For the St. Louis Blues, the calendar may have already made the most important decision of their season. The team is clearly out of runway, making the time to sell now.
Heading into Friday night’s action, the Blues sit 12 points out of a playoff spot. While Thursday’s convincing 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken offered a reminder of the club’s potential, it did little to alter the larger reality. With the trade deadline approaching and multiple teams ahead of them in the standings, the math is daunting. Time, more than effort, has become the primary obstacle.
That’s why selling now makes sense.
The NHL trade deadline is often dictated by two forces: demand from contenders and supply from sellers. This season, several bubble teams remain undecided, which could constrict the market if too many clubs wait too long. For St. Louis, acting decisively, and early, would allow management to maximize returns before the market becomes saturated, and contenders use up their dry powder in other deals.
The Blues have veteran assets and complementary players who could help playoff-bound teams solidify depth, particularly on defense and in the bottom six. Those types of players rarely headline deals, but they often command meaningful returns when contenders believe they are one piece away. The key is leverage. And leverage is strongest when buyers feel pressure and options are limited.
Several teams fit that description.
Blues could find plenty of trading partners at trade deadline
The Detroit Red Wings are pushing toward what would be their first postseason berth in years. Their rebuild has matured to the point where adding an experienced rental or depth scorer could steady a young roster. The same applies to the Buffalo Sabres, who are eager to give their fans their first taste of postseason action in about 15 years. Both clubs have prospect capital and draft picks, precisely the commodities St. Louis should be targeting.
The Anaheim Ducks, though still developing, could also look to accelerate their timeline if they sense opportunity in a crowded Western Conference race. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes remain firmly in win-now mode and could be a tangible trade partner for someone like Robert Thomas.
As for the Blues, the decision should not be framed as surrender. It should be viewed as asset management. With a 12-point gap and a limited runway, the probability of a late surge is slim. Selling does not mean dismantling the core. What it does mean is identifying expiring contracts and movable veterans who may not factor into the club’s long-term plans.
There is also a broader organizational benefit. Draft capital and young players acquired now could accelerate a retooling process that already appears underway. The Western Conference landscape is shifting, and clinging to fading playoff odds risks prolonging mediocrity. Strategic selling, by contrast, positions the franchise to return to contention more quickly.
The Blues proved in 2019 that patience and proper team-building can culminate in a championship. Reaching that level again will require difficult, pragmatic decisions. The standings suggest this season is no longer about chasing an improbable run. It’s about recognizing value while it exists.