The St. Louis Blues found a spark they had missed since that Stanley Cup run a few years ago. Well, it might as well be a lifetime ago, as there are only very few remnants of that 2018-19 squad.
This offseason is crucial, as it will either help catapult them back into the playoffs or disrupt their chances. General Manager Doug Armstrong will be a very busy man this summer, and will have to pull off another masterclass, much like the Trade Deadline back in March.
Here are three of the biggest needs this offseason to help push the Blues further into the top tier of the NHL.
Solid first round draft pick
The 2025 NHL draft is right around the corner, and the Blues hold the 19th pick of the first round. This is their last pick until the fifth round, so they must be very strategic with this one.
They can choose to trade down, potentially gaining an experienced NHLer to help boost a spot that we will discuss further down the list. Or, they can use their scouts, do their homework and just like with Jimmy Snuggerud, look into that crystal ball and try and pull another stud prospect.
Their prospect pool, at the moment, features a couple of forwards primed to enter the spotlight of the NHL, but there are only a few on the blue line. That should be an area of concern for Armstrong and the rest of the front office.
Defense, defense, defense
Speaking of defense, there are going to be some big changes for the upcoming season on the blue line. Torey Krug is not expected to return, Ryan Suter may be retiring, and Nick Leddy may be on his way out before his deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Blues have to add to one of the best units in the league. Colton Parayko, Can Fowler, Tyler Tucker, Philip Broberg, and Justin Faulk are going to be definitively in the lineup next season. That leaves about two empty spots to ensure a seventh d-man is available for injuries or worse.
With the draft and free agency coming up, there is a chance to get a good deal on a defenseman who will be ready to go next season. That is an essential need.
Make a splash with free agency
Armstrong and company do not have a ton of money to play with this offseason, but with the increase in Salary Cap, there is some wiggle room. Brock Boeser from Vancouver is a valid target on the front end, but again, the defense needs some help.
Aaron Ekblad from Florida is a possibility for a lenient price. You can also throw Evan Bouchard from Edmonton in the mix as well, especially as a right-handed defenseman who is used to playing the right side.