After losing game seven in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against Winnipeg, the St. Louis Blues must endure a long and grueling summer. It will be filled with what-ifs, how, and the ultimate question of where do we go from here.
A few important dates are coming up during the offseason that will affect what becomes of the 2025-26 season. One big one just happened, with the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night, which saw the New York Islanders win and Central Division rival Chicago get the third overall pick.
The Draft
The first step in this offseason for the Blues, outside of the IIHF World Championships featuring four Blues stars, is the Entry Draft on June 27 in Los Angeles.
The Blues hold the 19th overall pick, and then do not select again until the fifth and sixth rounds. The Blues can use this draft pick to try and package a deal for another key asset, or trade up into the top few picks to get another young gun to couple standout rookies Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky.
Free agency
The Blues, as well as the rest of the National Hockey League, have a little bit of wiggle room for next season. Each team is getting an increase in salary cap, up to $95.5 million.
With only a handful of players slated for the free agency market, the Blues can test the waters on a few after getting rid of the old. The new blood can certainly help the areas where this team lacked, like the defense, for example.
Free agent frenzy will take place on July 1.