CPHLMacKenzie: "St. Louis expected to be sellers at deadline"

[DropIt]

In a season where the Blues franchise were expecting to make the playoffs, another season has come and gone with St. Louis familiarly on the outside looking in at the top 8 Western Conference.

When asked about how the Blues are approaching the deadline with 17 games left in the season, GM Dropit noted.

"When you need to make up 10 points in the standings with a total of 34 points remaining it's a definite uphill climb. We aren't counting ourselves out, as we have put together a few nice win streaks this season but we are exploring all options with the deadline approaching."
Doesn't sound too encouraging if you are a St. Louis fan that was hoping this team would make a run for the last playoff spot in the West.

When asked if he had any previous trade talks recently, another noted response.
"Activity is certainly picking up, and the number of playoff battling teams who are looking to buy right now, especially when injuries hit late in the year it sure makes selling at the deadline an attractive position, but that decision hasnt been made for us quite yet."

Although he hasn't confirmed it, GM Dropit definitely seems drawn to one specific side of the coin and isnt very cryptic about it. Possibly hoping to make it well known where they stand without actually stating it.


Some potential deadline notes?

The Blues have quite a few players that we can see being on the move for a cheaper price. Of note:

Mike Fisher (C) 74OVR: A surprising 74 OVR and boasts a 95 Faceoff rating, could really shore up a 3rd line center role, with the ability to slot in very comfortably on the 2nd line.

Antoine Vermette (C), 70OVR: A 3rd line center has a league top rated 99 FO percentage. Like Fisher, expected to be available to a team looking to improve on their depth defensive center.

Nick Schultz (D), 69OVR: A veteran defender, Schultz has been playing good #4/5 minutes in St. Louis, playing a disciplined and defense first role for the Blues.

Eric Gryba (D), 67 OVR: The pairing partner of Schultz this year, Gryba plays a physical game and can chip in once in a while with his limited minutes.

Dan Cleary (W/C), 60 OVR: Another veteran player who comes with a cheap salary and UFA status. could help improve a team's 4th line.

Craig Andersen (G), 83 OVR: While his record isnt overly impressive, his numbers are quite good over the course of the year. However, we dont expect many playoff teams to be without a goalie.