Blues' Offseason Priorities: Steen Takes Over as GM, But Needs Stay the Same

With Doug Armstrong's 16-year run as Blues GM coming to an end, new GM Alexander Steen faces a roster in need of changes.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:19am

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, representing the dynamic changes and challenges facing the St. Louis Blues this offseason.A cubist interpretation of the Blues' offseason priorities, with the team's roster and management changes deconstructed into a dynamic, geometric composition.St. Louis Today

The St. Louis Blues will have a new general manager in Alexander Steen starting July 1, as Doug Armstrong's 16-year tenure comes to an end. The team missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, and Steen will need to address several key priorities this offseason, including the futures of Dylan Holloway, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou, as well as the contracts of Pavel Buchnevich and the team's depth players.

Why it matters

The Blues' transition to a new GM comes at a critical juncture, as the team looks to get back into playoff contention after a disappointing stretch. Steen's management style and vision for the roster will be closely watched, as he aims to put his stamp on the team and guide them back to success.

The details

The Blues' top priorities include re-signing restricted free agent Dylan Holloway, who emerged as one of their top scorers down the stretch, and determining the futures of centers Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. The team will also need to address the contract of winger Pavel Buchnevich, whose production has declined, as well as solidify their bottom-six forward group and add some physicality to the lineup. On defense, the Blues may look to move Colton Parayko if the right deal presents itself, while also shoring up the depth behind Philip Broberg and Theo Lindstein.

  • In early February, Holloway was out with a high-ankle sprain.
  • In 23 games since his return from injury, Thomas has 14 goals and 31 points.
  • Kyrou had 32 points in 47 games before the Olympic break, but just 14 points in 25 games after the break.
  • Buchnevich signed a six-year, $48 million contract extension in 2024.
  • Steen will take over as Blues GM on July 1.

The players

Alexander Steen

Will replace Doug Armstrong as the Blues' general manager on July 1, after serving in management for less than two years.

Doug Armstrong

The Blues' general manager for the past 16 years, whose tenure will come to an end on July 1.

Dylan Holloway

A 24-year-old restricted free agent who emerged as one of the Blues' top scorers down the stretch, posting 14 goals and 34 points in 25 games after the Olympic break.

Robert Thomas

The Blues' No. 1 center, who has been productive since returning from injury, with 14 goals and 31 points in 23 games.

Jordan Kyrou

The Blues' leading scorer the past three seasons, who dipped below 20 goals and 50 points this year, raising questions about his future in St. Louis.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Blues' offseason will be defined by Steen's management style and vision for the roster, as he looks to get the team back on track after a disappointing stretch. The futures of key players like Holloway, Thomas, and Kyrou will be central to Steen's plans, and he'll need to address the team's depth and physicality as well.