The St. Louis Blues had a stalling power play in 2025-26, and it was a detriment more than an aid. At 17.59% on the year, they were well above the league average of 21.11%.
Going into the 2026-27 season, ex-General Manager Doug Armstrong made some big acquistions to help fix it a bit. Plus, with some tweaks from head coach Jim Montgomery, there is a chance that this new-look first unit could be a ringer.
Let's talk about it.
A new look first-unit
Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway will be the Blues first line trio at even strength, and it should be an expectation that all three are on the ice together for the first powerplay unit. But who should join them?
Last season saw Justin Faulk, and then Cam Fowler, once Faulk was traded, as the lone defenseman of the first unit. Pavel Buchnevich was also on there as well, but that should be one of the changes next season.
Add Logan Mailloux and Mason McTavish to the first power-play unit. Now, both of these could be swapped out depending on how well the second unit does, but both make the most sense at the start of the season.
Mailloux is in a sink-or-swim situation on a one-year contract, and some success on the power play could translate to success at even strength. McTavish is entering his first go-around with the Blues, and he could be a great addition in front of the net. Eight of McTavish's 17 goals with the Anaheim Ducks last season came in the high-danger slot area.
Second-unit could be a surprise
The second unit could be a very nice surprise next season. Dalibor Dvorsky and his team-high five goals with the man advantage is the star here, as that should continue in 2026-27. Philip Broberg will be the quarterback, which gives Mailloux incentive to be a positive force. The No. 1 defenseman is right behind him.
The aforementioned Buchnevich will also be on the second unit, alongside newcomer Connor McMichael, who could center that line. Jake Neighbours rounds out the five skaters, giving a boost in forechecking and chaos on the ice.
If the first unit can get some momentum going, followed up by this steller group, expect the Blues to be in the top-10 next season in powerplay percentage. There may be some promotions and subtractions over the course of the 84-game season, but things are looking a bit more complete at the moment.
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