The St. Louis Blues have a lot of ground to cover this offseason, and it starts almost immediately. Their prospects are still proving themselves in the CHL playoffs, as well as the American Hockey League-affiliate, Springfield Thunderbirds.
After that, there is a number of big events happening that are going to change the trajectory of this franchise for years to come. Let's talk about those, and how if it is perfectly completed, they can ensure a successful 2026-27 season.
Smooth transition
First off, on July 1, Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong will be transitioning out of his role and stepping down. Former Blues player Alexander Steen will be taking over the duties, and he has some mighty big shoes to fill.
There has to be a smooth transition from the old regime to the new one, especially if the team itelf will be going through some changes. With the core being cycled out, and the younger players starting to take on more of a bigger role, this next season could be another one without a playoff appearance, but closer to that reality.
Perfect draft
Before Armstrong steps down, he has one more job to do. Well, officially, but there is a sense that the decisions made for the 2026 NHL Draft will have some influence from Steen.
The Blues have three first-round picks, with two projected to be within the first 15 selections. That is a serious influx of talent, though not right away. A perfect draft can catapult this team to the top of the Central Division in 2027-28 and beyond.
Establish a rock-solid game plan
From what we thought of the offseason prior to this 2025-26 season, a rock-solid game plan was basically established. Head coach Jim Montgomery put together an opening lineup against the Minnesota Wild for opening night, and then shuffled all of the lines nearly every night after that to make things work.
That cannot happen again in 2026-27. Likewise with the direction of this team. Either they are going to try and be competitive all season long, or give this season as a label of being another retooling year in which no playoffs were reached.
From the first game, Steen, Montgomery and whatever leaderhip is on the ice needs to stick to a plan that will be used all season long. No matter what works, or doesn't.
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