Viktor Arvidsson, W/Los Angeles Kings
Few players came back as strong as Viktor Arvidsson this season, as back surgery and a lower-body injury limited him to just 18 regular season games. But it’s always a good sign when a player returns and enjoys quite a productive stint. Arvidsson made that ultimate return in March, and in the final 14 games of the year, he put up 13 points and six goals, with four of those points coming on the power play.
There’s a reason why I mentioned the power play - The Blues were awful on special teams, and Arvidsson would at least help fix the man advantage. Arvidsson would also further balance the Blues scoring attack overall, as when he was healthy in 2022-23, he put up 26 goals - and 10 occurred at 5-on-4.
So really, do we need to say more about at least reaching out to Arvidsson when unrestricted free agency begins if Kings general manager Rob Blake doesn’t keep him around the City of Angels?
Overall, Arvidsson is a versatile player who would help the Blues not only in most situations; but most situations in which they need help. While I’m a big fan of Foegele and Henrique, if there is one free agent forward from the Pacific Division who should be non-negotiable in at least trying to bring to Gateway City, it’s Arvidsson.