The NHL offseason is fully underway with the Florida Panthers repeating as Stanley Cup champions, and now we're onto the 2025 NHL Draft.
There is usually tons of activity surrounding the draft with teams looking to trade up, trade down, or take a big swing for a roster player. This year should be no different.
The St. Louis Blues may need to be in on the action if they want to optimize their current position. The Blues and general manager Doug Armstrong have just three picks in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft: 19th overall in the first round and then not until St. Louis' own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. That's it.
The Blues are in an interesting position, though, as they could look to trade down from pick No. 19 while getting a later first-round pick and more draft capital in return.
Here are three teams who could be trade partners for the Blues on Friday night.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have three picks in the first round and then four more in the first half of the second round. They own picks No. 6, 22, and 31 in the first round, and then 36, 40, 45, and 48 in the second round.
Philadelphia general manager Danny Briere has made it known that he's not afraid to be aggressive at the draft, and the Blues could take advantge of that. St. Louis could offer the Flyers the 19th pick for one of Philadelphia's later selections in the first round while also getting a second-round pick for their troubles.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are in a similar position to the Flyers in terms of draft picks. The Preds have picks No. 5, 23, and 26 in the first round as well as 35 and. 55 in the second round.
The Predators are a bit more unlikely, however, as they're looking to win now. However, that doesn't mean that general manager Barry Trotz won't be looking to get the most out of his five picks in the top 55.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks and Blues may not want to help each other out as Central Division rivals, but it could make sense. The Blackhawks pick at third overall and then again at 25 in the first round to go along with the 34th and 62nd picks to bookend the second round.
If the Blackhawks have their eye on a player who falls into the late teens, perhaps the Blues would consider the 25th pick and another asset for the 19th overall.
Where the St. Louis Blues should target in the 2025 NHL Draft