The St. Louis Blues upgraded their defensive unit with the addition of Brandon Carlo in the offseason. Ahead of the 2026-27 season, that is going to be a big plus for presumed starting goaltender Joel Hofer, as he gets a defensive defenseman to help guard him.
Unfortunately, Carlo is a good addition but is not currently one of the important d-men on this team. Let's go ahead and rank the top three ahead of the season coming up, and what they need to do to be successful.
3. Colton Parayko
Colton Parayko had a really off-season in 2025-26, and it almost led to his departure. The Blues and ex-General Manager Doug Armstrong had a complete deal with the Buffalo Sabres, and No. 55 used his No-Trade Clause to void it.
With that said, that gives some notion that this upcoming year could be a chance for redemption. He has now flown as close as you can to the sun, and reality has to have sunk in. His loyalty should show a steady increase in not only point production, but leadership on a young blue line.
2. Logan Mailloux
It was a rough go for Logan Mailloux as well last season. The rookie was sat, bounced around, and overall labeled as a failure from the get-go in 2025-26. If not for an eventual late turnaround at the end of the season, he might not be in the position he is in for next season.
There are some who say that Zack Bolduc is still a much better option in regard to this trade with Montreal, and Mailloux has to try and prove them wrong next season. He has a full offseason with knowledge and experience under his belt, and adjustments can be made. With Carlo joining the blueline, No. 23 has some more competition behind him to take his place.
Not to mention, Adam Jiricek is patiently awaiting his Blues debut next season, and that should give Mailloux even more pressure to perform as he did down the stretch.
1. Philip Broberg
Philip Broberg is now the lifeblood of this defensive unit. There is no second-guessing it. No. 6 is the guy going forward, and he has to be held to the standard that he is the leader of the blue line.
Broberg is one of the very few members of this team to actually have a solid season in 2025-26, and a new deal was the reward. Now with some cash in his pocket, head coach Jim Montgomery has full trust in him as the No. 1 defenseman, and with a full 84-games ahead of him, he has to turn some heads in 2026-27.
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