Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette expressed confidence in his return for the next season, irrespective of potential changes in the General Manager position. Meanwhile, Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault took accountability for his subpar performance this past year, acknowledging that his mental state and play did not benefit the team. He stated, “But I’m aware that if I play the way I played this year, I’m not going to bring any team to the playoffs. You’ve got to look at yourself in the mirror. There’s guys that made a difference this year, and there’s guys that didn’t make a difference. I didn’t make a difference this year.”
Speculation surrounding St. Louis Blues players is expected to resurface this offseason, though their immediate future may not involve trades. The team is reportedly considering moving up in the upcoming draft. General Manager Doug Armstrong addressed the rumors concerning forward Robert Thomas, emphasizing his high valuation of the player and dismissing some trade talks as fabricated. Armstrong stated, “Some of these trade talks … are a little bit of fabrication. They start out, and all of a sudden they get legs, and they go, and they go, and they go, and they never stop. The cost of acquiring someone of Robert Thomas’ talent is extremely high. I don’t think anyone values Robert Thomas more in the NHL than Doug Armstrong values Robert Thomas in the NHL. So, if he was available, the reason he’s here is because I value him higher than anyone else.”
Alexander Steen is set to assume the GM role from Rutherford, and numerous discussions will be necessary. Defenseman Colton Parayko and goaltender Jordan Binnington were also subjects of trade rumors, with Parayko reportedly rejecting a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. Binnington possesses a 14-team no-trade clause, and Armstrong’s comments about needing two reliable goaltenders suggest Binnington will remain with the team. Forward Jordan Kyrou, who holds a full no-trade clause, has expressed his desire to stay in St. Louis.
Pending restricted free agent forward Dylan Holloway is optimistic about his future with the Blues, aiming to stay for an extended period. Prior to the draft lottery, the Blues hold the 11th, 15th (from Detroit), and 31st (from Colorado) overall picks. Regarding the possibility of trading up in the draft, Armstrong commented, “Yes, we would — we can use the picks, we can use prospects, we can use players. We’ll give it our best chance. But you also have to have someone that wants to move out of that pick, and that’s where the fly in the ointment sometimes comes in.”
