The ultimate checklist for the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 offseason

Draft defense, defense, and more defense this summer

Okay, let’s talk about the NHL Draft and why Doug Armstrong must focus on defense, defense, and more defense early and often. The prospects pipeline isn’t anywhere near as deep with NHL talent as the forward group, even if there are some promising names there like Theo Lindstein and Paul Fischer, but forwards have dominated the team’s pipeline rankings.

Blueliners like Zeev Buium, Adam Jiricek, and Aron Kiviharju, could also be there when the Blues pick in the middle of the first. But, it can’t stop after just one round. As long as the pick isn’t a blatant reach, then Armstrong must address the issue and turn the weaknesses at the blue line into a strength. 

If Armstrong can focus on the blue line and perhaps find one more goaltender in the draft, the Blues prospects pool should rank well within the top 10 for 2024-25.