The competitive nature of the NHL is forcing teams to reevaluate their strategies mid-season, and two franchises currently under pressure to kickstart their playoff aspirations are the St. Louis Blues and the Detroit Red Wings.
The Blues, who began their season with high hopes, quickly encountered turbulence. Initially, they displayed promising signs but failed to maintain consistency, which painfully reflected their performance. This led to the firing of head coach Drew Bannister, and the appointment of Jim Montgomery—considered by many to be general manager Doug Armstrong’s most significant move of the year. Yet, the push to reclaim relevance doesn’t stop at coaching changes; there are players on the radar who could offer much-needed support.
One such player is Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks. The 27-year-old winger had been projected to reclaim over 70 points this season, but injuries have provided obstacles. The Blues have struggled to find the net consistently, and Boeser’s skills might provide the spark they desperately need. He currently possesses 11 goals along with a remarkable 21.6 shooting percentage, which points to his potential as top six forward. His acquisition could help fortify the Blues’ lineup, particularly as they try to edge closer to playoff contention.
Previously, opinions suggested the Blues might sell off players come mid-season. Now, with the team showing signs of revival, the narrative has shifted. They find themselves just within reach of securing a top-four spot and could look to make strategic trades to bolster their chances. With Boeser swirling around trade rumors, Armstrong might be considering another bold move to add depth and strength to his group.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are facing their own challenges. Early indications pointed to 2023-24 being successful, but so far this season, they sit 30th in the league with just 87 goals. Such stats not only signal trouble but also depict the level of urgency needed. General manager Steve Yzerman needs to be proactive once the roster freeze ends, and he might be eyeing someone like Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers.
Despite his diminishing star power, Kreider remains one of the more dangerous scorers on the ice. He’s proven capable of scoring, with 11 goals so far this season, maintaining nearly one goal per game, underscoring the potential value he would add to the Red Wings roster if obtained. Although Kreider might not significantly contribute assists-wise, he commands respect from defenses and can convert opportunities when needed.
For the Red Wings, the search for game-changers is relentless, as their top talents like Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond have not consistently led to offensive outputs comparable to expectations. Kreider’s scoring potential could be the game-changer they need to be competitive again. Fans and analysts alike are holding their breath, hoping Yzerman pushes for this acquisition.
Both the Blues and the Red Wings are at important crossroads. The coming weeks will either see them emerge as contenders or fall, disappointing fans and players alike. For the Blues, bringing in Boeser could redefine their playoff route. For the Red Wings to get Kreider, it could breathe life back to their struggling lineup. Hugely significant moves await these franchises, and as trade discussions heat up, the urgency to act cannot be overstated.
