Episode 30 - Looking to Hit the High Note with Blues GM Doug Armstrong

NHL Wraparound Podcast

Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong to the show marking the return of weekly recordings and influential guests in the hockey world.

Other topics covered in the show include re-visiting the contract of Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, the extension signed in Pittsburgh signed by captain Sidney Crosby, a couple of key injuries suffered by defensemen during the pre-season and Neil's "Burning Questions" from each division with the 2024-25 season fast approaching.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:22] - Neil and Doug Armstrong share stories about Doug's father, Hall-of-Fame linesman and, later, Montreal Canadiens scout, Neil Armstrong.
• [07:02] - A discussion on the offer sheets which lured Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.
• [14:48] - The expectations of head coach Drew Bannister entering his first full season behind the Blues bench.
• [16:15] - Armstrong shares thoughts on how his Cup-winning coach Craig Berube will fare with a very different type of team in Toronto.
• [18:45] - With key defenseman Torey Krug likely to miss the entire season, Armstrong speaks about bolstering his backline - in particular the signing of Ryan Suter.
• [20:55] - After extending for two more seasons in his current duel roles, Armstrong talks about turning over the reigns to Alex Steen.
• [26:32] - Clarity on the Leon Draisaitl extention in Edmonton with Connor McDavid having two seasons remaining on his deal before becoming a UFA.
• [28:40] - Sidney Crosby extends in Pittsburgh leaving money on the table in order to give the club the opportunity to add stronger support players.
• [30:58] - Injury news on defensemen Ryan Lindgren (NYR) and Drew Doughty (LA).
• [34:17] - The contract saga of Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
• [37:24] - The New Jersey Devils have made notable changes behind the bench, in goal and on their blue line. How will it all mesh?
• [39:45] - A look at how the Nashville Predators profile has changed with the signings of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei.
• [41:37] - Thoughts on potential impact on the Vancouver Canucks with number one goalie Thatcher Demko still recovering from a knee that has been nagging him since taking place in the opening game of the 2024 playoffs against Nashville.

[46:02] The Human Side of the Story discusses the career and life of Neil Armstrong, father of guest of the show, Blues President of Hockey Operations, Doug Armstrong.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• As he winds down his GM career with the St. Louis Blues, Doug Armstrong speaks about the construction of his team with Drew Bannister behind the bench for his first full season. Armstrong also shares why Alex Steen is the right man as his successor.
• Contracts, contract disputes, injuries and "Four Burning Questions" highlight an array of topics addressed as the 2024-25 season nears.

RESOURCE LINKS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

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