This was either going to happen in a year from now, or when it did.
It’s really easy to look back vs doing it in the moment.
We’re down our top 3 LDs (including Krug), our best player, and possibly another LD depending on how bad POJs injury is.
We’re also in the middle of a retool with light shining at the end of the tunnel.
All of the serious money we have owed save Kyrou, Thomas, Buch and Parayko is up in 2-3 years. We have a ridiculous amount of 1st round picks in the organization from the past 5 drafts, and we very well look to be adding a top 10 pick this season.
I’m not trying to overlook that yes mistakes were made, but I’d say fixing the mistakes isn’t going to cost us the prime of Thomas and that’s a huge win.
As to the Pietro situation. It’s really easy to speculate both ways. There would also be a compounding effect if we gave him ridiculous money to ensure he stayed here. He’s missed a good chunk of games, had a lot of injuries and plays in a much better situation for himself. It’s impossible to know how the 5 years since he’s been in Vegas would’ve gone if he were still in St Louis.
Schenn signing made sense at the time we were supposed to be in a competitive window. Krug signing also made sense, JBo was on the backend of his career (although unfortunately it was shorter than necessary), and we didn’t have much of a PP defenseman - even including Pietro. I’m not sure I can say the Faulk trade made any sense - but it wasn’t a costly price of acquisition looking back at it.
I know you don’t have an ounce of patience in your bones, and it probably won’t be looked back on as Armstrong’s doing once Steen takes over, but he’s putting the franchise in a pretty good position currently.
