With the playoffs out of reach, what comes next for the Blues

The St. Louis Blues are not going to be participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, after a valiant effort. For most of this season, they had no part in the conversation about a playoff chance, which makes their recent play that much more special. 

Now, with three games remaining this week, and the end of the regular season within sight, what comes next in these couple of games? What exactly are we looking for, as this will be the first glimpse at what the 2026-27 season could hold? 

Let’s talk about it.

Prospect showcase

Now is the time to look at prospects and young talent, as they will be at the forefront next season. We have already seen what Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud, Otto Stenberg, and Logan Mailloux can do in their first real go-around the NHL, so they also count in this. 

We may not be able to see Justin Carbonneau or Adam Jirieck this season, as they are both deep in their CHL team’s playoff runs at the moment. But that is alright, as both made serious good strides this season with their respective squads, and we should expect to see those NHL debuts next season. 

Evaluating the youth is what will gauge how this summer will go. If those listed above continue to shine with the Blues, they will remain on this team for next season. When free agency hits on July 1, and Alexander Steen gets promoted to General Manager, he could bite on some bigger fish, because of how the development of the younger, cheaper players is going. 

After making the playoffs in 2024-25, miraculously, and then narrowly missing them this season, it is safe to say that they should still be in the conversation in 2026-27 for a surprise playoff run. They are such a wildcard team, with unexpectedness being their expectation.