NHL.com is offering detailed roster, prospect, and fantasy analysis for all 32 teams from August 1 to September 1. Today’s focus is on the St. Louis Blues.
The St. Louis Blues are committed to their strategy of retooling and fostering internal development to return to a familiar place: the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Despite a positive performance last season with a record of 43-33-6, finishing fifth in the Central Division, the Blues unfortunately missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. This was particularly disappointing after qualifying for the postseason in 10 of the previous 11 seasons, including their Cup victory in 2019.
General manager Doug Armstrong opted against significant spending and using cap space in free agency, but he did make headlines by offering sheet contracts on August 13 to two players from the Stanley Cup finalist Edmonton Oilers: Philip Broberg (two years, $9.16 million; $4.58 million average annual value), regarded by the Blues as a top-four defenseman, and Dylan Holloway (two years, $4.58 million; $2.29 million AAV), viewed as a top-nine forward.
The Oilers had a week to match the offers but chose not to, leading to compensation in the form of a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for Broberg, 23, and a third-round pick in 2025 for Holloway, 22.
“We have closely monitored these two young players since their draft years and observed their development,” Armstrong said Tuesday. “They have been part of a highly competitive team for the past couple of seasons and have alternated between the American Hockey League and the NHL as the Oilers managed their salary cap. Their growth in the American League and their performance last year in the playoffs were impressive, aligning with their draft status. This presented us with an opportunity to maintain our objective of adding as many players as possible within a specific age group.”
The intention was evident.
“I believe we are a stronger team now than we were at the conclusion of last season, particularly due to the three new additions to our lineup,” Armstrong noted last month, referencing the forward positions. ”We’ve improved in speed, determination, and size.”
The Blues kickstarted their roster changes on June 28, acquiring center Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Subsequently, St. Louis signed the 24-year-old to a two-year, $4.2 million contract, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent on July 1.
“He fits into our desired age group,” Armstrong explained regarding Texier. “Given our available cap space, this was a risk-reward transaction that made sense for us. It represents a fresh start for him and a new asset for us.”
On July 2, the Blues secured forward Mathieu Joseph along with a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Ottawa Senators for future considerations. On the same day, they also obtained forward Radek Faksa from the Dallas Stars under similar terms.
“We recognized the need to be a tougher team to compete against, one that could play more physically near the boards and in front of the net,” said Blues coach Drew Bannister, who signed a two-year contract on May 7, removing the interim designation. “We’ve certainly addressed that, and we are now quicker than we were yesterday.”
“Their strengths lie in their ability to make plays off the puck and excel in penalty killing situations.”
On June 29, the Blues traded center Kevin Hayes along with a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations, creating additional cap space. One of St. Louis’ most crucial decisions was retaining forward Pavel Buchnevich by signing him to a six-year, $48 million contract ($8 million AAV) on July 2. This deal starts with the 2025-26 season and secures the 29-year-old for the next seven years.
“Our aim is to have players make the most of their prime years, and I believe ‘Buch’ can achieve that,” Armstrong stated. “However, actuarial tables remind us that not all players realize their full potential. Thus, we must look ahead, and this is simply part of doing business in today’s NHL.”
Buchnevich ranked third in scoring for the Blues last season with 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) over 80 games, marking his third consecutive season with at least 25 goals and 60 points.
“Since joining us, he has consistently performed at a high level and has become a point-per-game player,” Armstrong remarked. “His ability to play multiple positions, coupled with his hockey sense and professionalism, instills confidence that this contract will age well.”
The team recognized the need to enhance its defensive lineup, taking action on July 3 by signing Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Mathieu Joseph’s younger brother, to a one-year, $950,000 deal. Additionally, they added 39-year-old Ryan Suter, signing him to a one-year contract worth $775,000 on July 10, with potential performance bonuses that could increase his earnings to $3 million.
Suter’s signing, following his buyout from the Stars on June 28, provided insurance after the Blues announced on July 16 that defenseman Torey Krug might miss the entire 2024-25 season due to pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. Krug’s reassessment was scheduled for 6 to 8 weeks, during which he would focus on rehabilitation using non-surgical methods.
Armstrong hinted that St. Louis may not be finished reshaping its roster and retains available cap space for further moves if necessary.
