Scouting the Division: St. Louis Blues
As the calendar continues drawing closer to the opening of training camps across the NHL, we’re taking time to look around the new-look Central Division at the Blackhawks’ opponents for the coming season.
After discussing the Coyotes, Avalanche, Stars, Wild and Predators, let’s now turn our eyes south to the Hawks’ hated rivals in St. Louis. What’s going on with the Blues?
- Expansion Draft: Vince Dunn
- Key Losses: Jaden Schwartz, Mike Hoffman, Tyler Bozak, Sammy Blais, Carl Gunnarsson
- Key Additions: Pavel Buchnevich, Brandon Saad
- 2021-22 Cap Space: 1,531,151
(per CapFriendly)
Departures
The gap didn’t do the Blues any favors being stuck this year and their losses were significant. Losing Dunn to Seattle was an understandable loss and a pretty big one for the Blues. When Schwartz joined him with the Kraken it was another tough blow to St. Louis’ roster. They also lost Hoffman and Bozak up front which hits their depth significantly. And we still don’t have a trade of Vladimir Tarasenko, who has made his desire to leave clear.
Additions
Buchnevich is going to be a pain in the ass for years. He’s a really nice player the Rangers let go for cheap because of their own cap concerns. Adding Saad to the mix helps to offset some of their losses up front.
What Does It Mean?
The Blues appear to be a work in progress still. Again, Tarasenko wants out so we’ll see how that plays out. But they took some big hits up front and were able to do a modest job replacing them. It’ll suck seeing Saad in a St. Louis sweater but at least he isn’t in Colorado any more.
Tarasenko isn’t going anywhere until its confirmed that his shoulder is fully healed and if it is and the Blues are playing well, he won’t be traded. They have a great coach .
Another team with potential to be a playoff team but also could finish 7th ahead of AZ. The Tarasenko situation will play a big role. Still got O’Reilly but no longer have Pietrangelo so they’re Cup winning core is diminished – how much? We’ll see.
Lost alot of key pieces with only a couple of key adds, plus an unhappy Tarasenko if he isn’t moved. Doesn’t sound like a recipe for contender, Binnington should give them big league goaltending but lots of questions in front of him this year.
Colo
Win
STL
Chi
Dal
Nash
Minn
AZ
Vegas
Edm
LA
Cal
Van
Sea
SJ
Ana
TB
Fla
Bos
Tor
Mont
Ott
Det
Buf
Was
Pitt
Caro
NYI
NYR
Philly
NJ
Colum
In the Central I think Colorado finishes first, Arizona and Nashville will be at the bottom and the rest is a scramble.
JR
Minn- will be much higher than that-imo
Agree Avs obviously the cream of the division, Coyotes look like the weakest team in the division. If Kaprizov signs, Wild should be a good young team. I expect 2 of Preds, Blues, Jets or Stars to struggle and not likely be in hunt for a playoff spot. Think the Blackhawks will finish 3rd or 4th in the division.