How much cap space will the St. Louis Blues have in 2024-25?
The St. Louis Blues could be a prize acquisition or two away from making a deep playoff run in 2024-25, so how much cap space will they have?
After the St. Louis Blues predominantly stayed on the sidelines during NHL trade deadline week, it could indicate they will make a run at adding another piece or two to their lineup in the offseason. And avoiding the temptation to sell a few star players whose names were mentioned in rumors was, in hindsight, a good idea, considering they aren’t that far out of a wild card spot.
However, the Blues have struggled offensively, constantly ranking near the bottom of the NHL in goals scored. A so-so mid-tier ranking in goals allowed indicates the team isn’t playing its best hockey on both ends of the ice.
It’s clear that they must add more talent to their lineup - alongside some of their youngsters who have also started to see NHL ice - if they want to maximize the group they have right now. But the good news is, St. Louis may be a player or two away from their next breakthrough, especially if their youngsters continue to grow.
The St. Louis Blues have enough cap space to make trades, free agent signings
General manager Doug Armstrong has multiple options to add talent, one of which is to snag players from teams not figuring to contend next season. Sure, he could have added such assets at the trade deadline, but there are also pros and cons regarding so many acquisitions that likely would have served as nothing more than rentals for what has been just an above-average team.
Free agency is another way Armstrong can add that missing piece or two to his organization. Given the $16.3 million (rounded up) in cap space, he has more than enough money to make a solid addition or two, even after re-signing some young talent, whether it’s via trade or free agency.
Following the trade deadline, that figure ranks 19th in the NHL. But remember, there are only three unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents he needs to worry about currently on the active roster. Armstrong likely won’t keep everyone set to be an unrestricted free agent, which opens up spots to add more established talent that could catapult the Blues back into being a top-three team next season.
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