The St. Louis Blues returned to the playoffs this previous season after a two-year hiatus. The Blues misplaced within the first spherical to the Winnipeg Jets in seven video games. Now the Blues look in direction of the offseason.
They’ve been a stable workforce since successful the Cup in 2019 however haven’t moved previous the second spherical of the playoffs in 4 of six seasons. They’ve loads of questions going into the offseason, however we have a look at the dream situation for the Blues on this 2025 NHL free-agency interval.
The Blues are in a stable scenario on the subject of the wage cap. They’ve simply three free brokers, with two unrestricted and backup goaltender Joel Hofer as a restricted free agent. They’re additionally projected to have between $9 million and $15.5 million in cap area in response to Cap Wages.
The primary query that must be answered is the way forward for Torey Krug. He’s at present on long-term IR, but when he finally ends up retiring, his cap hit of $6.5 million wouldn’t rely in direction of the wage cap attributable to the truth that he signed the contract earlier than turning 35 years previous. That may release loads of area to herald a high-quality free agent this offseason.
Moreover, the Blues must determine on the way forward for different present gamers. The primary is Jordan Kyrou. Kyrou has been extremely productive for the Blues, scoring 30 or extra objectives in every of the final three seasons. Moreover, he has missed simply three video games over the past three years.
Nonetheless, there have been murmurings of a commerce for Kyrou. The Blues would want to do this earlier than July 1, although, when his no-trade clause comes into impact. The second is Brayden Schenn, who has been a part of commerce rumors for a while.
No matter these choices, the Blues have a couple of key wants. They should determine the way forward for some future restricted free brokers whereas additionally including some younger defensive assist and a few middle-six assist for the forwards.
Blues re-sign Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg
St. Louis has a robust younger core on the ahead strains. That is led by Kyrou and Robert Thomas on the highest line, whereas having Jake Neighbours on the second line. Kyrou is the oldest of the three and will probably be 28 on the finish of the following season.
One of many different main items for the Blues is Dylan Holloway, who frolicked primarily on the second and third strains this 12 months. He’ll develop into a restricted free agent on the finish of subsequent season, and the Blues can start negotiations with him this offseason. Holloway sustained an damage on the finish of the common season however must be again to start out the following season.
Holloway was introduced in on a proposal sheet from the Edmonton Oilers within the offseason. It was an amazing season for Holloway final season, scoring 26 objectives and having 37 assists. That positioned him third on the workforce in factors this previous marketing campaign.
Moreover, he scored six objectives and added seven assists on the ability play. Earlier than this 12 months, Holloway had scored simply 9 objectives with 9 assists in 89 profession video games. He’s projected to price $6.6 million AAV at present, however the Blues must lock him up earlier than he has one other profession 12 months, and that value goes up once more.
In an identical vein, the Blues must lock up Broberg. He’s anticipated to price $6.7 million on a five-year deal, however there are completely different causes to carry Broberg again. Like Holloway, Broberg was introduced in on a proposal sheet from the Oilers this previous offseason.
Additionally, like Holloway, Broberg simply had one of the best season of his profession. He scored eight objectives whereas including 21 assists. Moreover, he had a plus/minus score of plus 21.
The foremost distinction is the necessity for youth among the many defenders. Of the top-six defenders, solely two are at present beneath the age of 32. One is Tyler Tucker, and the opposite is Broberg. The Blues’ protection is getting older, so they should lock up Broberg now.
Dante Fabbro is a dream match for the Blues
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The Blues’ protection was stable however not nice final season. They have been tied for eleventh within the NHL in objectives towards per recreation, however additionally they sat twenty seventh within the NHL on the penalty kill.
Moreover, one of many main causes for his or her excessive rating in goals-against common was Jordan Binnington, the goaltender. The Blues introduced in Cam Fowler midseason from the Anaheim Geese, and he completed second amongst blueliners in plus/minus simply behind Broberg. Nonetheless, he will probably be 34 this 12 months and will probably be a free agent on the finish of the season.
In the meantime, Nick Leddy is making $4 million to be a 3rd rotation blue-liner. He performed simply 31 video games this previous 12 months and is coming off one among his worst seasons. The 34-year-old does have a no-trade clause.
The identical holds true for Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, who each don’t have any commerce clauses and are additionally over the age of 32. Parayko didn’t have a decline this 12 months and was nonetheless a top-two defender on the workforce. Faulk has declined from his peak two years in the past, and his superior stats counsel that may proceed.
The Blues must get youthful on the blue line whereas shifting on from a number of the massive contracts of growing older defensemen. Whereas Aaron Ekblad could be a significant improve and considerably enhance the penalty kill, his price ticket is giant. Dante Fabbro will are available with a cheaper price tag and supply much-needed assist.
Fabbro is coming off one of the best season of his profession and had one of the best plus/minus of his profession whereas enjoying in Columbus. He’ll price simply $4.5 million, which is able to usher in a younger defender at price who may help on the penalty kill.
Blues signal some middle-six assist
The Blues additionally want middle-six scoring assist. Schenn is the present second-line middle and in addition the topic of commerce rumors. Schenn did have 18 objectives and 31 assists this 12 months, however his 18 objectives are the bottom in a nonshortened season since 2018-19.
An excellent choice for alternative will probably be free agent John Tavares. Tavares is a constant participant. He has scored greater than 50 factors in 12 straight seasons and greater than 60 in 11 of 12. The one miss was the 2020-21 season when he scored 50 factors in 56 video games.
Moreover, Tavares brings in a bunch of postseason expertise. He has performed in 75 postseason video games with 53 factors, 10 extra factors than Schenn in seven fewer video games.
Tavares can be an reasonably priced improve. Schenn will price $6.5 million this 12 months. Tavares will price extra, at $7.9 million, however with only a $1.4 million enhance, the manufacturing distinction is greater than price it for the Blues.
St. Louis has a promising offseason forward, and it begins with taking good care of their very own gamers. The dream might be fulfilled by bringing in a high quality younger blue liner and capping it off by signing John Tavares.