The NHL Network released its annual top 20 lists across all of the position groups, starting with the wingers. This is a very talented group, with four of the top seven players being from the Central Division.
Introducing NHL Network's list of the Top 20 Wings Right Now! #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/UknQLJfkbp
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) August 3, 2026
There was one interesting tidbit on this list, and it is completely correct in that the St. Louis Blues do not have a single winger on it. That kind of information can lead to two conclusions.
Either the Blues do not have a worthy enough winger to make the list, or this upcoming season can give them an element of surprise for the rest of the NHL. Let's talk about it.
Who would have been the Blues representative?
Looking at the wingers group, it is clear that the Blues have two solid wingers who were likely just outside of this top-20 list. Both Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway really came into their own last season, and the focus for the 2026-27 season is that they continue those successful ways.
Of those two players, it likely would be Snuggerud over Holloway by a very slim margin. They are both going to be very strong players next season and will complement each other's playstyles perfectly. But, in regard to the rest of the NHL, they just did not make the cut over Lucas Raymond of Detroit or Cutter Gauthier of Anaheim.
Element of surprise?
Not having a single winger in the top-20 of the NHL, while Minnesota and Dallas both had two apiece in the top seven, is a telling story. Kyle Connor represented Winnipeg, Martin Necas is the Colorado Avalanche's best winger and 15th best in the NHL, and Clayton Keller of Utah was also named.
But, no Blues.
If Snuggerud or Holloway are able to commit to what has been expected of them next season, there is no reason not to include one of them in this list next offseason. The foundation for their success is there on that first line, and head coach Jim Montgomery is not going to split them up for nothing, as the rest of the lineup is going to be very inexperienced and young.
They could surprise everyone and help lead this Blues team to a potential playoff berth, and make this list next offseason.
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