Episode
Summer Coolers – St. Louis Blues
- Podcast
- NHL Wraparound Podcast
- Published
- Sep 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 258
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Summer Coolers – St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues enter a new era with Alex Steen replacing longtime GM Doug Armstrong and Jim Montgomery beginning his third season behind the bench. After finishing with 86 points and missing the playoffs for the third time in four years, Steen has already begun reshaping the roster. Jordan Kyrou is gone, while Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish arrive as major additions. Neil Smith and Vic Morren see some intriguing pieces—but question whether St. Louis has enough depth to be anything more than a wild-card contender. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] Alex Steen takes over as GM from Doug Armstrong as St. Louis begins a new chapter with Jim Montgomery entering his third season as head coach. [00:00:20] The Blues finish with 86 points and miss the playoffs for the third time in four seasons despite making a strong late push. [00:00:35] Most of the underlying numbers decline. St. Louis drops from 13th to 24th offensively and from 10th to 19th defensively. [00:00:50] The power play falls from 16th to 27th, while the penalty kill provides one of the few statistical improvements. [00:01:00] Steen’s biggest move sends Jordan Kyrou to Washington for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin and a 2026 first-round pick. [00:01:15] The Blues are betting that McMichael can rediscover the form he displayed with Washington during the 2024-25 season. [00:01:25] Mason McTavish also arrives from Anaheim in exchange for two first-round picks, giving St. Louis another talented young forward with considerable upside. [00:01:40] Neil likes both McMichael and McTavish, although he also recognizes the scoring ability St. Louis surrendered by moving Kyrou. [00:01:55] The Blues add more size to the blue line by acquiring Brandon Carlo for two third-round selections. [0…