The St. Louis Blues have a fantastic chance to make waves in 2025-26. There is a vibe around this team that foreshadows a successful season coming up, and this offseason could be the first stepping stone in that. Take away the salary cap, take away any logical reason, who can the Blues go out and get this offseason to make the Stanley Cup dream a reality?
Let's have some fun with this.
Mitch Marner
Every single team wants to have Mitch Marner on their team. He has proven to be a top-tier player for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the entirety of his career thus far, and he will bring that same performance to his new team. Yes, the salary cap would be pushed to its absolute brink, but he could be worth it.
Marner would push Robert Thomas to the second line, but there could be another scenario in which Marner and Thomas would be on the same line together. That is some serious firepower.
John Tavares
Another Maple Leafs star could be leaving "The Six", and this player might be a little more manageable under the salary cap. Another center, the same model as above with Marner, could also work here with Thomas. John Tavares could be an older addition that could push the Blues above the rest of the pack.
Tavares is reaching the twilight of his long-storied career, but without a Stanley Cup. The Leafs might be on a different venture over the next few years, depending on whether they can retain their "Core Four", but the Blues are on their way up the ladder. That might be enticing enough to sway Tavares over.
Aaron Ekblad
The Blues' defense needs some serious help. Particularly on the right side, with a need for right-handed shots. Aaron Ekblad is a must this offseason, as he can be a dream signing, with a real chance of happening.
Ekblad is currently fighting to win his second-straight Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, and he has been a huge part of their success. If the Blues want to win a Stanley Cup of their own, they need some experience from those who have survived the gauntlet before. Ekblad is a perfect pickup for the Blues this offseason.