Radek Faksa played a much better 2024-25 season than his points total implied. Through 70 games, he scored just five goals and logged 10 assists, with a minus-2 rating. Those are barely fourth-line numbers, but think outside the box here.
Faksa was a face-off-winning machine, logging a 57.0 win percentage with 432 wins overall. An underrated statistic, Faksa nonetheless helped guide the Blues out of some tight spots, since his draws primarily took place in the defensive zone. That said, he was reliable in limiting opponents’ opportunities.
Like so many other players on the Blues, Faksa was a physical force, landing 115 body checks and pitching in on 50 blocked shots. With 32 giveaways, he also did a good job limiting turnovers. So, despite the lower production, I’d like to see him return to Arch City for another few years.
Grade: A - Faksa was one of the most consistent forwards on the Blues this season, and we shouldn’t dock him any letter grades for his lack of points. Instead, he contributed at a near-elite level as a defensive forward.
It’s easy to write off Radek Faksa, but he’s an incredible defensive forward
The Blues are evolving into a team that will score and score often, with even lower liners like Zack Bolduc stepping up. With so many solid scorers already in Gateway City or rising through the ranks to become full-timers next season, like Jimmy Snuggerud, the Blues could use a few more players like Faksa.
He will never put up gaudy numbers, but his presence will provide such a strong defensive effort and willingness to do the dirty work, that championship-caliber teams will value a presence like Faksa’s.
Nobody took a higher percentage of face-offs in the defensive zone than Faksa, which occurred an astounding 71.2 percent of the time. Alexey Toropchenko finished second on the team in the category, logging defensive zone starts 68.7 percent of the time, with Nate Walker clocking in at No. 3 with 68.2 percent.
One more player like Radek Faksa would work wonders for the Blues
One smart plan will help the Blues cut into their top Central Division foes, and bringing in a player like Radek Faksa will complete a deep line of centers. While I’m aware Oskar Sundqvist has been a fan favorite, he was nowhere near the most reliable player at the face-off dot, losing 312 face-offs compared to 260 wins.
Whether the Blues signed or acquired another Faksa-like center, it doesn’t matter. But getting one who can consistently win draws, punish plays, and help provide support in the defensive zone will be paramount for this team to take the next step. Players like these will win you championships.
Faksa also showed up in the playoffs, snagging a goal and five points in seven contests, with a plus-7. He and the WTF line played a major role in shocking the league and taking the Jets to a seven-game series. So, just when you think he didn’t produce, much numbers-wise, the playoffs showed us a complete player.