The St. Louis Blues have claimed center Jack Finley off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning, looking to boost their roster after Finley’s recent struggles. Finley has been unable to find consistent success, going 10 games without recording a point. The Lightning had intended to send him to the AHL for more development, but the Blues’ waiver claim ensures he remains at the NHL level. This move comes as the Blues look to reverse their fortunes amid a disappointing season.
Finley’s Performance Before Joining the Blues
So far this season, Finley has managed only three points—two goals and one assist—in 22 NHL games. His brief stint in the AHL saw slightly better production, with three points (one goal and two assists) in just three games. Despite these modest numbers, the Blues see potential value in adding Finley to their roster, hoping he can contribute meaningfully as they look to climb the standings.
Blues’ Position and Upcoming Opportunities
Currently hovering near the bottom of the Central Division, the Blues hold the second position in waiver priority, which enabled them to claim Finley. Their record entering the Olympic break stands at 20-28-9, the lowest in their division, highlighting the team’s urgency to improve. Due to the Olympic roster freeze, Finley will officially join the Blues on February 17th, giving the team some time to prepare for his integration.
Looking Ahead: Finley’s Role in Blues’ Recovery
The Blues plan to incorporate Finley into their lineup after the Olympic pause, with their first game back on February 26th against the Seattle Kraken. This matchup will be critical as the team tries to end a three-game losing streak. St. Louis hopes Finley’s addition will inject fresh energy and spark a turnaround in performance as they push into the second half of the season.
Balancing Risk and Opportunity
Claiming Jack Finley represents a gamble for the Blues. While his NHL production has been underwhelming, the move gives the team a chance to revive their struggling campaign by adding a player who could find new life in a different environment. The success of this decision could have significant implications for the Blues’ chances of climbing out of the league’s lower ranks.
“Finley has recorded just 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 22 NHL games this season.” ?Daily Faceoff
“In his AHL stint, he scored 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 3 games.” ?Daily Faceoff
“The Blues are banking on Jack Finley to help turn around a struggling season.” ?Daily Faceoff