“We have the capacity to make adjustments,” he noted. “… I’m enthusiastic about our goaltenders (Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer) and the depth we now have on our roster. However, if we need to assist someone in a tight situation, we may be positioned to provide that support.”
“`html
St. Louis Blues Focus on Retooling Strategy to Return to Stanley Cup Playoffs
Understanding the Current Landscape of the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues, a storied franchise in the NHL, are currently navigating a pivotal phase in their history. After their triumphant Stanley Cup victory in 2019, the team has faced challenges that have hindered their playoff ambitions. As they aim to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs, a strategic retooling effort is underway, focusing on both player development and roster optimization.
The Importance of a Retooling Strategy
Retooling is essential for NHL teams looking to maintain competitiveness without embarking on a full rebuild. The St. Louis Blues are implementing this strategy to balance veteran presence with the emergence of young talent. Here are key reasons why a retooling strategy is critical for the Blues:
- Sustained Competitiveness: By reshaping their roster, the Blues can remain competitive in a challenging Central Division.
- Player Development: Focusing on nurturing young talent ensures the future of the franchise is secured.
- Financial Flexibility: A retooling strategy allows the Blues to manage their salary cap effectively while pursuing key free agents.
Key Elements of the Blues’ Retooling Strategy
The retooling strategy of the St. Louis Blues involves several critical components aimed at revitalizing the lineup:
1. Investing in Young Talent
The Blues have a strong farm system that includes promising prospects. By integrating these players into the main roster, they can infuse new energy and creativity into the game.
2. Strategic Trades and Acquisitions
Trades can significantly impact the team’s performance. The Blues are actively exploring trade opportunities to acquire players who can contribute immediately while also considering long-term potential.
3. Coaching and Development Enhancements
Improving coaching staff and development programs is vital. The Blues aim to enhance their player development strategies, focusing on skill development and tactical awareness.
Recent Moves and Their Impact
| Player | Position | Acquisition Type | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Kyrou | Forward | Draft | Potential elite scorer |
| Robert Thomas | Forward | Draft | Playmaking ability |
| Colton Parayko | Defenseman | Draft | Defensive anchor |
| Brayden Schenn | Forward | Trade | Leadership and experience |
Benefits of the Retooling Approach
Implementing a retooling strategy offers numerous benefits for the St. Louis Blues:
- Improved Team Chemistry: Bringing in new players can rejuvenate locker room dynamics, fostering a positive environment.
- Increased Fan Engagement: Fans appreciate witnessing the emergence of young, talented players, which can boost attendance and engagement.
- Long-Term Success: By focusing on player development, the Blues can ensure sustained success rather than short-term fixes.
Case Study: Successful Retooling in the NHL
Examining other NHL teams that have successfully executed a retooling strategy can provide valuable insights for the St. Louis Blues:
Example: New York Rangers
In recent years, the New York Rangers underwent a significant retooling effort, shifting from an aging roster to one filled with youth and potential. Key moves included:
- Drafting high-impact players like Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko.
- Making strategic trades that brought in young talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
The Rangers have since re-established themselves as a playoff contender, showcasing the effectiveness of a well-planned retooling strategy.
Practical Tips for the Blues’ Retooling Strategy
For the St. Louis Blues, executing an effective retooling strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some practical tips:
- Prioritize Young Talent: Focus on integrating young players into the lineup, giving them valuable experience.
- Build Through the Draft: Invest in scouting and developing talent through the NHL Draft to secure future stars.
- Monitor Salary Cap Management: Keep a close eye on salary cap space to ensure financial flexibility for future trades or signings.
First-Hand Experience: Players on the Front Lines
Current players like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas have expressed enthusiasm about their development and the direction of the team. Kyrou stated, “We are excited about the changes and feel like we have the potential to make a significant impact this season.” This sentiment is mirrored across the locker room, showing a unified front as the team embarks on this journey.
Conclusion
The St. Louis Blues are poised to make a significant push for the Stanley Cup playoffs by focusing on a strategic retooling approach. By integrating young talent, making savvy trades, and enhancing player development, they are setting themselves up for success in the competitive landscape of the NHL. As they continue this journey, fans can look forward to a thrilling season filled with potential and promise.
“`
