Here’s the hockey viking’s season outlook for the St. Louis Blues, including a recap of last season, an outlook/summary for this season, player additions/subtractions, a roster chart, a depth chart/offensive and defensive line chart, and season prediction.
The past few seasons have been quite the rollercoaster for the St. Louis Blues, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. With a solid mix of seasoned veterans and young blood, expectations are high. This blend has historically been the secret sauce for success, and the Blues are banking on this recipe once again as they hit the ice ready to tackle the new season.
Recap of the 2024-25 Season
The Blues entered the 2024-25 campaign under a cloud of uncertainty. After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the franchise, under GM Doug Armstrong’s direction, had shifted into a retooling mode—blending veterans with emerging young pieces and a handful of key acquisitions.
Regular season performance:
The Blues finished with a 44-30-8 record, good for 96 points, placing them 5th in the Central Division and 8th in the Western Conference, earning a return to the playoffs.
They scored approximately 254 goals while conceding 233, showing decent offensive output and a moderate defensive performance.
The season featured two very distinct halves: a sluggish start under Head Coach Drew Bannister (9-12-1) followed by a major rejuvenation after the mid-season coaching change to Jim Montgomery (35-18-7 under his watch).
Key storylines:
The coaching change was a game-changer. After a worrying start, the hiring of Montgomery helped the Blues right the ship in dramatic fashion—boosting play, energy, and results.
The team’s elite forward duo of Robert Thomas (78 points) and Jordan Kyrou (34 goals) again led the offence, showing that the top end is functioning.
Defence and special teams remained work-in-progress: while the backend added some offense, penalty killing was sub-par (approx. 74.2%) and the Blues were still vulnerable in one-goal games and late leads.
The playoff return was significant—but the finish was brutal: a first-round exit, losing Game 7 in double overtime to the Winnipeg Jets after blowing a 2-goal lead in the final two minutes of regulation.
Takeaway: The 2024-25 season marked a successful reset. The Blues proved they could compete, secured a playoff berth, and restored belief. But they also revealed that the jump from playoff participant to serious Cup contender still requires upgrades—especially on defence, depth and special teams.
Outlook for 2025-26
Looking ahead, the Blues are at an interesting juncture: the core is largely intact, expectation is elevated, but the margin for error is shrinking. The following factors will shape their path:
Strengths
The top-end talent is real. Thomas, Kyrou, and Pavel Buchnevich give the Blues a high-end offensive ceiling.
A more modern, aggressive coaching identity under Montgomery suits the younger pieces and injects urgency.
Goaltending appears steady: Jordan Binnington bounced back to a solid campaign (approx. 2.69 GAA / .900 SV%).
The prospect pool is starting to contribute, giving hope for sustainable depth.
Weaknesses / Risks
Defence and penalty kill remain weak links: unless significantly improved, they’ll continue to cost the team in tight games.
Depth scoring and secondary scoring need to step up. The Blues cannot rely solely on their top three.
Contract and cap considerations loom: the core is locked in long-term, but flexibility may be limited for external upgrades.
The Western Conference remains loaded: competition will be fierce, leaving a thin margin for error.
Key Additions & Subtractions
Additions: They signed centre Pius Suter to a two-year deal (~$4.125 M) to bolster depth down the middle and improve 3rd-line scoring.
Extensions: Defenceman Cam Fowler, acquired in December 2024, signed a three-year $18.3 M extension in late September 2025.
Departures: Veteran roles saw some movement—among them Radek Faksa and Ryan Suter departed via free agency.
Focus areas: According to internal commentary, the team needs to address right-side defence and improve secondary scoring to make the next leap.
Projected Roster
Here’s a look at a likely core roster for 2025-26 (subject to injury/trade movement).
Forwards
C: Robert Thomas
C: Brayden Schenn (Captain)
C: Pius Suter
LW/RW: Jordan Kyrou
LW/RW: Pavel Buchnevich
LW/RW: Dylan Holloway
LW/RW: Jake Neighbours
Bottom-six depth: Mathieu Joseph, Alexey Toropchenko, Nathan Walker
Defense
Colton Parayko (L)
Cam Fowler (R)
Justin Faulk (R)
Philip Broberg (R)
Plus depth pieces: Tyler Tucker, Matthew Kessel
Goaltenders
Jordan Binnington (Starter)
Joel Hofer (Backup)
*Note: Some players (especially younger depth/ABL/NHL) could move between minors or the NHL roster.
Depth Chart & Line Combos
Here’s how the Blues might deploy their lines and pairings early in 2025-26:
Offensive Lines
Thomas (C) – Kyrou (RW) – Buchnevich (LW)
Schenn (C) – Holloway (RW) – Joseph (LW)
Suter (C) – Neighbours (LW/RW) – Toropchenko (RW)
Walker (C/LW) – [Depth winger] – [Depth winger]
Defensive Pairings
Parayko (L) – Fowler (R)
Faulk (R) – Broberg (R)
Tucker (R) – Kessel (R) / alternate depth D
Goaltending Rotation
Binnington starts majority of games
Hofer gets regular backup starts, and spot-starts to keep Binnington fresh
2025-26 Season Prediction
Given the above, here’s a realistic projection for how the Blues could fare:
Regular season record: Expect something in the ballpark of 48–28–6 (≈ 102 points), which would likely net them a top-4 finish in the Central or a high wildcard slot.
