Are The St. Louis Blues The Sleeper Team In The NHL's Western Conference?

[TBone]

I actually think they are and for the reasons laid out in the article.

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Are The St. Louis Blues The Sleeper Team In The NHL's Western Conference?

By Adam Proteau
The Hockey News

The St. Louis Blues narrowly missed the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, but they've made many moves to improve their lineup. The Blues aren't a favorite to win the Cup next year, but they're very much a sleeper team that could shock the league. What's fair to expect of the Blues in 2026-27?
With the roster shakeups that occur during the NHL off-season, there are always one or two teams that emerge as ‘sleeper’ teams.

The biggest sleeper team in the league this coming season could be the St. Louis Blues, a team that has made several major moves this off-season, starting with Alexander Steen replacing Doug Armstrong as GM, who was promoted to president of hockey operations.

- clip -

Meanwhile, St. Louis acquired a proven contributor in former Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old had a down season with Anaheim this past year, posting only 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. But with more opportunity with the Blues, McTavish could get back to the level he was at when he generated 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games in 2024-25.

Finally, the Blues improved their defense corps with the acquisition of D-man Brandon Carlo. The 29-year-old Carlo never fit as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but in St. Louis, Carlo can come in and provide experience on the third defense pairing.

Third overall pick in 2021 didn't have strong finish in Anaheim last season, eager for fresh start with Blues after being traded to St. Louis
In addition to the players the Blues acquired, youngsters like Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Joel Hofer are a year older and more experienced, and they’re all coming off solid seasons. Jake Neighbours is also a likely candidate to bounce back, while Logan Mailloux flashed real NHL skills as the season went along.

St. Louis also has several first-round picks aiming to enter the lineup, including Otto Stenberg, Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek, and Justin Carbonneau. There’s a solid foundation in place for the Blues’ long-term future, and while the Blues could still use a generational talent or two, Steen and Armstrong are doing well at improving the overall depth of the organization.

https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-n ... conference

[a smell of green grass]

I actually think they are and for the reasons laid out in the article.

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Are The St. Louis Blues The Sleeper Team In The NHL's Western Conference?

By Adam Proteau
The Hockey News

and while the Blues could still use a generational talent or two, Steen and Armstrong are doing well at improving the overall depth of the organization.

This sentence needs to be corrected as follows:

and while the Blues could still use a generational talent or two LIKE ALL OTHER NHL TEAMS, and THEIR WINDOW FOR ACQUIRING THAT TALENT WAS OPEN FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS BUT IS NOW CLOSED, Steen and Armstrong are doing well at improving the overall depth of the organization. Look for the Blues to be trading away their BEST DEPTH in the coming years in an attempt to bring in the weakest generational talent.

[earp]

?

[TBone]

[a smell of green grass]

Show me a journalist that is HIGH on the Blues future, and I'll show you someone that purposefully ignores all of the poor decisions since the Stanley Cup year, and the very weak state of the roster.

We needed a new GM with a track record of success who would bring in new approaches. Instead, we got a rookie GM, trained by the failing GM, with a desk under the right cheek of the failing GM, using the same Lieutenants and Captains that made all the poor decisions.

[UMR-alum-05]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

[Harry S Deals]

I actually think they are and for the reasons laid out in the article.

-------------------------------------------------

Are The St. Louis Blues The Sleeper Team In The NHL's Western Conference?

By Adam Proteau
The Hockey News

The St. Louis Blues narrowly missed the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, but they've made many moves to improve their lineup. The Blues aren't a favorite to win the Cup next year, but they're very much a sleeper team that could shock the league. What's fair to expect of the Blues in 2026-27?
With the roster shakeups that occur during the NHL off-season, there are always one or two teams that emerge as ‘sleeper’ teams.

The biggest sleeper team in the league this coming season could be the St. Louis Blues, a team that has made several major moves this off-season, starting with Alexander Steen replacing Doug Armstrong as GM, who was promoted to president of hockey operations.

- clip -

Meanwhile, St. Louis acquired a proven contributor in former Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old had a down season with Anaheim this past year, posting only 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. But with more opportunity with the Blues, McTavish could get back to the level he was at when he generated 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games in 2024-25.

Finally, the Blues improved their defense corps with the acquisition of D-man Brandon Carlo. The 29-year-old Carlo never fit as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but in St. Louis, Carlo can come in and provide experience on the third defense pairing.

