St. Louis Blues: Preparing for the 2025-26 Season
ST. LOUIS — As the dust settles on the Florida Panthers’ recent triumph in the 2024-25 season, attention swiftly shifts to the upcoming 2025-26 season. For the St. Louis Blues, the immediate focus centers on the NHL Draft set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles. Currently, they are positioned to make significant moves with a trifecta of draft picks: a first-round selection, along with fifth- and sixth-round picks, unless trades alter their strategy.
Just as the draft concludes, the free agency period will commence on July 1, further complicating the team’s planning.
Development Camp and Team Goals
In addition to the draft and free agency preparations, the Blues will also host a development camp from June 30 to July 3. This event will showcase some of the most promising prospects within their system. After finishing the last season with a 44-30-8 record, the team is eager to break their playoff drought that has lasted for three years.
Focus on Center Position
The center position appears to be a priority for the Blues. Previously discussed targets for unrestricted free agency (UFA) have decreased in number due to recent signings, such as Brock Nelson extending his contract with the Colorado Avalanche and Matt Duchene re-signing with the Dallas Stars. This has left general manager Doug Armstrong contemplating potential restricted free agents (RFA), including goalie Joel Hofer, whose future with the Blues hinges on their ability to reach an agreement before the July 1 deadline.
Potential Changes on the Blue Line
Furthermore, the Blues are contemplating modifications to their blue line. The situation surrounding veteran defenseman Torey Krug is precarious; reports indicate that his NHL career may be nearing its conclusion due to ongoing concerns related to arthritis in his left ankle. The team is also evaluating the potential involvement of other seasoned players like Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy in trade discussions.
With just over $13 million in salary cap space available, the Blues have multiple avenues to explore as they prepare for an exciting new season ahead.
