10 - Alexey Toropchenko
I didn’t want to rank Alexey Toropchenko so low, as few can play the same type of quality minutes, but a pair of recent acquisitions forced my hand. Still, the physical youngster - 165 hits last season - provided a sound depth scoring option with 14 goals, and he also pitched in for seven assists. A defense-first mentality may define Toropchenko’s game, but if his productivity increased offensively, should we be surprised?
9 - Oskar Sundqvist
Oscar Sunqvist is nothing more than a defensive forward who can give a team middle-six to bottom-six minutes, but he’s someone with plenty of championship-winning experience, imposing size, and veteran leadership. As the Blues get younger, look for Sundqvist to provide one of the most well-respected voices in the locker room, and that will serve the retooling roster well long-term.
8 - Radek Faksa
Like Oskar Sundqvist, Radek Faksa also brings an imposing demeanor, and one who will more than fuel the Blues lower lines. Faksa has received numerous Selke votes in the past, including a seventh-place finish for the award in 2017-18. He brings a physical brand of play, and he’s more than reliable in the faceoff circle.
7 - Mathieu Joseph
Mathieu Joseph was a sneaky good acquisition, and while you may think I ranked him too highly here, I like what he did last season with the Ottawa Senators. Joseph finished the year with 11 goals and 35 points, with 16:28 of average total ice time, plus 105 hits and 69 takeaways. He has more talent to work with in St. Louis, so if Joseph broke into the top-six, it shouldn’t surprise a single fan.
6 - Brayden Schenn
Brayden Schenn has proven to be a consistent player over his seven seasons with the Blues, and 2024-25 should be no different. No, putting up 46 points last season was not his best outing, but Schenn remains a 20-goal scorer and one of the team’s most physical players who hustles in all three zones.