Welcome to NHL Rumours! The Eastern Conference Final has begun, and the Western Conference Final starts on Wednesday. While the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in the final four, that does not mean the other NHL teams are not busy. Our rumour today looks at the St. Louis Blues. The team only has two unrestricted free agents, but they might be interested in bringing back one.
NHL Rumours
Blues Interested in Re-Signing Centre
Rumour: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is interested in re-signing centre Radek Faksa. While there is interest on the Blues side, Armstrong did say he is letting the “dust settle on the season” before he reaches out.
Analysis: The Blues acquired Faksa in a trade last summer. Faska was expected to provide depth to the Blues lineup as they continued their retool and gradually inserted more youth into it. As the season went on, Faksa became a regular in the lineup, playing alongside Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko. This line, dubbed the “WTF” line, was one of the most consistent lines of the season and could be put on the ice in any situation. The “WTF” line scored six goals in seven games in the playoffs. The 31-year-old finished the season with 15 points and was a career-high 57% at the faceoff dot.
Based on that, it makes sense why there would be interest in re-signing Faksa.
Does Faksa Still Fit on the Roster?
Faksa does have a place on the roster, both on the lines and in the cap space. The Blue Note will likely have additional money as Torey Krug is expected to remain on long-term injured reserve. Krug’s salary would not count against the Blues available cap in this case, although the defenceman will still be paid.
Regarding where Faksa fits on the roster, he has a role as a right back on the “WTF” line. While the Blues may be looking to get more youth into the lineup, as well as the returning Dylan Holloway, there is still room for Faksa.
Potential Lines with Faksa
Pavel Buchnevich – Robert Thomas – Jake Neighbours
Holloway – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
Jimmy Snuggerud – Oskar Sundqvist – Zachary Bolduc
Walker – Faksa – Toropchenko
Blues Have Time
While free agency does not start until July 1st, the Blues can extend Faksa. If they are interested in bringing him back, it would be a good idea to do it before he hits the open market and a team offers him a contract that is more than the Blues can afford. Of course, a 31-year-old bottom-six centre will not receive a huge contract. Still, a competitive offer from another team may put the Blues out of the running, depending on what other needs they want to address. There are rumours that the Blues will be interested in Sam Bennett this summer, which would require a sizeable contract offer.
Thankfully, the Blues have time to iron out these details. All Blues fans should be comfortable knowing Armstrong is pulling the strings to construct the team. He has repeatedly shown that he can make the moves that benefit the team. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do with Faksa.
Main Photo: Steven Bisig- Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: St. Louis Blues Interested in Re-Signing Centre appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.