"I'd do it to my mother': Blues GM Doug Armstrong hilariously defends usage of offer sheets against Oilers

By ARJUN B

Modified Aug 21, 2024 03:14 GMT

St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong addressed the controversy surrounding the team's use of offer sheets to acquire defender Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.

Armstrong defended the controversial move, saying he would even do it to his own mother if she was running the Oilers.

"This is a tool that I think everyone uses and should use," Armstrong said. "I think it was reported that I wouldn't have done this to Kenny Holland [ex Oilers GM]. That's the furthest thing from the truth. Quite honestly, I'd do it to my mother if she was managing the Oilers."

Armstrong made it clear his duty was to improve the Blues, not avoid ruffling feathers.

"My job is to take care of St. Louis Blues fans and the St. Louis Blues organization, and we saw an opportunity to do that," he stated on Tuesday.

Armstrong was quick to dispel any notion of an unwritten code among GMs regarding offer sheets. He emphasized that the move wasn't meant to harm the Oilers organization but rather to benefit the Blues.

He reiterated the offer sheets were purely a hockey move, not a personal dig at the Oilers. The Blues GM's frank assessment of the situation continued, saying they would not shy away from doing it again if they were assured of its success.

Fans react to GM Doug Armstrong's comments after acquiring Oilers players

Fans offered strong reactions on social media to Doug Armstrong's recent comments about acquiring players from Edmonton.

Many fans applauded Armstrong's aggressive tactics. They saw it as taking advantage of Edmonton's cap constraints to land two talented young players.

One fan agreed with Blues GM Doug Armstrong's view, saying:

"This is the best attitude to have. NHL GMs are too scared of riling up the "old boys club" and having their peers dislike them. WHO CARES? No big names go to UFA anymore and young starts never get traded. This is the best way to get them and screw over your cap-strapped rivals."

Another fan commented,

"Blues are not to be blamed for the Oilers UFA shopping before they got their RFA’s done."

A user jokingly said,

"DOUG WOKE UP AND CHOSE VIOLENCE". on X.

However, some fans viewed Doug Armstrong's approach as underhanded.

"There will be pay back at some point" one fan wrote on X.

"I sure hope he enjoyed wasting money and pissing off fans". another fan wrote.

"Teams won’t forget! Everyone needs to protect their RFA’s. a user commented.

Armstrong's blunt comments made it clear he believes offer sheets are fair game and he won't hesitate to use them to improve the Blues.