The St. Louis Blues had a successful season in 2024-25, and the defense is a huge reason why. They were sturdy, relentless, and explosive on the offensive end of the ice.
One defenseman who broke through this past season was Tyler Tucker. In his third season with the Blues, he showed some promising performances throughout the year, as well as in the playoffs.
In 38 games, he had three goals and four assists for seven points. Might not sound like much of a big break, but he set career-highs in both those categories, as well as a few others.
Tucker gave his best effort in the physicality department. He had 81 hits throughout the regular season, including a five hit performance against the Vancouver Canucks on March 20. He also had his only multi-point game of the season that night, with a goal and an assist in the 4-3 overtime victory.
During the first round playoff matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, Tucker played a big role before succumbing to injury in game four. He scored a goal in that game, his first in his young playoff career.
What comes next for him?
The seventh-round draft pick from the 2018 NHL draft has continued to beat the odds. I would expect him to find his way in the 2025-26 season with a lot of playtime following the upcoming decisions with the older defensemen.
Tucker did his job well last season, and as the expectations grow for the Blues as a whole, so does his. Now is the time for him to show up, as it is the last year of his entry-level deal.
There is room for improvement, but you cannot deny he has what it takes. Next season will show if he has it or not.