As the offseason is in full swing for some teams, the St. Louis Blues are still licking their wounds from their horrific last-second loss to Central Division rival, the Winnipeg Jets. This postseason has showcased the impressive and overwhelming dominance of Central Division teams, like the Blues, Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche. These teams have all given their all, and it has become apparent that this division might be the most competitive in all of hockey.
Let's not forget that the bottom half of the division, the ones that didn't even get a chance to smell postseason action, might have also gotten stronger this offseason. With the Entry Draft lottery over, a few teams are selecting early in this upcoming draft, who could benefit immediately from the players they take.
Let's talk about a few of them.
#3 Pick, Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks, who had the 2nd-worst record in all of hockey last season, hold the third overall pick. This is a monumental pick for them, as they are just a few key pieces away from righting the ship with their high-caliber, future leader, Connor Bedard.
There are a ton of good potential draft picks in this draft, and it is a toss-up as to who the first and second overall picks will be by the New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks. Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa and James Hagens seemingly are the "big three" in this upcoming draft. Any one of those players could help the Blackhawks grab some wins.
The Blues are still a long way ahead of the Blackhawks. But if their heated rival can grab new generational talent, the future that the Blues have been trying to build may be squashed by an unexpected foe.
#4 Pick, Utah Mammoth
The Utah Hockey Club finally has a name. How exciting, it isn't like we knew what it was going to be for months now, right everyone?
Of the three teams within the first five picks of the 2025 NHL draft, the Mammoth are the scariest. Utah was flirting with the Blues for the final few playoff spots for a long while this past season. Had the Blues not gone on their generational run, this postseason may have featured the ex-Hockey Club.
Having a top-five pick that close to a potential playoff berth is a haunting thought. The Blues must pay attention to the tusks of the Mammoth next season, as they are about to get bit sharp with a new top-tier player.
#5 Pick, Nashville Predators
Last, but certainly not least, is the Nashville Predators with the fifth pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. They were supposed to be a sleeper in 2024-25, with Steven Stamkos jumping ship from Tampa Bay and Jonathan Marchessault alongside him. But, it was anything but that.
The Predators are a puzzling team, as they are an older team that can very well still compete. Roman Josi, despite being injured for the last 25 games of the season, is still an elite d-man. Alongside Filip Forsberg, Stamkos, Marchessault, and former Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly, they have a great squad. They have to put it all together.
The Preds will likely have another tough season in 2025-26, but their new draft pick could help pull them out of the dark. The Blues should be wary that before their veterans hit the end of their careers, they might go all-in on a playoff run shortly.