Blues GM denies interest in trading Jaroslav Halak

Thanks to Jake Allen‘s emergence as the top guy (or at least a contender for 1a/1b status), the St. Louis Blues might have one goalie too many.

Considering the likelihood that Brian Elliott‘s struggles have ruined his trade value, some might wonder if Jaroslav Halak might end up being trade bait thanks to that three’s a crowd scenario. TSN’s Steve Simmons reports that two scouts believed that was the case, yet Blues GM Doug Armstrong slammed the door on that possibility.

“He’s not going anywhere,” Armstrong said.

Even so, Allen’s rise makes for an interesting dilemma. The 22-year-old will be a restricted free agent after this season while both Halak and Elliott’s deals won’t expire until after 2013-14.

With star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and red-hot forward Chris Stewart among the Blues who will need new contracts this summer, Armstrong will likely face some tough choices – both in and outside St. Louis’ net – in the near future.