The nominees for General Manager of the Year were announced yesterday, and to the surprise of no one, Doug Armstrong is among the three nominees. Fans have a complicated history with Armstrong because Armstrong has a complicated past. Dealing off beloved players to send a message? Check. Making the team five percent better by adding Ryan Miller? Check. Dumping some dead weight to bring Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis for a career renaissance? Yup. Having faith in Jordan Binnington? Check.
Somehow getting a team that was in last place in January into the playoffs?