St. Louis Blues: Departures, Possible Exits, and Prospective Incoming Players
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — With training camp underway and the 2025–26 NHL season approaching, the St. Louis Blues are navigating a critical transition period. General manager Doug Armstrong has acknowledged that roster changes are part of the organization’s efforts to remain competitive in the Western Conference. That means some familiar names may be on the way out, while fresh faces could soon arrive.
Players Departing or Likely to Leave
- Marco Scandella (D) — The veteran defenseman’s contract is expiring, and given his age and the team’s focus on youth development, he is unlikely to be re-signed.
- Kasperi Kapanen (F) — Entering the final year of his deal, Kapanen could be a trade candidate if the Blues slide out of contention. His speed remains valuable, but the club may look to recoup assets.
- Sammy Blais (F) — While a fan favorite, Blais’ inconsistent health and production raise questions about his long-term future in St. Louis. He could test the free-agent market in 2026.
- Joel Hofer (G) — Though considered the goaltender of the future, whispers around the league suggest Hofer could be included in a blockbuster trade if the Blues pursue a star forward.
Prospective Incoming Players
Doug Armstrong has stressed the importance of competition across the roster. If departures materialize, the Blues are eyeing several options:
- Free-Agent Forwards — The Blues are rumored to be monitoring upcoming unrestricted free agents with scoring upside. Names like Steven Stamkos and Jake Guentzel have been loosely linked, though cap space will be a major factor.
- Defensive Reinforcements — With Scandella likely leaving, St. Louis could turn to younger blueliners such as Scott Perunovich and Matthew Kessel to take on larger roles. Armstrong may also explore affordable veteran depth in free agency.
- Top Prospects — Players like Dalibor Dvorský (C) and Otto Stenberg (F) are expected to push harder for NHL spots this season or next. Their development is central to the team’s long-term rebuild/retool plan.
- Trade Targets — If Armstrong seeks to accelerate the Blues’ return to playoff contention, potential trade targets could include forwards stuck in rebuilding teams or defensemen with term left on their contracts.
Looking Ahead
For Blues fans, the 2025–26 season will be as much about watching the growth of young stars as it is about chasing a playoff berth. Armstrong has warned that change is inevitable but insists it will be guided by the vision of blending experienced veterans with a core of emerging talent.
The key questions: Will the Blues move on from veterans like Kapanen and Scandella before the deadline? Can prospects like Dvorský and Stenberg rise quickly enough to impact the roster? And will Armstrong make a bold splash to push the Blues back into Stanley Cup contention?
One thing is certain: competition is fierce, and the Blues’ next roster decisions will shape their future direction.
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