoidable.
Binnington’s situation stands out. He’s a franchise icon, a Stanley Cup winner, and the Blues’ all-time leader in wins, yet this season has been a struggle statistically. Schenn, the team captain, has also seen his production dip, while Faulk has actually been one of the brighter spots offensively. Even so, no player is being shielded from discussion if change is deemed necessary.
As for what the Blues would want in return, the focus is clear. Armstrong wants players who can contribute sooner rather than later, fitting into a younger core that includes names like Jake Neighbours, Dylan Holloway, and Joel Hofer. Draft picks matter, but only if they can eventually be flipped into players who align with that age group.
Against this backdrop, the Jets arrive in St. Louis not just as a divisional rival, but as a reminder of what the Blues were and what they’re trying to become again. Whether this game sparks another turnaround or pushes management closer to reshaping the roster entirely remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the Blues are listening, and the next few months could define the direction of the franchise.
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