The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford (subscription required) writes that he believes the future as it pertains to Alex Pietrangelo in St. Louis and with the Blues is uncertain. The organization will make it a priority to sign their captain but speculation is that the $9 million AAV asking price is too high.
If the Blues can’t afford him, they might need to make other plans. But, if the idea is to get him to accept a slightly lower offer or a shorter-term deal, they could have a chance to get a deal done.
Either way, Rutherford also notes that the Blues may have to make tough decisions with salaries thanks to the uncertainty surrounding the effects of COVID-19 virus.
One those choices might be moving backup goaltender Jake Allen. Rutherford writes:
I already wrote about the Pietrangelo situation, but regardless of where the salary cap winds up or whether Pietrangelo signs a short- or long-term deal, the Blues will have to clear some cap space. I hear what you’re saying about Bozak, but I don’t think teams are going to be interested in him at $5 million next year. Just like the Blues have other forwards they could plug in for Bozak, other teams have options, too, and they’re a lot less expensive than $5 million. If the Blues are going to make cap space, it’s going to have to come from moving Jake Allen, buying out Alexander Steen or making a series of smaller moves that add up to what they need.
Allen could be attractive for some teams looking for a good second/possible starter. After posting a 2.15 GAA and a .927 save percentage in 24 appearances, he could be an option for a team like the Calgary Flames who aren’t sure if they’ll have Cam Talbot back after recent comments about wanting more starts. Maybe in Ottawa where the organization is looking to take advantage of their salary cap space and grabs assets for little-to-no cost.
Allen has one year remaining next year at $4.35 million.
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