The St. Louis Blues have announced they are bringing back Dillon Dube on a one-year deal. The 27-year-old forward may not have suited up for the Blues last season, but was a part of the organization. The Springfield Thunderbirds signed him to a PTO back in December, and he stayed with the team for the rest of the season. On the surface, this may look like a depth move, but there is a possibility that Dube is in the NHL at some point this season. But can he make an impact if given the chance?
The Blues have signed Dillon Dube to a one-year contract. https://t.co/9PKRXb6N7e pic.twitter.com/LHIwKFnXpC
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) July 1, 2026
Does Dillon Dube have a shot at a roster spot?
Despite the late start to the season, Dube put up solid numbers for the Thunderbirds. In 46 games, he tallied 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points. His goals and point total ranked in the top five on the team. He also made an impact during the Thunderbirds' playoff run, logging five goals and three assists for eight points in 12 games. This strong play, plus his veteran presence, made him one of the team's assistant captains by year's end.
His impressive season in the AHL, plus him putting up 127 points in 325 NHL games, puts him on the bubble to make the Blues roster next season. His main competition is going to be Jack Finley, who is currently slated to be the Blues' fourth-line center. He appeared in 44 games with the Blues and Kings last season and registered two goals and three assists for five points. It was his first season getting regular NHL playing time.
This competition will come down to two things. One, whether or not the Blues feel that Finely is ready to take the next step. Is he ready to become a full-time NHL center and be able to put up decent NHL production? Or does he need more seasoning in the AHL? The second thing that will decide whether Dube can make the Blues roster is how he performs in the preseason. If he is able to put on a show during camp and the preseason, the Blues might give him the job to put out the best team.
It appears that Dube is here to be an insurance policy. With the Blues looking like a bubble playoff team, they need to put the best 23 players they can on the roster. The Blues would probably like to give that spot to Finley, considering he is only 23 years old and the upside is higher. But if he is not ready to go, they can turn to Dube and know they will get solid play. Nothing that will make them a true contender, but solid play that will keep the bottom six from having a hole.
While there may not be a lot of excitement around this move, it could be one of the smartest ones the Blues make. If there is one thing a team can not have enough of is depth.
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