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According to Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic, Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong is currently discussing a contract extension with the ownership group:
"Armstrong has served as the Blues general manager since 2010 and was named General Manager of the Year in 2013. The Blues have made the playoffs in each of their past six seasons despite two midseason coaching changes. Last season, Armstrong replaced Ken Hitchcock with Mike Yeo behind the bench and the team posted just 10 losses in their final 32 games en route to reaching the postseason. The Blues own a total record of 331-180-56 since Armstrong became the team's general manager." [TSN]
No matter what your personal opinion of Armstrong is, it is pretty tough to argue with 331-180-56. He's very much a known entity; he brings long-term stability to the table, along with persistent playoff contention. Jeff Gordon of the Post-Dispatch lists Doug Armstrong among the top five GM's in the League:
"Right now Armstrong has to be in the Top 5. He has the Blues loaded to compete for years to come. The Schenn trade was epic and his scouts are finding more good players later in drafts. He hasn't won the ultimate prize here, but otherwise he has done fine work." [Post-Dispatch]
Armstrong's fleecing of Hextall will no doubt fortify his contract negotiations with Stillman, but can Armstrong really pull the trigger on a blockbuster, Cup-contending trade like David Poile did with Subban when the time comes? Color me skeptical. Are there far worse GM's in the league? No question, but if he signs on the dotted line, which version of Armstrong will show up in the seasons to come? Will it be the Armstrong that dumps Jori for Schenn, or will it be the Armstrong that makes a deadline move for Ryan Miller? While I’ve been critical of the big guy in the past, I don’t think there’s another GM I’d personally want at the helm at this moment. He can be a little too risk-averse, a little too allergic to trades, but indisputably, he’s built a winner in St. Louis.