Blues aren't retaining for 3 years of Hayes. LOL

Explain. Flyers did and did with double that retention. Not paid anything in return. So why wouldn’t a rebuilding/retooling STL not retain a small amount for 3 years for a 1st?

Just because Philly did it doesn't mean the Blues will. It's not a small amount. It's 1.75 mil AAV.

That first round pick is closer to being an early 2nd.

Blues are currently 2 points out of a wild card spot with 2 games in hand.

Why are they selling?

Not giving up a 1st for that when the Blues only paid a SIXTH for him.

I think they would for a first round pick

To each their own. 🙄

Deal

In general I believe you’re right. I don’t see them selling Hayes. He’s a bit frustrating to watch but he’s been pretty good. We also are at a lack of centers currently on the NHL roster. Schenn would probable be best suited to move to wing. Sunny is doing ok but also probably best suited for wing. Hayes has been doing extremely well on faceoffs and at puck possession, but he’s not exactly a reliable defensive center.

A lot of comments from our organization make it hard to read. Armstrong has recently expressed that he believes this team should make the playoffs (albeit in a 3rd in division or WC spot), he’s outlined that we’ve had 7 first round picks in the last 5 years, he’s also outlined that we need to start to shift some of our prospect pool that’s heavily tilted towards forwards to balance it.

But with that he’s also stated that there’s going to be a couple years of the youth developing and some of the older contracts moving out to retool.

A lot to unpack from his comments. But in general, I’d agree I don’t think they’re looking to fully sell off. Which the retention for one of their only 2 true center man would show

A contenders last piece should not be a soft liability

for a first? yeah we would.

Rangers dont want Hayes back at the cost of a first rounder; Blues would gladly accept though

They are wildcard potential for sure, but they are also not contenders for a deep run. As many blues fans have mentioned they would, it makes sense to do so because Hayes won’t be around in 3-8 years while that late 1st will still be a solid middle 6 piece by then. While Hayes will be a league min contract guy hunting a cup.

Could package it and nab Dickinson.

Buium or Dickinson on my blue line would just be splendid. Both of those guys I take over the top-2 D from last year. Silyayev and Levushunov I haven’t seen enough of but have questions about from my limited watches.