The offseason continues to move along for the St. Louis Blues and the rest of the National Hockey League. As the calendar is about to flip to August, there is a small tinge of that crisp smell of fresh ice just around the corner.
Basically, the Blues are completely done with making any more moves for free agents or re-signing any more players. What you see now is what you are going to get for the looming training camp and preseason games, outside of the influx of prospects trying to make a name for themselves.
Looking at the sheet of remaining free agents paints a very interesting picture, as there are a few familiar names still without a contract at this point in the summer. Let's go over four of them and see if there is any chance the Blues might spluge on them as a late addition for the 2026-27 season.
Vladimir Tarasenko
The most surprising name on this list that is still without a deal is Vladimir Tarasenko. Also, he might be the only one on this list that new General Manager Alexander Steen should try to acquire at some point to help add a veteran and playoff-accomplished presence.
Tarasenko has been a journeyman since leaving the Blues in 2022-23, making stops in Detroit, Minnesota, Ottawa, Florida, and the New York Rangers. Could we see a reunion with the still-elite goal-scorer, as he notched 23 goals last season at 34 years old?
Brandon Saad
Brandon Saad was picked up by Vegas from the Blues after being released during the 2024-25 season. He helped them make it into the playoffs over the last two seasons and now needs a new deal at 33 years old.
The Blues are likely not going to revisit a reunion with Saad, solely due to the fact that he would just take up a roster spot. Even on one of the most high-powered offenses in the NHL with Vegas, he can only muster nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 78 games. He would be in the way of the next generation, but on a team that could use the playoff experience, like Minnesota or Buffalo, even, Saad is a great option.
Jonathan Drouin
Despite only being a Blue for a very short amount of time, Jonathan Drouin is also on the market after being released. His $4 million buyout, which in turn makes the Blues pay up $1.33 million over the next two seasons, was too steep a price to pay.
He is likely going to want to match that number for his next squad, as the 31-year-old winger still has a lot of playing time in him. A reunion with Montreal might be the next stop for him.
David Perron
David Perron is still an exciting player to watch as he is in his twilight years in the NHL. The former Alternate Captain of the Blues has followed a similar path as Tarasenko, jumping around the league to help where needed. Now, he is up for a new deal, and at 38-years-old, it could be his last one.
The Blues could certainly use Perron, but much like Saad, it would further add to the logjam for the younger talent. But expect that when his playing career is over, he will join Steve Ott and Steen as a part of the Blues coaching staff or in the front office.
Add us as a preferred source on Google