Doug MacLean Comments on Payne and the Blues

It’s not often that the St. Louis Blues make news in the Canadian media. At least not in a positive sense.

On Hockey Central at Noon, a daily hockey radio show simulcasted on Sportsnet 590 the Fan in Toronto, Sportsnet network TV and Sirius satellite radio, analyst and former Columbus General Manager (one time Blues assistant coach as well) made reference to the Blues in a manner sure to stir the pot in St. Louis.

Mentioned three coaches where there are “rumblings about head shaking”: Scott Arniel, Claude Noel and Davis Payne.

MacLean, thinking out loud, poses an option as who could apply for a potential Blues opening. Would Doug Armstrong go back to the Ken Hitchcock connection after the “Andy Murray” issues and the players wanting a players coach.

The shows other analyst, Nick Kyreos, and host Darren Millard added tidbits on netminders Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. Stating the Blues have no major concern with Halak, just hoping for more Montreal magic.

Honestly, I’m not sure what to make of coaching situation comments. MacLean’s inability to remember if it’s “Payne Davis” or “Davis Payne” doesn’t strengthen the validity of his comments. However, I’ve been listening to the show on podcast for a long time. The crew has plenty of real NHL experience and are as good as any in the industry. I can’t see them “making up” stories.

It’s worth adding that the only local rumblings regarding Payne’s job security have come from the fan base. There can always “be something” about “anything”, but one thing is for sure. Payne needs to keep this team competitive or his job will be in jeopardy. Still seems too soon for concern to progress to the serious point of his removal.