Dylan Holloway must avoid major injuries if he wants to be a regular first-line player for the St. Louis Blues. Last season, he showed toughness, bouncing back from a scary injury when he took a puck to the throat, and it hinted at his sheer durability.
But late last season, a torn oblique ended his campaign and the injury was so significant, it required surgery to repair. Any tear to the midsection's not a good feeling, and for it to end his season, I can see why that was.
Still, it also shows that he must avoid major injury this year if he wants surefire top line minutes regardless of the time of year or the situation. Holloway proved last season he deserves them, with his 26-goal, 63-point season. And it leaves you to wonder what kind of impact he'd have made in the postseason.
What if Dylan Holloway has a healthy 82-game slate for the St. Louis Blues?
Oho, you're looking at a 70-80-point season, hands down. Not only should he be on the first line most of the time, but a healthy Dylan Holloway should keep getting better as the 2025-26 season unfolds. Bonus points if the Blues pick up in the regular season where they left off last spring.
It wouldn't surprise me if he averaged around 18:30 of total ice time per contest, and don't forget; Holloway's presence will elevate others around him. That means more production in the offensive zone from the likes of Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas, to throw two names out there.
Speaking of Thomas, arguably the Blues best player, the sky's also the limit for him should Holloway bounce back in a big way. That's a young tandem fans in more than just Arch City will have a fun time watching.
Don't forget about Holloway's three-zone presence
Holloway's not a pure points producer, and for Blues fans, that couldn't be a better situation. He's a hitter, and someone who can make opponents think twice if they're looking to skate near him.
He finished the year with an incredible plus-21, and while plus/minus isn't that "set-in-stone" metric, don't forget that he was also on the ice for just 44 goals against at even strength. That makes his plus-21 look even sweeter than, say, someone who's on-ice save percentage was in the high-80s and they saw 65-plus pucks find their team's net.
So, a healthy Dylan Holloway wouldn't just play top-line minutes and produce; he'll give you a good defensive game. And if he misses extended time, the Blues will feel it if they're playing some of the NHL's better teams.