It's that time of the year again! The start of hockey season continues to creep closer and closer, and teams are settling in on their rosters. How good will the Blues defense be this season, and how much value will each defenseman provide this team in the coming years? We'll be taking a look at the projected top 6 for St. Louis and ranking them based on that very quality.
6. Brandon Carlo
This was a bit unfair for Brandon, but also based in reality. Carlo is the only new face on the blue line this season for St. Louis, and because of that, he comes in as a bit of a question mark. He is only on contract through the end of the 2026-27 season, and many view him as a sort of plug for the defense until a more talented/younger option comes available. It wouldn't be surprising this season to see him sit some games while Tyler Tucker takes his spot, and this all points to a player that won't be making a significant impact on the org in the long term.
5. Cam Fowler
Cam Fowler is a controversial player among the fan base following a disappointing second season in the Blue Note. His first (partial) season following a trade with the Anaheim Ducks was better than anyone could have imagined - particularly on the offensive end. He put up 36 points in just 51 games with the Blues during the 2025-26 season; however, he followed that up with just 30 points in the full 82-game season last year. That kind of regression for a veteran player on a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.1 million does not bode well. Look for him to be a prime target for Blues fans' frustrations this season if things don't improve for Fowler.
4. Logan Mailloux
Having Logan Mailloux this low isn't so much an attempt to discredit him and the progress he made last year, but more about how good the remaining three players are. Mailloux was undeniably poor at the start of last season, but following a brief stint in Springfield, he came back a much better version of himself. He was responsible defensively, more comfortable driving plays, and would jump in on offensive opportunities when possible. Mistakes were still made, but that's to be expected with a young defenseman growing into a larger role than he's ever seen before. It's clear the team sees him as a big part of the future, and I expect him to be. The biggest question is whether or not he will reach his potential and be a top-pair defenseman for years to come, or if he will remain a second-or third-pair player.
3. Colton Parayko
Parayko is a Blues legend with a lot left in the tank. He was the victim of premature reporting this season, as he was said to be traded to the Sabres but ultimately decided not to waive his NTC and stay in St. Louis. This could end up being a real blessing in disguise as the team is going to need veteran leadership this year, and as an Alternate Captain and career Blue, Parayko is exactly that. On top of the intangibles, Parayko is a legit top-pair defenseman with a cannon of a slap shot on a very affordable $6.5 million AAV contract with four full years remaining. Even if Parayko doesn't finish his career with the Note, he will provide the organization with loads of value via his play or a trade.
2. Theo Lindstein
This might be an overreaction, but in his abbreviated time on the Blues last season, Theo Lindstein was incredible. He was great on the defensive end, providing the stability and reliability of a veteran, and seemed to know exactly when to push the envelope with the puck in the offensive zone. He was paired with veteran D-men but didn't miss a step and never once stood out as a liability on the ice. For a late first-round pick just a couple years ago and a rookie playing his first NHL minutes, this is almost unheard of. While a slight regression is not only possible but admittedly likely, it's undeniable the potential that Lindstein has, and his not providing the Blues with a mountain of value would be surprising given that.
1. Philip Broberg
Who else could it be? Broberg was the best player for the Blues last season and was locked down for the next six years at $8 million AAV. This kind of value is going to be unheard of as the salary cap jumps in the next few seasons. Broberg does everything right and is the definition of an elite defense-first D-man. Don't get me wrong, Philip Broberg absolutely has a great instinct in the offensive zone and has a great shot, but that will never be the priority for Broberg. The Blues' 1D of the future was infamously acquired via offersheet from Edmonton two years ago and since then has been better than anyone could have hoped. The Blues would be making a huge mistake to ever move Broberg, but if they did, the return would be monumental. Given his age, leadership qualities, contract value, and on-ice performance, it is a no-brainer to consider Philip Broberg the most valuable defenseman St. Louis has the privilege of calling a Blue.
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