5 low-cost free agents who can transform the St. Louis Blues in 2024-25

Ilya Lyubushkin has outplayed his value this season

It’s not only offensive-minded players like Kane who could help transform the Blues at a reasonable rate next season, as Ilya Lyubushkin wouldn’t cost much to help St. Louis in the defensive zone. While the Blues are currently 15th in the league with 209 goals allowed, there isn’t a team in the NHL who couldn’t use a physical presence like Lyubushkin to help mitigate the number of chances an opponent can get. 

Lyubushkin would play third-pairing minutes, something we have often seen throughout what has become a journeyman career. 

He is currently showing his prowess in Ontario right now, helping the Maple Leafs battle for the best possible playoff spot. Through seven games with the Leafs, Lyubushkin has 28 hits and has blocked 10 shots, but you can get a better sample size through his time with the Anaheim Ducks. He logged triple-digits in blocks and hits through 55 games, and that was on a far-less-than-stellar team. 

Give him halfway decent talent to work with in St. Louis, and Lyubushkin will reward a team like the Blues on the third-pairing. The more chances he helps stall, the more scoring opportunities for the Blues.