The St. Louis Blues had a very successful 2024-25 season, and it looks like it will carry over to next season. With that said, what constitutes a best-case scenario for this organization?
Here are the three best things that can happen for the Blues in 2025-26.
1. Go beyond last season's end result
After that heartbreaking loss to the Winnipeg Jets, it is the utmost crucial best-case scenario for the Blues in 2025-26. They have to get back to the playoffs and go further than the first round. Obviously, hoisting the Stanley Cup is the grand prize, as it should be, but getting into the later rounds of the playoffs is a great start for this team that is nearly complete.
All the right pieces are there, and barring any real interference, this goal should be easily achieved. Anything less than a second-round appearance is a failure for the Blues.
2. A full, strong regular season
One of the most widely discussed things from last season was how average it was until the Blues reached the final two or so months of the season. Once the 4 Nations Face-off break hit, this team went from mediocre to amazing in just a couple of days rest.
In order to call the 2025-26 season a success, they cannot fall into the same rabbit hole again. The Blues have to be a strong team, from game one through 82. Breaking the franchise record with 12-straight wins was an incredible feat, but should not be counted on for an encore performance. If this team wants to go further beyond in the Playoffs, they cannot hope for a break and squeak their way in.
3. Young guns flourish
There are a couple of younger players who are making their full debut seasons, and some are on their sophomore tour around the NHL. Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Logan Mailloux headline that list, and each has a chance to prove their worth.
The last best-case scenario is for the Blues' young core to establish themselves with a full set of 82 games. Each game will be heavily scrutinized for those three players, and the weight of the future with the Blues hangs on every shift. Snuggerud may have proven himself to already be a first-liner. Dvorsky has to fight for a spot on a ferocious center log-jam. And, Mailloux has the makings of another Colton Parayko, but can he live up to that hype?