The St. Louis Blues find themselves at the center of intense NHL trade discussions despite recently securing three consecutive victories. The team's persistent position at the bottom of the league standings has fueled speculation about potential roster changes as the trade deadline approaches.
Blues Management Confirms Trade Availability
According to multiple sources, St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong has informed other franchises that he is "open for business" regarding potential trades. This confirmation comes from The Athletic's insiders and supports an earlier report by Bleacher Report's Frank Seravalli. Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic has also verified this information, adding credibility to the trade talks.
Armstrong has employed similar strategies in previous seasons without resulting in significant roster overhauls, leaving many observers questioning whether substantial changes will actually materialize this time around.
Key Players in Trade Discussions
Among all Blues players mentioned in trade rumors, Brayden Schenn has emerged as the most frequently discussed. The 32-year-old center generated considerable interest before last season's trade deadline and continues to attract attention from other teams.
Schenn's situation presents complications due to his modified no-trade clause, which allows him to block potential moves to 15 teams. While the veteran player has expressed his desire to remain in St. Louis, the current circumstances might force him to reconsider his position.
Another player drawing significant interest is Jordan Kyrou. The 27-year-old's absence from the recent game against Buffalo has sparked speculation, with league sources indicating that at least one team has contacted Rutherford to inquire about his availability. The extent of the Blues' willingness to entertain offers for Kyrou remains uncertain.
Buffalo's Tage Thompson Situation
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn has suggested that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams might explore the trading market as injuries continue to plague the team. However, sources indicate that a major transaction appears unlikely at this stage of the season.
Despite this, multiple teams have already expressed interest in Buffalo's top performers. Marco D'Amico from RG.Org has revealed that both the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens have inquired about the availability of Tage Thompson.
However, Adams has firmly rejected any discussion involving the transfer of his top scorer. TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie has corroborated this stance, emphasizing that Thompson remains part of Buffalo's long-term core and is not available for trade under current circumstances.
What Lies Ahead for Both Franchises
As the NHL season intensifies, front offices are making earlier moves to position their teams for success. While trade rumors continue to swirl around St. Louis, indications suggest the organization will likely make adjustments rather than complete overhauls.
The situation remains fluid, with Armstrong known for his strategic approach to roster management. The coming weeks will reveal whether the current trade discussions translate into actual player movements or follow the pattern of previous seasons where much talk yielded little action.
In Buffalo, the organization appears committed to maintaining its core players despite external interest, focusing instead on navigating through injury challenges while building for future success.