Playoffs: I foresee the Blues returning to the postseason, likely advancing beyond the first round for the first time in a few years. Their chance to get to the conference semifinals is strong, provided health remains favorable and special teams improve.
Challenges: The team must improve its penalty kill and tighter defensive execution. In tight one-goal games and when maintaining leads late, the Blues need to show “closing-out” ability that was lacking in 2024-25.
Upside scenario: If Broberg takes the next step, the 2nd line produces solid offense, and Binnington stays elite, the Blues could be dark-horse Cup contenders in the Western Conference.
Downside scenario: If injuries hit the top-6, or the defence/back end fails to improve, they could be vulnerable and risk an early playoff exit again.
In short: 2025-26 will be a “make-or-move-forward” year for St. Louis. They’re past the re-build phase, the core is locked, and the expectation is playoff heavy-lifting. If all clicks, the Blues could surprise. If not, the margin for error is small.
Stars on Ice: Player Profiles and Emerging Talents
Every team needs its standout stars, and the St. Louis Blues are no exception. As 2025 approaches, a trio of players is expected to shine brightly on the ice, shaping the narrative for the Blues’ season.
Leading the charge is a dynamic star player in Robert Thomas, whose leadership and grit have paved the way for many victories. Not only does their experience on the ice speak volumes, but their ability to rally the team during crucial moments makes them indispensable.
Emerging talents are the lifeblood of any hockey team. The Blues have a promising pool of young players eager to prove themselves. Jordan Kyrou is one of these fresh faces, and he’s shown glimpses of excellence in games. His speed and skillset add an exciting unpredictability to the lineup, making them players to watch in 2025.
One particular player’s knack for finding the back of the net is complemented by another’s defensive prowess, creating a formidable partnership on the ice. Each player should work on honing specific skills to reach their full potential, whether it’s improving faceoff wins or boosting breakaway speed.
Lastly, the influence of seasoned players cannot be overstated. Veterans know when to step up and guide the team through tougher patches of the season. They serve as mentors to younger players, creating an enriching environment where everyone learns and grows together. Their presence provides stability, ensuring the Blues remain poised in high-pressure situations.
Game Plan Strategies: Blueprint for a Successful Season
Game strategies are an intricate dance, a mix of tried-and-true methods with fresh tactics. The St. Louis Blues’ 2025 playbook is stacked with strategic elements designed to adapt and conquer. Incorporating aggressive forechecking and a strong defensive zone presence can help counter some of the NHL’s quickest teams.
Coaching will play a pivotal role as always. Emphasizing a faster pace on the ice with sharp transitions from defense to attack can catch opponents off guard. The coaching staff’s ability to tweak lines and make real-time adjustments based on game dynamics might be the difference between a win and a loss.
Tactics will pivot to counter individual teams throughout the season. Detailed opponent analysis and bespoke strategies offer the Blues a competitive edge. Whether it’s employing a tight man-to-man defense or building plays around a particularly skilled sniper, adaptability is a critical asset.
Adding a dash of flair and unpredictability in team formations keeps opponents guessing. Shifting formations mid-game can be a strategic weapon, forcing oppositions to adjust on the fly. This kind of adaptability reflects a modern approach to the game, ensuring the Blues can navigate the unpredictable waters of the 2025 season successfully.
Final Thoughts
Gazing into the crystal ball, it’s essential to consider both the opportunities and the potential pitfalls that lie ahead. One major trend to watch is how they adapt to the increasing pace of the game.
Speed and agility are becoming the bread and butter of the NHL, and the Blues will need to keep up. Another crucial factor is the team’s canny ability to create scoring chances out of nowhere, which has been a hallmark of their game style.
When it comes to predictions, the landscape is both exciting and challenging. Expect the Blues to push for a playoff spot, but they’ll need to overcome stiff competition. Key divisional matchups will be make-or-break moments, acting as both a challenge and an opportunity for the team to prove their mettle.
However, there are roadblocks worth noting. Injuries and player fatigue have historically derailed the best of seasons. The team’s depth will be tested, so it’s vital for the coaching staff to have a backup plan. Load management and smart rotations will be crucial in keeping the team fresh and ready to compete.
I’m optimistic yet realistic on these St. Louis Blues, seeing both the potential highs and the possible lows. They know that the Blues are more than capable of turning heads this season. So buckle up, because this season’s forecast is a thrilling ride with the Blues battling under the spotlight.
Be sure to check out the hockey viking’s season outlook for the rest of the NHL