The St. Louis Blues might be close to a playoff spot in January of the 2025-26 season, but there is a fleeting feeling. After being demolished 7-3 by bitter rival Chicago, there is still no direction for this team.
After 44 games, that simply cannot be.
Looking ahead at the rest of the season, the Olympic Games are next month, and then there is a very quick turnaround to the Trade Deadline in March. Hopefully, god-willing, this Blues team will have a sense of where they want to go in their immediate or distant future.
Let's take a look at three Blues that should not make it past that trade deadline, but not all three should go overall.
Justin Faulk
There is no better return on this Blues team than defenseman Justin Faulk. As the team's leading scorer and pretty much the best player on that unit outside of a close tie with Philip Broberg, his age is the only thing holding him back.
This is the first season that his contract, which is set to expire at the end of next season with an AAV of $6.5 million, has a Modified No-Trade Clause with a 15-team trade list. A playoff-seeking team in need of a 200-foot d-man that his er-route to having one of the most productive offensive seasons of his long-tenured career can bid on Faulk.
It is going to cost them a pretty penny, and if the Blues continue to stink, it will be for some future assets.
Colton Parayko
It is time to move on from one of the most decorated and longest-tenured Blues defenseman in franchise history, Colton Parayko. This has been a really different season for No. 55, and it has opened a lot of eyes on what his future looks like as he exits his prime.
Parayko was an offensive juggernaut last season with 16 goals. He was a driving force of the playoff push, and his impact in the Four Nations Face-off was a key factor in the championship victory for Canada. But, 2025-26's statline has a big ole' goosegg in the goal column.
This might be a simple case of both player and organization moving on from one another. Both sides could benefit from it.
Brayden Schenn
Speaking of moving on, there may need to be a change in leadership depending on the next step of the Blues franchise. Captain Brayden Schenn, who was a hot topic at last season's trade deadline, is likely going to be sought after heavily once again.
Schenn might be playing his final games in the Blue Note, as his return is at its highest right now. His play this season has been erratic and irresponsible. I guess you can also say that about much of this Blues team as a whole. But, Schenn is at the forefront due to that big glaring "C" on his chest.
Do you think Toronto might come calling once more for No. 10?