It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the off-season, but we still have plenty to discuss on the hot stove front. Things may be quiet now, but there’s always the potential for business to pick up. Teams do have to be salary cap compliant by the start of the season and moves could start up soon enough. One team that’s got some tough decisions to make is the St. Louis Blues. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at the defensive situation surrounding the Blues.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
St. Louis Blues Defensive Situation
Rumour: The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford took a look at the Blues defensive problem with having a number of left-handed clubs. General manager Doug Armstrong will have some decisions to make.
How the Blues’ Ryan Suter signing happened, and what it means for the team’s logjam on defense. #stlblues https://t.co/sTnch6Hi0F
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 12, 2024
Analysis: Rutherford’s recap was written before Torey Krug‘s ankle diagnosis. That looming injury could throw a wrench into things and allow for opportunities for some of these defenders on the roster.
St Louis has six left-handed blueliners fighting it out for four roster spots if Krug does get a clean bill of health. Nick Leddy, Ryan Suter, Scott Perunovich, Tyler Tucker, Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Krug are the six left-shot defencemen listed on the roster. Suter and Joseph were recent acquisitions and Perunovich just got a new deal.
The Krug Situation
Krug’s contract seems to be an anchor on the Blues and throws a ton of uncertainty into things. The wait now begins to see if Krug will be able to play this season or will his $6.5 million cap hit be put on long-term injured reserve. Krug’s salary going onto LITR would give Armstrong and the Blues some flexibility.
Armstrong has mentioned a trade is possible, but it’s hard to say who get dealt. Krug’s name has come up a number of time in rumours. However, he does have a no-trade clause. He does have that no-trade clause, but it’s only for one more season.
The veteran blueliner will have his ankle reevaluated in about two months. Surgery would likely end his season. Our own Andrew Willis pointed out that the injury could give the younger and cheaper options a chance to shine.
If Krug is Healthy
A good prognosis could put the Blues back at square one. Armstrong could try what the New York Rangers did and get lucky when Barclay Goodrow was claimed off waivers. However, many were amazed that the San Jose Sharks were able to claim that big contract off waivers.
St Louis could try and put Tucker or Joseph on waivers and see if they would be able to clear. However, that would expose those players to being claimed by any other team. Armstrong is hoping it doesn’t have to come to that point where he has to risk one of his young assets.
However, the Krug injury asks a lot more questions than it answers at this point. The cloud of uncertainty won’t be answered for a couple of months at least when we know if Krug will play in the 2024-25 season.
Main photo by: Jeff Curry – USA Today Sports
