The St. Louis Blues have no other real big discussions or deals to make, as both the 2026 NHL Draft and Free Agency periods have ended. Now, it is all eyes on development camps and the long summer ahead toward training camp.
Looking ahead now to next season, there is a lot of uncertainity. Do the Blues have a similar year to last season, not able to find much of a groove until it was far too late? Or do they shock the world with their youth movement rising to the occasion?
The 2026-27 season does not have to be perfect, but it has to be as close as it possibly can be. Here is how that happens.
Youth must learn one way or the other
The younger players have now become a major focus for this organization. The core group now consists of players under the age of 25 and is still fairly new to this newer and bigger role.
With that said, for the Blues to be as perfect as they can be, these kids have to learn next season. Whether it being in a winning effort or an abysmal loss, they have to learn to weather the storm.
Erase the past
The 2024-25 late-season miracle cursed this franchise in 2025-26. Everyone thought the Blues were much better than they were, and it created a case of misidentity, and we all saw the result.
For the Blues to move forward, they must erase the past. That includes some older core pieces like Jordan Binnington, who is likely still going to be a Blue on opening night despite the entire world knowing that ex-GM Doug Armstrong was dangling him for the highest bidder. Eventually, Blues fans need to come to the reality that No. 50 might be gone at some point next season, and it is the best-case scenario for all parties.
Moving ahead with the younger players helps alleviate the "old days" and brings a new focus to light. The Blues are looking to put their best foot forward with the newer NHLers, and that could bring a new result for the Blues' upcoming years.
Growing pains are too be expected, and for 2026-27, let it be plentiful. That is how the Blues can have an imperfect season, and continue to trend upwards toward being in the Stanley Cup contender conversation.
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