It is a crazy thought to have, but this might be the first season in quite a while not to feature Robert Thomas as the St. Louis Blues projected MVP. With so many new additions and growth in the youth group, there is a chance that someone new can take over the honor and be a major help for this organization in 2026-27.Â
Who could it be, and what can they do to ensure that they are worthy enough to receive this award? Let’s talk about it.Â
Three names come to mind
Off the bat, there are three names that really jump off the page to usurp Thomas’ usual standing at the end of each season. They are a part of the youth group, and each plays a significant role in their position group.Â
Firstly, and most likely, Jimmy Snuggerud. Playing alongside Thomas and getting first-line minutes will ensure that No. 21 really lights up the scoresheet with a bunch of goals in 2026-27. He was so comfortable already at the end of his rookie campaign, and the idea of a full offseason under his belt and training camp knowing that his spot is safe should make him even better.Â
At least, that’s the idea.Â
The second player who has a chance to really make some waves in the team MVP vote is goaltender Joel Hofer. This is going to be his first season as a starter, though unofficially announced, and the idea of him getting a bunch of starts should be a guarantee.
With a bunch of starts on the way, he can capture the MVP award for the Blues if he can keep them competitive. Playoffs would be nice, but not making it still makes this season seem like a success. If he can showcase that ability to have shutout tendencies and outshine some other starting goaltenders around the league, that would be a giant step forward for No. 30.Â
Finally, Philip Broberg is stepping into some new shoes. Replacing Colton Parayko as the go-to guy on the blue line, he is going to have a big role this season.Â
Broberg was solid in 2025-26 and adapted well enough to earn a nice new contract. With that new pressure added on and the potential in Logan Mailloux as his defensive partner, it is imperative that he live up to the challenge.
Thomas still claims a near guarantee to be the team's MVP next season, as this is the first time in a while that he has some comparable linemates. But others could rise up and take his usual place. He is on a one-way street toward potentially being the best center in franchise history, and this team will slowly start to get better as time goes by.
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