The Hockey News Summer Splash series is an exclusive offseason ranking that evaluates each NHL team’s standing based on their offseason moves. This ranking starts from the Buffalo Sabres at 32nd place, moving up to the top team, and currently, the St. Louis Blues sit in 13th place. The series carefully analyzes team additions, departures, trades, and signings to determine how these changes impact each team’s prospects. Some teams have made notable improvements, others have seen slight changes, and some have regressed.
The Blues had a solid regular season last year, overcoming a slow start against the Winnipeg Jets but ultimately getting knocked out in the first playoff round. General Manager Doug Armstrong wasn’t hesitant to make bold moves, including some changes this summer. However, their position in the ranking reflects stability rather than significant improvement—they remain around the middle of the pack and will face stiff competition in the Central Division on their path to the playoffs.
New additions to the team include center Pius Suter, center Nick Bjugstad, and defenseman Logan Mailloux. Late last season, the Blues strengthened their defense by acquiring veteran Cam Fowler from Anaheim, which helped secure a playoff spot. This offseason, Armstrong focused on bolstering the team with experienced yet somewhat fringe players like former Vancouver Canuck Suter, seasoned veteran Bjugstad, and ex-Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mailloux. The Blues’ core remains centered on veteran center Robert Thomas, star winger Jordan Kyrou, and captain Brayden Schenn. These new players will need to have strong seasons to have a real impact.
Among departures, the list includes Zach Bolduc, Torey Krug, Radek Faksa, and Ryan Suter. Krug’s career has been effectively ended by injury, which allowed the Blues to bring in Mayu and place Krug on long-term injured reserve to manage salary cap space. Losing Bolduc, who scored 19 goals and accumulated 36 points last season, is a significant hit. However, Armstrong’s strategy is to invest cap space in promising young talent. Faksa’s defensive role is expected to be filled, at least in part, by Bjugstad, and Suter is likely retired after a distinguished career. Overall, these departures are seen as manageable setbacks for a team aiming to return to playoff contention.
In conclusion, the Blues’ collapse against the Jets was heartbreaking, but Armstrong chose not to overhaul the roster drastically. Instead, he opted for moderate reinforcements with non-elite talent, keeping the team near the middle of the Summer Splash rankings. While the Blues haven’t made significant changes yet, future moves are possible, especially as they compete in a tough Central Division against teams like the Utah Mammoth, who are making upward strides. The pressure is on St. Louis to start strong and possibly make bold moves to fulfill their long-term goal of becoming a Stanley Cup contender.
Summer Splash Ranking:
13. St. Louis Blues
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Colorado Avalanche
16. Ottawa Senators
17. Boston Bruins
18. Edmonton Oilers
19. Minnesota Wild
20. Seattle Kraken
21. Columbus Blue Jackets
22. Washington Capitals
23. Nashville Predators
24. New York Islanders
25. Tampa Bay Lightning
26. Toronto Maple Leafs
27. Dallas Stars
28. Calgary Flames
29. Los Angeles Kings
30. Winnipeg Jets
31. Chicago Blackhawks
32. Buffalo Sabres
Fan Take: This ranking matters because it shows how offseason moves could shape the competitive landscape in the NHL’s upcoming season, with teams like the Blues standing at a crossroads. For hockey fans, it highlights the delicate balance between rebuilding and contending, demonstrating how crucial smart management decisions are in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
