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The Blues are gonna be alright if they lose out on Byram sweepstakes

ByJustin Bonhard|
Nov 14, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jake Neighbours (63) skates with the puck as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) defends during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jake Neighbours (63) skates with the puck as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) defends during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Bowen Byram, the last big fish of the free agency market, is heading to arbitration with the Buffalo Sabres. This means that it could be curtains for the St. Louis Blues chances of acquiring him, and completing this playoff-contending roster.

Even though it is a huge blow to a cloudy blue-line unit, the Blues are gonna be just fine without him. It would have been a big catch, and surely gave the defensive lines some clarity, but it is not a death sentence if the Blues cannot get him.

The opportunity to grab him is not over, but with arbitration in limbo, it is possible that he will be going back to Buffalo for the next season or two.

Defensive uncertainty?

Before free agency began, there were two big needs for the Blues. A second-line centerman and help on the defense pending the release of Nick Leddy, possible retirement of Ryan Suter, and removal of Torey Krug. The second-line center has been almost fixed with the acquisition of Pius Suter, and Logan Mailloux came over from Montreal to help out the defense.

But there are still some holes to fill. Currently, the three defensive lines could be projected as this for the 2025-26 season.

Cam Fowler

Colton Parayko

Philip Broberg

Justin Faulk

Tyler Tucker

Logan Mailloux

That is a solid unit, even without the idea of having Byram slot in for Broberg and Tucker being the odd-man out. Of course, this is if Mailloux pans out to be what he is expected to be.

Promote from within?

There are some prospects at the AHL level that could see some playing time on the blue line. The third pairing of Tucker and Mailloux has a lot of uncertainty, giving an opportunity to defensemen like Matthew Kessel, Theo Lindstein, and recently re-signed Hunter Skinner. Each of those three should be considered as potential call-ups for the 2025-26 season.

Losing out on Byram might be a blessing in disguise, as there are plenty of players who are hungry for the opportunity to make an impact. Obviously, it might not work out in a successful way, but you would never know if the Blues went all-in on Byram.

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