The St. Louis Blues have entered the 2025-26 season with a retooled roster, sparking optimism among fans and analysts alike. General Manager Doug Armstrong has made several strategic moves aimed at improving both the team's immediate competitiveness and long-term potential. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for the Blues.

Key Acquisitions and Departures

One of the most significant moves was the acquisition of defenseman Logan Mailloux from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for winger Zachary Bolduc. Armstrong characterized the deal as a classic hockey trade, addressing needs for both teams. The Blues, possessing a surplus of talented wingers such as Jake Snuggerud, Jordan Kyrou, Dylan Holloway, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours, could afford to part with Bolduc. Mailloux, a 6'3" defenseman, is viewed as a player with excellent skating and shooting abilities, potentially fitting into the Blues' top-four defense in the future.

To bolster their forward depth, the Blues signed Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract. The veteran center, known for his face-off skills, is expected to contribute on the fourth line and provide versatility on the wing when needed. The Blues also added Pius Suter, signing him to a two-year deal. Suter, a strong penalty killer, is projected to slot into the second or third line center position.

Departures included Radek Faksa, who returned to the Dallas Stars, and Zack Bolduc. Additionally, Nick Leddy was claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks after the Blues were unable to trade him.

Roster Composition and Potential Lineup

The Blues' opening night roster for the 2025-26 season features a mix of established players and promising newcomers. The forward lines have seen significant improvement with the addition of Dylan Holloway, Mathieu Joseph, and Jimmy Snuggerud last season. Snuggerud, entering his first full season, is expected to have a prominent role and could be a contender for the Calder Trophy.

The defense also has a new look with the arrival of Mailloux, who will be making his Blues debut. Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler formed a strong defensive pairing last season, and the team hopes for a repeat performance.

Areas for Improvement

While the Blues have made strides in improving their roster, there are still areas that need attention. The penalty kill, which slipped last season, is a key focus for improvement. Additionally, the team could benefit from adding another young, top-four defenseman, though that might require trading veteran Justin Faulk.

Overall Assessment

The St. Louis Blues have strategically used the off-season to address areas of need and enhance their roster. The acquisitions of Logan Mailloux, Nick Bjugstad, and Pius Suter bring a mix of skill, depth, and experience to the team. With a blend of established stars and emerging talent, the Blues are aiming to improve upon their previous season and make a deeper run in the playoffs. The Blues made it into the playoffs last season via a wildcard spot, with a record of 44-30-8. Key players like Robert Thomas are expected to lead the charge, and a healthy Dylan Holloway will be a welcome addition to the lineup.