Central STL News

The St. Louis Blues have made several changes to their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, which begins on October 7. The team finished last season with a record of 44-30-8, placing fifth in the Central Division and exiting in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Among the key arrivals are forwards Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad. Suter, 29, signed a two-year contract on July 1 after achieving career highs in goals (25) and points (46) with the Vancouver Canucks last season. He is expected to play as a second- or third-line center. Bjugstad, 33, also agreed to a two-year deal and will add depth as a projected fourth-line center or winger. Last season, he recorded 19 points in 66 games for Utah following a previous campaign where he tallied 45 points.

On defense, Logan Mailloux was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Zack Bolduc. Mailloux, 22, has eight games of NHL experience and is projected to become a top-four defenseman for St. Louis.

Departures include Zack Bolduc, who was traded to Montreal after scoring all 19 of his goals under coach Jim Montgomery last season; Radek Faksa, who signed with Dallas; Nick Leddy, claimed off waivers by San Jose; and Ryan Suter, now an unrestricted free agent.

Several young players may soon join the main roster. Dalibor Dvorsky could start on the wing if he makes the team this year. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki had a strong first North American season with Springfield in the AHL. Nikita Alexandrov spent last year in Springfield but has prior NHL experience. Other prospects include Otto Stenberg, Zach Dean—who dealt with injury last year—Jakub Stancl from Kelowna in the WHL, and Adam Jiricek if healthy.

General manager Doug Armstrong commented on roster stability: "With a caveat, it only takes one phone call, but I would say our roster is pretty well set now. … But I would say next year at this time, there's going to be a great opportunity to input a lot of young forwards. I do believe that getting that foundation is so important for the player in the organization than force-feeding him into an area where maybe they can't have success. I think we've protected ourselves from having to do that while allowing them the right to come in and take a job."

Statistically, St. Louis ranked third in midrange shots on goal (699) last season and tied for ninth in midrange goals (84). Jordan Kyrou led individual efforts with high rankings in both categories among league forwards. Dylan Holloway and Robert Thomas also contributed significantly from midrange areas; new signing Pius Suter excelled similarly during his time with Vancouver.

On defense, Cam Fowler experienced increased production after joining from Anaheim midseason—ranking among top defensemen league-wide in even-strength points over that span—and remains a notable fantasy option according to analysts.

The projected lineup features Pavel Buchnevich alongside Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud on the top line; Dylan Holloway paired with Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou; Jake Neighbours centering Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad; Alexey Toropchenko joined by Oskar Sundqvist and Nathan Walker on another line; defensive pairings include Cam Fowler-Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg-Justin Faulk, Tyler Tucker-Logan Mailloux; goaltending duties are set for Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer.