Blues Chairman Stillman Discusses Trade Deadline, Retool and Rebuilding

Stillman says the team's struggles this season led to trading veterans to aid the ongoing retool and rebuild process.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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In an interview, St. Louis Blues chairman Tom Stillman discussed the team's approach to the recent NHL trade deadline, the ongoing retool and rebuild process, and the challenges of balancing competitiveness with developing younger players. Stillman acknowledged the difficult human side of trading veteran players like Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, but said the team's inconsistent performance this season necessitated using those assets to further the retool. He expressed confidence in the direction set by GM Doug Armstrong and believes the younger talent coming through will allow the team to remain competitive while the rebuild continues.

Why it matters

The Blues' approach to this season and the trade deadline highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between remaining competitive in the short-term and positioning themselves for long-term success through a rebuild. Stillman's comments provide insight into the organization's thought process and commitment to its plan, even as it requires difficult decisions regarding veteran players.

The details

Stillman said the Blues entered a retool process a couple seasons ago, with the goal of getting younger and building up assets while also remaining competitive. That process has continued, with the team making trades to acquire draft picks and prospects. However, the team's struggles this season led to the decision to trade veterans like Schenn and Faulk at the deadline, using those assets to further aid the retool. Stillman acknowledged the human side of those decisions, but believes the younger talent the team has developed, like Jake Neighbours, Jimmy Snuggerud, and others, will allow the team to remain competitive as the rebuild continues.

  • The Blues' season-long four-game winning streak ended on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The NHL trade deadline passed recently.

The players

Tom Stillman

The chairman of the St. Louis Blues.

Doug Armstrong

The general manager of the St. Louis Blues.

Alex Steen

A member of the Blues' front office, working alongside GM Doug Armstrong.

Brayden Schenn

A veteran player who was traded by the Blues at the deadline.

Justin Faulk

A veteran player who was traded by the Blues at the deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Well first off, I would say there's a very human side to the trade deadline, and you find that out more in some years. It's easy for people to talk about players as though they're chess pieces and just assets you're moving around. But when you're dealing with people you've come to know and like and respect, that's the difficult side of it.”

— Tom Stillman, Blues Chairman (New York Times)

“I find it deeply offensive that anybody questioned Doug's integrity on leaking the news about (Colton) Parayko. I know that originated, I think, probably north of the border, the idea that he would have done that. Anybody who knows him, knows his record and his work in the National Hockey League for, what was it, 30 years, knows two things: No. 1, he's a man of tremendous integrity, and No. 2, along with Lou Lamoriello, he's one of the most secretive, confidential managers in the business.”

— Tom Stillman, Blues Chairman (New York Times)

What’s next

The Blues will look to continue developing their younger talent and building towards future competitiveness, while also aiming to remain competitive in the short-term despite their struggles this season.

The takeaway

The Blues' approach to this season and the trade deadline highlights the difficult balance teams must strike between remaining competitive in the present and positioning themselves for long-term success through a rebuild. Stillman's comments show the organization's commitment to its plan, even as it requires making tough decisions regarding veteran players.