It’s essential to know how the data was collected. Daily Faceoff offers a line combination tool on their website, which enables users to view every team's lineup. The number two center on the roster at the end of the season was used for the sample, and if they were traded midseason, their statistics would carry over.
It’s equally important to note that the data shown below are estimates. While the data can be a predictor or tell a story, it does not provide the complete picture.
The following criterion was considered for each team's number two center: point production, experience, and contract situation.
Point Production
According to Cap Wages, Schenn ended the 2025 regular season with 18 goals and 32 assists, totaling 50 points.
The league average for second liners is 20 goals, 29 assists, and 47 points.
As far as point production, Brayden Schenn is average. If the Blues are a team looking to improve, which they are, they'll want more offense from their captain.
Experience
The Blues needed their 33-year-old captain for all 82 games this past season, and that’s precisely what they got. Also, Cap Wages shows that the average time on ice was 17 minutes and 34 seconds. Not only did Schenn put his time in on the ice, but he’s a proven veteran, ending the season with 1,022 career games played.
The average second-line center is 30 years old, having ended the season with 76 games played, an average of 17 minutes and 4 seconds of ice time, and 638 NHL games of experience.
It should come as no surprise that Brayden Schenn is one of the most experienced players in his position in the NHL. This isn't just proven through his stats; Schenn has been a key leader since being named captain in 2023 and guiding the team through a re-tool.
Contract Comparison
Cap Wages shows the captain signed an 8-year $52,000,000 contract with a cap hit of $6,500,000. Schenn’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2027 – 28 season.
The league average contract for all second liners is as follows: a 5-year $31,185,000 contract value with a cap hit of $5,141,801 and 3 years remaining.
Summary
So, what does all this information mean? Interpreting this information can be challenging because numerous variables also play a role, such as injuries, expected salary changes, entry-level deals, and even unfavorable line combinations.
That said, the Blues need more bang for their buck.
For example, Quinton Byfield is a multi-positional forward who, according to Cap Wages, signed a 5-year $31,250,000 contract with 4 years remaining and a cap hit of $6,250,000.
Byfield has proven to be a reliable player as he played in 81 games in the 2024 – 25 season, averaging 18 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time per game, according to Cap Wages.
Byfield was a point producer this past season, registering 23 goals and 31 assists for a total of 54 points. In the future, a player similar to Byfield may be a good option for the Blues to seek, whether it's a free agent or a trade.
As far as Schenn. Well, he’s the team's leader, for now. As new faces continue to appear, and eventually, when we watch the captain give his last interview, it’s essential to consider the impact he has had as our leader.
Closing thought - how has Brayden Schenn impacted your perspective on what characteristics are needed to be a Blues captain?