Dylan Holloway's impressive performance with the St. Louis Blues has sparked discussions about his upcoming contract extension. After being acquired by the Blues via offer sheet, Holloway quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for the team. With his current contract nearing its end, projections for his next deal are a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

Holloway's first full season in St. Louis was a resounding success. By mid-season, it became clear that extending his contract was not a matter of "if" but "when" and "how much". He showcased his skills as a legitimate two-way forward, contributing both offensively and defensively. Before his injury, Holloway had a career-year, highlighted by a hat trick against the Detroit Red Wings and a memorable overtime goal against Vancouver. He finished the season with 63 points (26 goals and 37 assists) in 77 games, demonstrating his offensive capabilities and his +21 rating reflected his defensive responsibility.

Several factors will influence the specifics of Holloway's new contract. His performance in the 2024-25 season undoubtedly boosted his value. The rising NHL salary cap also provides the Blues with more financial flexibility to secure Holloway long-term. However, the Blues may want to see if Holloway can replicate his performance before committing to a long-term, high-value deal.

Different contract scenarios have been proposed. One projection suggests a 5-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million. This would align Holloway's contract term with that of Colton Parayko, another key player for the Blues. Another possibility is a shorter, "bridge" deal to allow both the team and Holloway to further assess their long-term fit. A 4-year deal at $4 million AAV has also been suggested, considered a fair price for a young player who has shown promise. Some analysts even suggest that if Holloway continues to improve and becomes a consistent 70+ point winger, his contract could resemble Matt Boldy's, which is a 7-year deal worth $7 million annually.

The Blues have already invested significant money in their core players, including Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Colton Parayko, and Pavel Buchnevich. Extending both Holloway and Philip Broberg (another rising star on the Blues) at around $7 million AAV would bring the core group's cost to a manageable number under the projected future cap.

There is a possibility that the Blues might consider trading Jordan Kyrou, whose contract could serve as a benchmark for Holloway's next deal. Kyrou has a no-trade clause kicking in soon, giving the Blues a limited window to explore trade options to create cap space for Holloway.

Ultimately, the Blues will likely aim to lock in Holloway through his prime years, solidifying their core for the long term. While there's no immediate rush to finalize a deal, securing Holloway's future with the team remains a high priority for St. Louis.