5 Blues players that are on thin ice in 2026-27

The St. Louis Blues are going into a season that many believe could be the turning point for this franchise. This offseason saw a big shift in personnel both on the ice and off of it. 

With that being said, there are some players who are on thin ice when it comes down to what their place in the future holds. These are players who used to be relied on as the core of this team, and also some players who have a large amount of expectation that have yet to shine through. 

If they cannot get it together, this might be their last year as a Blue.

Let’s talk about it.

Jordan Binnington 

This is the last dance for franchise-leading goaltender Jordan Binnington. His current contract is up at the end of the 2026-27 season, and he may not finish it out with the Blues, as he could be a trade-deadline selling piece regardless of where this team is.

It is hard to believe that this is most likely it for No. 50 with the Blues, and every start from here on out should be celebrated.

Pavel Buchnevich

This feels like it is still a sour taste in many Blues fans' mouths. Pavel Buchnevich has been underperforming in an alarming downward spiral since joining this franchise from the New York Rangers.

With some new forwards like Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael to help him on the second line, there are no more excuses for No. 89. It is time to put up or shut up, and another down year means the end of the line for Buchnevich.

Joel Hofer 

With the impending loss of Binnington on the horizon, Joel Hofer has been given the keys to the kingdom. Well, unofficially, that is.

This means that this upcoming season is going to be under the microscope as the future is riding on him to succeed. There are plenty of other goaltenders in the pipeline that are itching at the chance, but if last season was any indication of what the future holds, Hofer is going to be alright.

Colton Parayko 

The Blues defensive core was abysmal last season. Top-to-bottom, it was a travesty on the blueline and a big reason why the goaltending was also not great. One of the main culprits for the corruption in 2025-26 was Colton Parayko.

Going into next season, there are a couple of prospects that could be making their way to the NHL level, like Adam Jiricek and Colin Ralph. That means that Parayko's days are numbered, unless he can prove that last season's misfortune was a one-off.

Logan Mailloux

Last season was a rough one for Logan Mailloux, but he made up for it with a very strong stretch to end the season. Much like Parayko, the defense is going to be shifting fast next season and the one after, and No. 23 has to retain his placement.

Can he erase his growing pains and play consistent hockey for 84 games next season? One slip-up, and the ice will break right out from underneath him.

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