What Direction Are The Blues Going In?

(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Over the last half decade, the St. Louis Blues have been a luck luster team come playoff time. Additions have been made, some major changes, and still, every season they lack something. Last season was no different. So again they are back at the drawing board.

Over the last few days, again, Doug Armstrong has made some tweaks. The latest major change would be the dealing of Tj Oshie to the Washington Capitals for Troy Brouwer, prospect goaltender Phoenix Copley, and a 3rd round draft pick. Troy Brouwer’s best season was this past one. Putting up 43 points for the Caps, compared to Oshie’s roughly typical performance of 55 points.

Tj Oshie- 443 Regular Season games- 310 points/ 30 playoff games- 9 points

Troy Brouwer- 531 Regular Season Games- 255 points/ 78 playoff games- 19 points

On a team that lacks a scoring punch in the playoffs, Troy Brouwer adds 19 points in 78 games of experience when things get serious. But don’t worry, he does bring quite the physical aspect to the game.
So next post season, Steve Ott won’t be the only guy who will presumably be a pest to our opponent.
The Blues also nabbed Kyle Brodziak from the Minnesota Wild. Good pick up, if used right. I’m not sure where exactly Ken Hitchcock plans to put him, but ringing in roughly 20 points a season should land him on the 4th line. “Should” being the key word. We’ll see.

Do you sense frustration in my words? There is.

I can’t help but feel the organization is attempting a smoke screen of trades that really don’t tackle the problems the team faces every single season.

I know, it’s pretty clear by now that there was some kind of drama brewing between Oshie and Hitchcock. It’s apparent Oshie had to go. But i’m quite confused as to what direction the Blues
are going. Troy Brouwer adds less scoring depth to a team that starves for it in the playoffs. Last season it seemed the plan was to get less physical, less defensive, and more offensive. Is there a communication breakdown between Hitchcock and Armstrong? I’m left scratching my head. So Brouwer has more power play goals, and more game winning goals. That gap closes big time in the playoffs, and we don’t have ANY problems with either in the regular season.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my Blues. I have been a loyal fan for nearly 30 years. but I’m pissed, and you should be too. What we seen in the playoffs a couple of months back was an atrocity. I don’t think anyone is buying that Minnesota is a superior team. No… They went on to be swept by Chicago. The problems we seen had to do with leadership and/or coaching. Two things that have pretty much been the same for the last 5 years During all of our failures. So why are the Blues not addressing that?

I’ve seen comments from some fans saying things like “Quit complaining, trust the organization” After 50 years of no cups, that seems just a little like a “kool-aid drinking” methodology. Especially after the last 5 of those seasons.

It is still a long way before the season starts. I’m hoping there are more changes to come. Because I don’t see where the changes made so far leaps us from a 1st round exit to hoisting the cup in a parade down Market Street. That is still the goal right?

Granted, there is more than one right answer to fix a problem in hockey. That’s the beauty of it. I just can’t help but feel like we may be going backwards. I hope I’m wrong.

Either way, as much as I swear one day I’m going to be done with this team. I could never. I love hockey way too much to not support my home team. I love certain people within the organization too much not to support them. Al Macinnis, Brett Hull, they’re still fighting for this team decades later. Tarasenko, Shattenkirk… You can’t abandon those guys. Eventhough I’m starting to worry about how long those two will be in the Note.

I have my fingers crossed. Just bring us the Stanley Cup home… Soon… Please.