Blue's look ahead
St Louis Times Picayuuuune (AP) - Its almost time to look ahead to the offseason. Not to steal the thunder from the excellent Blue's vs Pens final, but its pretty clear that the Blue's management team is still feeling the bite of not making the playoffs, and are looking to avoid a repeat of this seasons debacle. With that in mind, its clear that GM Crunch has a fairly busy off season ahead after making his team a lot younger and a bit faster, as well he removed a lot of expiring contracts, but could still be facing a cap crunch when it comes to free agency.
The Contract Crunch.
If you look at it today, the Blue's are right at the cap or they are going to be a bit over heading into next season. But its a easy problem to rectify.
Currently the Blue's have several RFA coming up.
Brett Howden, Sam Reinhart, Chandler Stephenson, Louie Belpedio, Mason Appleton, Charlie McAvoy and Casey DeSmith are all expecting new contracts. Out of that, Reinhart and McAvoy and Stephenson can expect raises. Its likely that Belpdeio and DeSmith won't be back.
The Blue's have two UFA's. Foligno and Radulov, Foligno if he comes back can expect the same contract. Radulov and his 8 million dollar deal are gone. So really the Blue's could come out in a favorable position in the off season.
The Farm
This is a better farm team then it was at the start of last year. But could still use some tinkering. Its likely that Jesse Puljujarvi will graduate and needs a new deal. It won't be an expensive deal though. There are a few other players like Connor McKay and Ryan Johnson getting looks.
At the same time there are several players that probably won't be back as the Blue's need to make some space for graduating ECH players.
Overall its not doom and gloom, there should be several really good re-rates, and graduates. The Blue's blueline centers and starting goaltending should be a strength, however the Blue's do need help in thier top 6 wingers.
Stay tuned for an interesting off season.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
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