[Report] Pietrangelo Commits to Meeting With Other Teams

As per Jeremy Rutherford, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is taking the first steps to leaving the St. Louis Blues. Rutheford says on ESPN101 that he believes Pietrangelo is now committed to meeting with other teams.

Jeremy Rutherford says on ESPN101 that he believes Alex Pietrangelo is now committed to meeting with other teamshttps://t.co/wWtgLgq4T2

— J (@Account4hockey) September 18, 2020

As recently as three days ago, the last speculated offer by the Blues was around $7.7 million per season and other agents think the blueliner could make $8.5 or even $9 on the open market. Pietrangelo has said his priority is to stay with the Blues, but if he’s agreeing to meet with other teams, clearly, under $8 million per season isn’t going to get a deal done. The defensemen has already voiced his frustration that he doesn’t have a deal done with St Louis. This news just goes to show there’s only so long he’s willing to wait around.

Who he will be meeting with is not clear at this time, but a number of teams have been rumored to have interest should Pietrangelo shake loose; among them are the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pierre Lebrun of TSN and The Athletic adds on TSN1050 that he believes there is a mutual interest between the Leafs and Pietrangelo if he doesn’t re-sign with the Blues. Whether Toronto can clear enough space is another question and that will take a ton of calculations and likely movement from Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.

Could This All Be Posturing?

One thing to remember here is that news leaking that Pietrangelo is willing to talk to other teams could be posturing on the part of the player. If the defenseman puts it out there that his patience is wearing thin and that he’s not only willing to leave, but actively looking at his options, it might give the Blues the kick in the pants they need to come up in terms of the dollar figure being offered.

One thing is clear. There will likely be a lot more talk surrounding the team, the player and possible landing spots if this all falls apart in the next few days.

Next: Coyotes Give GMs Green Light on Multiple Trade Offers [Report]