Team: 2024-25 St. Louis Blues

Initial Creation Date: May 5, 2024

Published: May 5, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

My first prediction is the Blues will attempt to move up in the draft to secure a top defensive prospect. I think it's doable, and definitely something the Blues need to do. Getting one of Dickinson, Buium, or Silayev would be massive for the retool.

Next, I think one of Faulk or Krug will be moved. Krug is almost impossible to move even at 50% retained due to his full NTC. Faulk (who also has a full NTC) should have a solid amount of value especially if the Blues retain on him. I think the Blues have faith in Kessel to play top 4 minutes next year and I think he will succeed in that role. If I had to guess Krug will be moved the second his full NTC turns into a partial NTC.

I also think the Blues will look to add a reclamation project. Army loves doing that and I'm sure he'll find some player to bring in to fill that category.

The Blues shouldn't be focused on winning this upcoming season. They need to focus on the development of the younger players. It would be great if Neighbours establishes himself as a top line player next to Thomas. I think Bolduc could do that as well. Thomas has a rare ability to make any player he plays with better, so keep putting our young players with him. Next, put Dvorsky in a position to succeed. If he's not in a prominent role, play him huge minutes in the AHL. Give Dean a look out of camp but I think it would be best for his long term development to get another year in the AHL.

Although he's not really young, I think Sylvegard makes the team. I'll be curious to see how good of a player he is.

As for young dmen, I'd like to see Kessel get full time top 4 minutes and see if he can handle it. I think he will be able to and will be an important part of the Blues defense for a long time. Next up I'd like to see Perunovich take over the top powerplay for the entire year and play with Parayko in certain situations. If he fails in that role, the Blues could plug in Johannesson who they just signed. I'd also like to see Tucker in a full time role but he NEEDS to stay on the left side. He simply doesn't have the speed to play on the right.

Lastly, I think Buch will get a long term extension. It's just such an Army thing to do. I personally think it's a big mistake but we'll see. My worry is by the time the Blues are truly ready to compete, Buch will be out of his prime and playing like Schenn is now. For this AGM, I decided to trade Buch anyway just to see what the trade would look like. Buch would have to sign an extension with whatever team traded for him.

As a Blues fan, is there any player you hope the Blues acquire this offseason?

Also, as we get closer to the draft, who are your initial draft targets?

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