The Blues remain committed to winning despite suffering a big financial hit due to the ongoing pandemic.
Meanwhile the Cardinals remain committed-ish.
The Blues will spend to the NHL’s $81.5 million salary cap. They may even go above that total by using some of the cap space freed when forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen go on long-term injured reserve.
The Cardinals will field the best team they possibly can . . . within a scaled-back budget for next season. They will seek savings while waiting for business to return to normal.
With most other ballclubs looking to do the same, the Cardinals still hope to contend.