Blues bolster forward group with Suter, Bjugstad
Also get younger on defense with trade for Mailloux
St. Louis Blues 2025-26 Season Outlook
After the NHL Draft, free agency, and other offseason moves, here’s where the St. Louis Blues stand heading into the 2025-26 regular season, which begins Oct. 7.
2024-25 Recap
Record: 44-30-8 (5th in Central Division)
Playoffs: Lost in the Western Conference First Round
Key Additions
- Pius Suter, F – Signed a two-year deal on July 1. Expected to center the second or third line. Set career highs in goals (25) and points (46) with Vancouver last season, playing 81 games and averaging 17:21 of ice time.
- Nick Bjugstad, F – Also signed a two-year contract on July 1. Will add depth as a fourth-line center or winger. Posted 19 points in 66 games for Utah last season after a 45-point season the year before.
- Logan Mailloux, D – Acquired from Montreal for Zack Bolduc on July 1. The 22-year-old logged four points in seven games last season and projects as a future top-four defenseman.
Key Departures
- Zack Bolduc, F – Traded to Montreal after a breakout under coach Jim Montgomery, with 19 goals and 36 points last season.
- Radek Faksa, F – Signed a three-year deal with Dallas. Posted 15 points in 70 games for St. Louis last year.
- Nick Leddy, D – Claimed off waivers by San Jose on July 3. Tallied five points in 31 games last season.
- Ryan Suter, D – Currently an unrestricted free agent after playing all 82 games last season with 15 points.
Prospects on the Verge
- Dalibor Dvorsky, F – No. 10 pick in 2023; could start on the wing if he makes the roster.
- Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, F – Posted 34 points in 63 AHL games last season.
- Nikita Alexandrov, F – Had 49 points in 48 AHL games last year; 51 NHL games of experience.
- Otto Stenberg, F – Joined the AHL midseason, scoring 17 points in 38 games.
- Zach Dean, F – Limited to 11 AHL games due to injury; nine NHL games in 2023-24.
- Jakub Stancl, F – Recorded 57 points in 58 WHL games last season.
- Adam Jiricek, D – No. 16 pick in 2024; injuries have slowed his development but could make the team if healthy.
Management’s Perspective
GM Doug Armstrong believes the roster is mostly set but expects more young forwards to get opportunities next year, stressing the importance of proper development over rushing prospects.
Stat Spotlight
The Blues ranked third in midrange shots (699) last season and tied for ninth in midrange goals (84). Jordan Kyrou ranked sixth in both categories individually, and newcomers like Suter add more midrange scoring threat.
Fantasy Outlook
Cam Fowler revitalized his production after being traded from Anaheim last season, ranking among the top defensemen in even-strength points and playoff scoring. He should be considered a fringe top-30 fantasy blueliner.
Projected Lineup
Forwards:
Pavel Buchnevich – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
Dylan Holloway – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours – Pius Suter – Nick Bjugstad
Alexey Toropchenko – Oskar Sundqvist – Nathan Walker
Defense:
Cam Fowler – Colton Parayko
Philip Broberg – Justin Faulk
Tyler Tucker – Logan Mailloux
Goalies:
Jordan Binnington
Joel Hofer
