The long summer has almost come to an end, and that means that hockey is right around the corner. The St. Louis Blues, as well as the rest of the NHL, are preparing for the 84-game season ahead with a few rounds of practice and prep for training camp.
When the summer had started, a list of bold predicitions was printed here on Bleedin' Blue. Today, we are going to update that list now that the dust has settled, a summer of thought has occurred, and sights of a new season are on the horizon.
Let's get into it.
Blues make the playoffs via the wild card
The Central Division in the Western Conference is a lock between four teams making the three spots. Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Utah are going to be in a tight race at the top.
Outside of that, the Blues have a very good chance of beating out the other three remaining division rivals. Looking at the Pacific Division, the Blues were very good against them last season, and that trend should continue in 2026-27.
Thomas, Holloway, and Snuggerud stay together the whole season
The hope is that Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, and Jimmy Snuggerud continue their impressive run from last season. A bold prediction would be to say that the trio will man the top line together, all season long.
Holloway has a history of injuries, as does Snuggerud, but this season could be much different. Opposing teams will know that if they go after the top line, they will have to face the wrath of the fourth line with an average height of 6-foot-5.
Mailloux threatens Broberg for first defenseman
Logan Mailloux had a turbulent year in 2025-26. It was rocky, unimpressive, and underwhelming. Which was what we all should have expected from a player who was thrown into the first-line spot after just spending as long as it takes to make a cup of coffee in Montreal.
Now, with a new season ahead, Philip Broberg is going to have some competition as the first defenseman in the unit. Mailloux had a very strong ending to last season, and if he can pick it right back up, there is a good chance that the first line pairing will be two solid d-men in 2026-27.
Hofer notches 50 starts, wins 30+
The initial assumption was that Joel Hofer was going to be slated for 60+ starts next season to really get him acclimated. That very well can happen, but there is a sense here that Jordan Binnington is going to get a proper showing if this is a farewell tour.
Binnington is going to be a hot commodity at the trade deadline, and Hofer will hopefully be ready enough at that point in time to be the distinguished franchise starter for the St. Louis Blues. Mark him down for 30 wins as the Blues march back to the playoffs.
Carbonneau and Jiricek are lone call-ups
Last season saw Theo Lindstein, Otto Stenberg, and Dalibor Dvorsky as the three big call-ups from Springfield. In 2026-27, Lindstein and Dvorsky could be roster regulars, and Stenberg might be spending the whole year at the AHL level.
Due to an influx of centermen and the tryout of Justin Carbonneau for the forward group, it makes sense to keep Stenberg down for a little while longer.
On the defensive end, Lindstein might not be on the Blues roster for long, as Adam Jiricek will get his turn in 2026-27 to show what he has. The only two call-ups for head coach Jim Montgomery to slot in will be Carbonneau and Jiricek.
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