The St. Louis Blues have struggled mightily through the opening month of the season. With a 5-8-2 record, the franchise sits near the bottom of the NHL standings. Head coach Jim Montgomery has tried various lineup adjustments to spark his team.

However, one player continues bearing the brunt of the coaching staff’s frustration. Jordan Kyrou was benched for Thursday’s game against Buffalo, and one insider believes the pattern of treatment reveals deeper issues with how the Blues view their highest-paid forward.

What Did Elliotte Friedman Say About Jordan Kyrou’s Treatment by the Blues?

Kyrou has been one of the Blues’ most productive forwards over recent seasons. The 27-year-old winger has scored 30-plus goals in three consecutive campaigns while posting 60 or more points in four straight years. Last season alone, he recorded 70 points, including 36 goals.

He has led the team in points in the last three seasons, and this season, Kyrou has eight points through 14 games. While the production lags behind his usual pace, analytics indicate he’s been phenomenal defensively. There wasn’t an apparent performance-based reason for the healthy scratch.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation on his “32 Thoughts” podcast, noting a troubling pattern in how the Blues treat Kyrou during difficult stretches.

“Re Jordan Kyrou: It seems like every time they go through a tough phase or someone gets benched, he always seems to be the first guy, so what does that tell you?” Friedman said. “I wonder if the player at all says, ‘I’ve had enough of this.’”

Friedman’s comments suggest that Kyrou has become the organization’s go-to scapegoat whenever results fail to meet expectations. Rather than addressing systemic issues or holding other players accountable, the coaching staff repeatedly targets Kyrou as the messenger.

The insider revealed that GM Doug Armstrong is actively exploring trade options for Kyrou with the league. Friedman noted Seattle explored acquiring Kyrou during the summer, with discussions involving the Kraken’s eighth overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Kyrou carries an $8.125 million cap hit for five more seasons after this one. His full no-move clause doesn’t activate until later in his contract, giving the Blues a window to move him if they choose.

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Multiple teams have expressed interest in Kyrou’s services. The Montreal Canadiens reportedly checked in during the summer. The Boston Bruins have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot given Montgomery’s familiarity with the player.

The Blues won 3-0 against Buffalo in the game Kyrou missed. However, one victory doesn’t erase the larger pattern Friedman identified. If Kyrou truly has grown frustrated with constantly being the first player blamed during struggles, a trade request could materialize.

For now, Kyrou remains in St. Louis. Whether that continues through the season depends on how both sides navigate an increasingly uncomfortable situation.