Doug Armstrong’s Subtle Plan to Set Up the Blues’ Future GM

Doug Armstrong looks like a man with one eye on the present — and the other on the future of the St. Louis Blues. As Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts, this might be Armstrong’s final season as GM before Alex Steen takes over, and the veteran executive isn’t about to leave his protégé in a bad spot.

---

“I just can’t believe for a second that Armstrong would do anything that leaves Steen in a worse position,” Friedman said. “He’s worked hard to put him in position to be successful.”

This comes amidst talk that Armstrong might be willing to trade some key names on the Blues’ roster, including Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich, and Justin Faulk. Clearly, he’s not going to dump the assets and the asking prices will be extremely high, if for no other reason than because he wants the best return for Steen’s team moving forward.

Setting The Blues Up For Steen Shaping Trades in St. Louis

Armstrong’s not afraid to rattle cages — Friedman reminded listeners of the time in 2019 when the GM sent out a mock “Christmas Sale” memo to his peers, hinting that players were available. That year, he didn’t tear it down. Instead, the Blues rallied and won the Stanley Cup.

This feels like a similar playbook. Names like Brayden Schenn have surfaced in trade chatter, but Armstrong’s message is clear: if you want his captain, you’d better have a solid offer.

Armstrong has always valued long-term stability over quick fixes. If this is indeed his final lap as GM, he seems intent on handing off a team that’s structured, competitive, and confident — not one in mid-rebuild chaos.

Next: Disgruntled Star Winger Seen as a Fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs