The St. Louis Blues have every opportunity to make a name for themselves once again in 2025-26. After making their first playoff appearance since the 2021-22 season, the sky is the limit for this franchise.
But there are still some questions that need to be answered. There are still some uncertainties looming with this team.
Let's take a look.
Can this team surprise again?
The Blues were not supposed to be in this position. There was a sense that the 2024-25 season was supposed to be another year of figuring things out. The identity of this organization has only been made clear with the success of last season; without that, they would still be floating in limbo.
After a mediocre performance leading up to the 4 Nations Faceoff, the Blues exploded with 12-straight victories, setting a new franchise record. That, and coupled with some other teams starting to slide down the stretch, catapulted this team into the last wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
That win streak was a complete shock. Nobody could have predicted that to happen, much less the Blues squeaking their way into the playoffs. Can the Blues shock the world again in 2025-26?
Is this team sustainable?
As this roster stands right now, there are some up-and-comers that are itching at the opportunity to have play time, and some veterans that are using their prime years to their advantage. That diversity begs the question of whether this team is sustainable?
If the Blues were able to make the playoffs again this upcoming season, can they continue this trend on an annual basis? That is hard to say, but all the signs are pointing to it being a yes.
This team is stacked with talent, and so is the farm system. The Blues have the right pieces, and there is not much of a worry in terms of long-lasting success. Only goaltender Jordan Binnington remains as a concern, but a small one at that.
Can this team remain sustainable?
What stage are the Blues in right now?
Are the Blues still in a rebuild or a retool? Or, is this the best this team will ever get and should be considered contenders for the Stanley Cup?
To put a label as to what stage the Blues are in right now, the only way to describe it as this team is a wildcard. They can beat out everyone and claim the Presidents' Trophy next season, or finish with the worst record and best chance for the top pick in next year's draft. There is no in between.
That question needs to be desperately answered this season, as the 2026 Free Agency class is stacked with talent. The Blues might want to establish themselves as winners, as it could draw in an elite player or two to the 'Lou.