What's next for the St-Louis Blues

We're going to have look at the states of the PFHL St-Louis Blues. Big moves were made during this of offseason. Will we see the best St-Louis Blues version we've seen in the PFHL or are we on another sad season for the Blues ?

The Blues offseason started with the 2024 PFHL draft. The Blues had 7 picks and started the draft without a first rounder.

With the 39th overall, 87th overall and 109th overall, the Blues acquired the 29th overall pick where Stian Solberg (D). The young D man from Norway is one of the most intriguing players for this draft. Stian Solberg draft stock skyrocketed during last season. Big, physical defenseman who plays an in-your-face off-puck game. He doesn't have that much offense in him but he'll likely play on a second pairing for the Blues. He'll play a season or two in the SHL/AHL.
With the 46th overall pick, the Blues selected Leo Sahlin Wallenius (D) from Sweden. Don’t expect Sahlin Wallenius to jump to North America for another couple of seasons, if not more. He’s projected to be a top-four defenseman, though it may take some time to get there. In the near future, we could have a D line with Solberg and Sahlin Wallenius.

With the 103th pick, the Blues selected Ollie Josephson (C).

Colton Roberts (D) was selected at 133th overall. Roberts is expected to return to the Vancouver Giants in the fall.

Jakub Fibigr (D) at 174. We wouldn't be surprised if in a few seasons Fibigr becomes one of the best gem out of the 2024 Draft !

Tory Pitner (D) and Kaden Pitre (C) at 199th overall and 200th overall.

The 2023 Draft was focused with forward players while the 2024 Draft was clearly to boost the defense side.

Sam Reinhart (C/RW)

Reinhart was signed with the UFA market at $8M for the next 4 seasons if a hefty signing bonus. This move is probably the best move we've made this offseason. Right away, Sam Reinhart boost the first line. He's expected to play on the wing with Nikolaj Ehlers. We still don't know who's going to center that line but we wouldn't be surprised if Fantilli gets the opportunity early on. Reinhart had an average last season with the LA Kings scoring 36 goals / 35 assists. His numbers are going to go way up this season. At 28, he'll be under contract till 2028/2029.

Nikolaj Ehlers (LW/RW)

Ehlers was traded during this offseason. Like Reinhart, he's an instant upgrade for the PP and the first line. Nikolaj Ehlers won the stanley cup last season with the Panthers and he had a career season with 58 goals / 71 assists for 129 points. At $3M for the next season (possible UFA) he's on a great deal for the Blues. Negociations with Ehlers will be complicated but time will tell for his next contract with the Blues. We gave a lot for him (Wright and Bourque) but he'll help to develop Adam Fantilli.

Semyon Varlamov (G)

The Blues parted ways with Robin Lehner (traded Toronto) and signed the Russian veteran Semyon Varlamov. Now at 36, the netminder is clearly not in his prime time but will be a decent number 1 for the Blues. At $3M for the next 3 seasons, Varlamov contract will probably ageed poorly but it's still $3M under the $6M contract Lehner had.

The Blues are still looking for a future starter.

Marc-Andre Gaudet (D)

Traded for Berggren, Marc-Andre Gaudet will be a huge part of the Blues future on the D line. The young player will join the Springfield Thunderbirds where he'll have time to develop. At 20 years old, Gaudet will probably play a few games for the Blues next season but do not expect him to be a full time Blues player.

Egor Zamula (D)

Yegor Zamula is only 24 years old and will be Marc-Andre Gaudet linemate. The young D man is a defensive specialist and will join the Blues in a seaon or two.

Jasper Weatherby (C/LW/RW)

Jasper Weatherby was claimed on the waiver wire (HELL). The 26 years old forward we be a interesting player for the Blues in the 2024-2025 season. He's more a depth player (probably 3th line) but he could be a great possitive surprise for the Blues this season. There's a chance he is a UFA next season but likely he'll be resigned if he plays well for us.

Adam Fantilli (C)

William Eklund (C/LW)

Jake Neighbours (LW)

Yegor Chinakhov (LW/RW)

With all that, what's next for the Blues ? Clearly this is the best version the Blues on paper we ever had. With PFHL/sim leagues, it's always hard to predict the future.

The Blues are one of the most upgraded PFHL team and clearly the best upgrade in the Central Division. Probably not a cup winning squad but a playoff spot is on board.

I guess I'll give my old Québecois friend SimonT a call.....

Cheers !

Charles