Jordan Kyrou has had a rocky relationship with St. Louis Blues fans. Despite fan frustrations, Kyrou is key to the Blues future.
Kyrou’s Strong Start To His Career Has Had Highs And Lows
In the 2021-22 season, Kyrou had his breakout season. He scored 27 goals and was named an All-Star for the first time. Kyrou had such a strong season that many considered him to be the Blues MVP for the season. Kyrou continued his success in the playoffs, scoring seven goals in 12 games. Following his breakout season, Kyrou was awarded with a contract extension.
Unfortunately, the breakout season was not all sunshine and lollipops. After the All-Star break, Kyrou scored just ten goals to finish the regular season. Concerns arose regarding his effort on the ice. To Blues fans, it seemed as if Kyrou were “settling” for the player he was instead of trying to reach the next level.
“Not My Coach”
The 2022-23 season was better for Kyrou. He scored 37 goals and seemed to be playing better overall. However, the following season presented the biggest divider between him and the fans.
In December of 2023, the Blues fired Head Coach Craig Berube. It was known that Berube and Kyrou had butted heads a few times the last few seasons. Furthermore, in an interview after Berube was fired, Kyrou commented, “I’ve got no comment. He’s not my coach anymore,” when asked about the firing.
Blues fans took exception to this. They were already not happy at the firing of the coach who brought the Stanley Cup to St. Louis for the first time. Furthermore, fans found Kyrou’s comment unprofessional. During the next game, Kyrou was booed by fans when he touched the puck. Kyrou was emotional after the game. He apologized for his comments and expressed a desire to help the team win.
Kyrou finished the 2023-24 season with 31 goals. Furthermore, he played in every regular season game for the first time in his career. While no other incidents between Kyrou and the fans surfaced, animosity over the Berube comments have lingered.
Kyrou’s Name Has Come Up In Trade Rumours
Kyrou’s name has come up a few times in trade rumours. It was speculated the Blues would have to trade Kyrou if they were to acquire Matthew Tkachuk. Fans have wondered if Kyrou was going to be traded in either of the last two trade deadlines. While teams may have picked up the phone and inquired about Kyrou’s availability, it does not seem he was ever a serious bargaining chip.
Blues fans on social media again brought up the topic of a Kyrou trade following the Pavel Buchnevich extension. Fans expressed the belief that given what has transpired the last few seasons that it was time to move on from Kyrou now that another scorer was extended.
The Blues Are Not Phasing Out Jordan Kyrou
By extending Buchnevich, the Blues now have Buchnevich, Kyrou, and Robert Thomas locked in for many seasons. The Blues have a core locked up for many years. If they choose to extend Jake Neighbours, another core forward member would be locked up.
Kyrou is a key to the Blues future. Despite his short comings, he has posted two 30+ goal seasons. He has consistently recorded point totals in the high 60’s and low 70’s. To put this into some perspective, he has consistently ranked in the low 50’s in points each of the last two seasons. While this may seem like nothing impressive, Kyrou is playing in a league that has Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and others posting incredible point totals. Kyrou is roughly seven points a season away from a point-per-game player.
If the Blues trade Kyrou and his production, they would have a big hole on their top-six. Unless the trade was a swap for a player who produces the same, the Blues would lose that trade.
Many teams would love to have a 65-75 point, 30+ goal scorer under contract for seven more seasons at a cap hit of $8.125 a season. Kyrou simply does a great deal at a great cost for the Blues.
The Big Stage Has Been Kind To Kyrou
Furthermore, Kyrou has shown an ability to excel on the big stage. In addition to his playoff performance in 2022 mentioned earlier, Kyrou has stood out when the spotlight has been on him and the Blues.
In his first All-Star selection in 2022, Kyrou won the Fastest Skater Contest. He managed to beat Connor McDavid, one of the fastest skaters in the league.
Jordan Kyrou has the need for speed — he’s your @Verizon NHL Fastest Skater with a time of 13.55! 💨 #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/JryVTPErjf
— NHL (@NHL) February 5, 2022
In the New Year’s spotlight at Target Field for the 2022 Winter Classic, Kyrou scored two goals in a Blues win.
Granted, this is limited time in the spotlight. However, it can be a sign of something big to come once the Blues return to contention.
Kyrou Is Key To The Future
Kyrou and the Blues will enter the 2024-25 season looking to build off last season. For Kyrou, he will be looking to continue his strong start to his career.
Kyrou is key to the Blues future. Things may be rocky now with the fans, but continued production and team will success is a great remedy.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
