Armstrong end of season press conference

Team: 2024-25 St. Louis Blues

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 19, 2024

Published: Apr. 19, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Some notes after listening to armys end of year press conference:

Army wants to stick with the process. He wants internal growth from players over bringing in outside help. He wasn't surprised with where the Blues finished in the standings.

He doesn't want to tank. He also doesn't want to go all in. He's fine being middle of the pack. He doesn't want to "earn" a top pick in the draft and always wants a somewhat competitive team.

He was very positive about internal growth of players. He mentioned Kessel was very surprising this year. They were not expecting him to be a factor. He also said Hofer and Neighbours both established themselves as top players.

When talking about young guys he said Bolduc and Dean played well down the stretch. Said they will have to earn their spot on the team next year, same with Kessel. The assumption though is all 3 will make the team if they have a good offseason.

Dvorsky will be given a shot to make the team. Army is happy with his development and expects him to be a Blue next year.

Army said Stenberg and Lindstein will likely stay overseas therefore they are further away in their development.

Coaching talk: when talking about coaches Army wouldn't commit to Bannister. He said he's eyeing a short list of coaches including some who are currently coaching (I would guess Brindamour). It feels like Bannister is the backup plan, not the ideal option.

Said Schenn did a great job as captain this year. Schenn will have more of a say going forward.

When talking about the defense he praised Parayko, Leddy, and Kessel. Said the team knows what they have in Perunovich now (didn't seem to positive with that statement) and said some good things about Tucker (but sounds like he doesn't believe Tucker is a full time player). He made no mention of Krug or Faulk (likely not a coincidence).

Army said he always considers buyouts and he will do the same this offseason.

Lastly, he believes it's unfair how fans turn on Kyrou when he's off and then love him when he's on. Believes they should support him no matter what. He compared it to when fans hated Jaybo for a bit and now everyone misses him.


My thoughts:

Nothing really surprising and he held a lot of information back. I'll be curious who the coach is next year that will affect a lot. I'm happy that Army seems determined to play the youth on this team and wants to build a dynasty and not just an average team.

As for offseason moves I don't think much will happen. I believe Buch will be extended (which I don't think is smart). I think one of Faulk or Krug will be moved, likely Faulk with some possible retained salary. Lastly, I think the Blues attempt to trade up in the draft to get a top defensive prospect. Maybe some minor trades here and there but not much.

Lineup thoughts:

I think young players will be put in positions to succeed next year. If Dvorsky makes the team I would like to see him in the top 6. You can put together a veteran 3rd line and they can all be happy playing together. Keep Bolduc and Neighbours with Thomas for a year and let those 2 develop. Rotate dmen with Parayko all year. Try keeping Perunovich up there and put Leddy with Kessel.

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