The new St-Louis Blues GM

Last week, the St-Louis Blues hired their new GM Charles-A. Poulin. It may have come as a surprise to some of the fans but, there were no hesitations when the decision was made. Tom Stillman, the CEO of the Blues, had a interview with at least 6 other potential GM for the franchise. Mister Stillman told us in his latest interview that Poulin was the number 1 candidates from the moment he came in the building.

" From the moment I shook his hand after our first meeting, it was pretty clear that he was our guy. The first meeting we had was supposed to be scheduled for 1 hours, but I'm pretty sure we left the building at 3 AM that night. His passion for the game is pure (...) but not only for hockey, for the players, coaches, training staff, families, fans, owners.. You can feel it, and I can tell that our fans around here are going to see it too. I'm pretty sure he goes to bed at night thinking what he can do for the team and the people around him. What can he improve on himself or others for the success of the team. " Tom Stillman, CEO Blues

Our head coach Rick Tocchet also had kind words for M. Poulin. " He's the man we need. He and I have known each other since our days back where we used to play together in the OHL years ago. He's the kind of guy you want in your organization, no doubt. He just makes everyone around him even better. "




What was the first thing on your mind when you heard the news that you were the new GM of the St-Louis Blues ?

I was with my wife and kids back in Québec when I've heard the news from Tom Stillman. First thing on my mind was WOW !! I'm going to be part of something special here in St-Louis. After my first meeting with the Blues owners, I knew I had the job. It simply clicked in a special way. Sometimes in life things are meant to be, and this one was for sure meant to be !


You had a week or two to look at the roster. What's your opinion on the 2021-2022 Blues ?

We have a special group of guys in this building. We have one of the best group, if not the best group, of centers in the PFHL. Guys like John Tavares, Lars Eller, Andrew Copp and Nick Bjugstad put us in a great spot at center. We have a good group of veterans with tons of experience, both also young guys who are talented and motivated to learn the game. The atmosphere in the looker room is great. Guys care about each other and are willing to work together as a group. They spend time together on and off the ice, which is awesome for chemistry and mostly to keep things fun around here. Keeping it fun and serious at the same time can be hard sometimes, but we seem to get it done quite well, to be honest with you. When you look at our defensive core, it's impressing to have 6 or 7 guys that you can have full confidence in. Nate Schmidt is having a Norris type year. But it's also that every one of them are responsible in the three zones of the ice. Which makes things a lot easier for everyone.








What about Saros and Anderson back in the net ?

Having a guy like Juuse Saros in the net is a blessing. He's a top 3 PFHL net minder, and he's here to stay. He's family and him are enjoying their lives here in St-Louis and are getting evolve a lot in the community. They feel at home here, and it's something I value a lot in my players. Craig Anderson does not need any introductions now after his 20th season in the PFHL. He's a solid backup, and could take the lead if needed.


You made your first trade as the Blues GM with the acquisition of Ilya Samsonov. What are your plans for him and are you going to bring him up with the main squad ?

Ilya Samsonov was someone very high on my list. He has the skills and potential to become one of the best net minder in the PFHL. To be total honest with you, I was quite surprise when Todd (Montreal Canadiens GM) told me he was available. I knew I had to jump on the opportunity. For now, the coaches and I feel like he needs to show us what he can do in the AHL. That being said, he could quickly join the Blues if the need is there or if he shows that he deserve it. We will see down the road, but we'll keep an eye on him for sure. He and Saros would be the best duo of the PFHL for sure !


Does the salary cap situation worries you ? I mean, the margin you have right now is pretty thin...

It does yes. But it's also my job to build a team that can stay competitive with the salary cap. When I was the Oceanic GM in Rimouski it wasn't a factor back there. Here it's a new reality. I would love to have a bit more cap space, but I won't make moves only to make cap spaces. In the end, I want to improve my team and win an other Cup !







Speaking of the Cup, do you feel like you could win an other one this season ?


It has to be the main goal for everyone in this industry. If your ultimate goal is something different from winning the PFHL Cup, you're in the wrong place. Of course, I want to win, and I believe that we can win the Cup this year. I wouldn't be here if I felt any other way. From Day 1 it was my message for everyone in that building: We are all here for the same reason, and we all need to have the same goal if we want to have success in the PFHL. We have all the tools. Now we need to put it together and give the St-Louis Blues fans what they deserve.


Will there be any other moves soon or later for this team ?

Yes, of course there will be other moves sooner or later. But like I said, I won't make any moves that wouldn't make senses for the team. You have to understand that sometimes it seems easy for the casual fans out there to say ''He should do that move, or if I was the GM I would make this move'' but it's much harder than it seems. We have to remember that we are dealing with players who are human beings, who also are fathers, husbands, lovers and much more. They are getting paid to play the game, but there is so much more going on behind the front scene. So yeah you can expect other moves, but I don't know when, who or how they are going to happen. Also, one thing is sure, I'll always stay available for the other 31 PFHL GMs for offers or discussions. You have to keep good contacts in this industry.