Blues' Armstrong wins GM of the Year
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong has been named the 2011-12 General Manager of the Year by the National Hockey League (NHL).
Armstrong became the 11th General Manager in Blues history on July 1, 2010 and finished his second full season as Blues GM. Since taking the reins in 2010-11, Armstrong has orchestrated several additions to the club including trading for Jaroslav Halak, Kevin Shattenkirk, Kris Russell and Chris Stewart while also signing free agents Brian Elliott, Jamie Langenbrunner, Jason Arnott and Scott Nichol as well as hiring head coach Ken Hitchcock. This past season, the Blues posted their first 100-point season (49-22-11, 109 pts) since 2001, first Central Division title since 2000 and their first playoff series win since 2002. The club broke or tied 13 franchise records in 2011-12 including a 21-game home points streak and 30 home wins overall. Overall, the Blues have gone 87-55-22 (196 pts) in the last two seasons tying for 11th best in the NHL.