I would wager none of those guys would have interest in coming back here. That team is not a contender and still a long shot to make the playoffs. These guys at this point in their careers are going to be looking to win, also Tarasenko and Perron both left not on the best terms with the organization so I would imagine there is very little desire to return if any at all. Also Stephenson, Monahan, Pesce, Walker will all be getting overpaid in FA and that is not something the Blues need to do at this point of their retool.
I disagree with most of this.
The Blues missed the playoffs by 6 points, and where on a 99 point pace under Bannister.
I wouldnt be surprised at all if any of Eddy, Perron, or Tarasenko came back to St. Louis. They all respect and where close with Steen, and all loved the area.
Most UFA's are going to be overpaid. However the flip side of that, is you are going to have to over pay in assets (Picks Prospects) to fill those holes in your line up via trade.
I would rather give Perron or Tarasenko 4.5 - 5 million on a 2 year deal then have to move (Insert a Prospect/Picks) to fill those same holes.
Its been 5 years since the financial windfall from winning the cup and 4 years since the financial windfall from the Kraken expansion fee. You start adding in the losses of the organization in ticket sales from COVID, its not a pretty sight.
I am not suggesting the organization is not solid, however the Blues need to make the playoffs, in most years, to turn a profit.
You go another year with no revenue from playoff games, its going to start to be a problem.