Steen on Dube: "Dillon came into our organization last year, and we've gotten to know him a lot better throughout that timeframe ... We're well aware of (the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial). The thing that's impressed us with Dillon is his openness toward that. We brought him in December, so we've had opportunity to get to know him. His teammates and coaching staff have shared what their experiences with him were. He wants to be a positive influence. He's had a positive impact on (Springfield). He approaches it with a sincerity and humility. Since I got here in St. Louis, the organization has always been a second-chance organization and this is Dillon's opportunity and we feel confident in giving it to him -- to fight for a spot on our team next year." #stlblues
It's odd to admit, but I think the Blues have one of the most cultish and ignorant fanbases in the league.
It's just kind of harrowing seeing every single move be justified as some sort of masterclass—no matter if they signed a rapist and one of the worst forwards in the NHL or gave up more than they received for Kyrou for who is literally just a worse version of him with all the same problems those who relentlessly critiqued Kyrou for years complained about—but accentuated.
This also relates to the run they had earlier this year in March that dropped them from the second best odds to the eleventh best odds in the draft. It robbed them of a top 5 pick desperately needed by this middling franchise. Yet when I (in my opinion rightfully) expressed my discontent with the Blues going on this pointless run, I was censured every post I made. It was just ridiculous the mindset most had of thoughtlessly pushing for the team to continue to compete—despite how obvious it was that it was hurting the team.
I don't mean to be so negative, but really the franchise is not in the best place right now. And it's just harmful to worship Army and Steen as if they have some master plan that'll magically make the Blues become cup contenders. The unfortunate truth is that in today's NHL, you really need more high-end players, a better defense, a better prospect pool, and higher draft picks to truly compete. Maybe the Blues will make it through a WC1/2 sometime, but the team will not truly contend for a cup unless a dramatically different strategy is developed. It's galling to admit but it's the truth.
Pretty long take here but if you read it all, I hope you can understand some of my frustrations and approach recently. #stlblues
In a 12 month span they:
- Signed Lucic for his NHL return attempt (he was god awful)
- Traded for Mailloux
- Signed then Re-Signed Dube
Do with that information what you will.
The Lakers now have no tradeable first-round picks over the next seven years and have committed $475 million to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, per @BrettSiegelNBA