The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have acquired goaltender Ryan Miller and center Steve Ott from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, a first round pick in 2015 and a third round pick in 2016.
Now Ryan Miller, in my honest opinion, is an upgrade over Jaroslav Halak. I've been a voice of reason for Halak, as he's gotten a lot of unmitigated hate by fans, but it's no secret that Miller is an upgrade over Halak. That's never been a question.
Halak is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year. The biggest issue with Halak has been his health. He's struggled over the last three years to stay healthy. When he has, for the most part, he's played well. Not great, and his .917 save percentage shows that. He does boast a very solid 2.23 goals against average but save percentage is more of a key stat among goalies.
Ryan Miller boast a higher goals against average, at a 2.72, but his .923 save percentage is better, especially playing on a team like Buffalo who give up a ridiculous amount of shots per game. He'll have an easier time in St. Louis and many believe that he'll be a key contributor for the Blues in the playoffs. Doug Armstrong believes that to be the case.
I've also been one who's ripped on Chris Stewart, but fact is, he has talent. There is a reason he's scored multiple 28 goal seasons in the NHL. However, playing in Hitchcock's system has not been good for him. He plays better in a run-and-gun system. The east will be a much better fit for Stewart and I wouldn't be surprised to see him return to his 25+ goals or more plateau.
William Carrier was a 2nd round pick by the Blues in the 2013 NHL entry draft. The Blues liked Carrier a lot, but he's a guy that was available for the Blues to upgrade the team. Carrier is a big bodied forward and an offensive player. He looks to even out as a third line power-forward who can produce some offense. He'll be an NHL player, almost zero doubt about it.
The Blues also receive Steve Ott in the deal, and this is an interesting addition. I know a lot of Blues fans are not a fan of seeing Ott acquired and I believe that their first reaction will not be their last. Steve Ott will not be an offensive upgrade on Stewart. He brings nine goals and 11 assists to the Blues, although he has proven in the past he can bring 30-40 points to a solid, all around team.
The biggest thing Ott brings is his abilities at center. He is excellent in the face-off circle and his defensive game is good as well. He also bring a high amount of intensity to the game. He's a physical being and he plays on, and even sometimes over the line with his physical play. It's an element that the Blues will need during a long playoff run.
Many fans were outraged at the signing of Maxim Lapierre and not even a full season later, many are pleased with his season.
It's expected that Miller will start negotiating for a new contract with the Blues, as the 33 year old is set to be an unrestricted free agent this year.
I would be surprised to see Doug Armstrong making anymore moves, unless they are smaller moves to help the team long term. The Blues were rumored to have interest in Ryan Callahan, but the trade chip to acquire the Rangers captain was just deal to Buffalo (Stewart).
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