Despite not being able to get the win against the San Jose Sharks on Monday, St. Louis Blues forward Jake Neighbours was once again a difference-maker in the valiant 5-4 effort. There is a case to be made that he should be the next to fall in line to be the captain of this franchise.
After signing a bridge two-year deal for $3.75 million AAV this past offseason, all eyes are on his next deal being a much longer and pricier one. What does that look like at the moment, and does next season even matter all that much in terms of holding on to him long-term?
Let's talk about it.
Standout this season
This 2025-26 campaign in particular has been a fantastic showing from No. 63. In many ways, this new deal has sparked something in him, and head coach Jim Montgomery has rewarded him all season long with valuable ice time. His numbers are a bit down with only 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points on the year in 60 games played, but the eye test has told a different story.
And more importantly, the types of goals and the situations have made his game much more impactful. It seems like the Blues fan base is nearly all in agreement on the longevity of Neghbours' future tenure in St. Louis.
 Big things ahead
There is a valid argument to be made that Neighbours should be the next captain of the Blues. There is also an argument that Thomas should be given the patch as well. But, until this team starts to play sustainable, winning hockey again, they should hold off on naming the next captain until after next season.
After next season comes No. 63's next payday, and it is going to be a pricy one. With the Salary Cap set to increase this offseason, and then again the following year, inflation will start to kick in eventually with players like Neighbours. He might not get 50+ goals a year, although with his playstyle, it could be possible, but that doesn't mean that his AAV won't balloon up over $5 or even $6 million.
Neighbours should be locked up for a long-term deal once it is time to sign again. He embodies the brash and tough culture that the Blues represent, much like former captain Brayden Schenn did. See where the captaincy rumors are coming from.