During the 2023-24 season, St. Louis Blues forward Jake’s neighbors had a breakout year for the Central Division team. In 77 games against the Blues that year, he notched a career-best 27 goals and tallied 38 points, marking a significant step forward for the 2020 first-round pick and proving his ability to impact the NHL stage.
Building on that strong performance, in the following season, he played all 82 games for the Blues, scoring 22 goals while setting new career highs with 24 assists, 46 points, and 173 hits. He also contributed offensively during the postseason, accumulating six points in the seven-game first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Overall, Jake’s neighbors continue to progress positively in their development, gradually becoming a key member of the Blues roster. Considering he is just 23 years old and still early in his career, there is plenty of reason to believe he can elevate his game even further next season.
Looking back at his early career, it’s reasonable to expect he could solidify himself as a legitimate top-six forward at the NHL level. If he can maintain his offensive production and increase his physical play, he could become a vital part of the Blues’ core. It will be intriguing to see how Alberta’s Calgary contributes to the Blues’ lineup in the upcoming season.
Additionally, former Blues goaltender Jaroslav Halak has officially announced his retirement after not playing for two consecutive seasons, according to Denic Sports’ Thomas Procop.
Photo credit: © James Carey Lauder-Immagn Image
Fan Take: This development signals exciting growth for the Blues as they cultivate promising young talent poised to become central to their success. Halak’s retirement also marks the end of an era, reminding fans of the ever-evolving nature of hockey and the continuous cycle of emerging stars stepping up.