Third overall pick in 2021 didn't have strong finish in Anaheim last season, eager for fresh start with Blues after being traded to St. Louis
In addition to the players the Blues acquired, youngsters like Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Joel Hofer are a year older and more experienced, and they’re all coming off solid seasons. Jake Neighbours is also a likely candidate to bounce back, while Logan Mailloux flashed real NHL skills as the season went along.

St. Louis also has several first-round picks aiming to enter the lineup, including Otto Stenberg, Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek, and Justin Carbonneau. There’s a solid foundation in place for the Blues’ long-term future, and while the Blues could still use a generational talent or two, Steen and Armstrong are doing well at improving the overall depth of the organization.

https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-n ... conference

Theres a whole lot to like with the roster as it stands with some really good young guys about to explode. How good will Broberg and Holloway be, borderline star level talent. Thomas is in his prime with Snuggerud, a hammer, on his right side. McTavish could very well surprise everyone and remind fans why he was #3 OA. I think i had mentioned literally anything could happen with this roster and i wouldnt be shocked

[DawgDad]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

Pretty much agree with all of this. Blues are still short a RW, ideally, but it is likely a 1-2 year issue.

I agree with the article that the Blues could be a sleeper team. First, we have to see how the new players blend in and avoid a mass dose of sophomore slump. If you extend the sophomore slump concept to established players who moved up into bigger roles (Hofer, e.g.) it's a bigger risk or potential issue. BUT if the guys play their roles effectively this team will benefit from more consistent play and even moderate repair of the horrendous OT record. The group that figures to open the season in St. Louis is young but not green, with the exception of perhaps Lindstein.

With all the young players there is a lot more room for synergy and growth of their games. There is untapped sniper and slot potential for the PP, fresh young legs and bodies for the PK. A guy like Snuggerud could absolutely go off like fireworks on the PP and Dvorsky's shot is a weapon, too. Mailloux and Broberg have plenty more to offer as offensive catalysts than what we've seen. Untapped and unharnessed skills and upside potential that doesn't exist in an older team.

Smell the roses, not the soiled grass.

[Nublues69]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

lol he makes team this year

[stlhooked]

They’ll be more fun to watch but don’t expect to see any dekes, dangles, fakes, toe drags or spins. Nothing between the legs etc.

I don’t see us winning any shootouts.

[a smell of green grass]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

Pretty much agree with all of this. Blues are still short a RW, ideally, but it is likely a 1-2 year issue.

I agree with the article that the Blues could be a sleeper team. First, we have to see how the new players blend in and avoid a mass dose of sophomore slump. If you extend the sophomore slump concept to established players who moved up into bigger roles (Hofer, e.g.) it's a bigger risk or potential issue. BUT if the guys play their roles effectively this team will benefit from more consistent play and even moderate repair of the horrendous OT record. The group that figures to open the season in St. Louis is young but not green, with the exception of perhaps Lindstein.

With all the young players there is a lot more room for synergy and growth of their games. There is untapped sniper and slot potential for the PP, fresh young legs and bodies for the PK. A guy like Snuggerud could absolutely go off like fireworks on the PP and Dvorsky's shot is a weapon, too. Mailloux and Broberg have plenty more to offer as offensive catalysts than what we've seen. Untapped and unharnessed skills and upside potential that doesn't exist in an older team.

Smell the roses, not the soiled grass.

What I recommend is that you go into the season fully aware of what just happened with our McBooby prize (McTavish, McMichael, and McMailoux).

While other NHL Cities are being fed potential STEAK OF.A LIFETIME (Aka Celebrini, Schaefer), St Louis is being fed the hot dogs leftover from the kid table in Anaheim.

As long as you don't look anywhere else and compare, maybe those hot dogs won't taste too bad---SO JUST DO THAT. Don't compare. That's the solution.

[UMR-alum-05]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

lol he makes team this year

Carbonneau? Highly doubt that. He's 19. Plays an incomplete game. Blues are trying to be a playoff team.

Kid has talent but he couldn't stay on the AHL ice late last year.

[Hockey Pete]

I actually think they are and for the reasons laid out in the article.

-------------------------------------------------

Are The St. Louis Blues The Sleeper Team In The NHL's Western Conference?

By Adam Proteau
The Hockey News

The St. Louis Blues narrowly missed the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, but they've made many moves to improve their lineup. The Blues aren't a favorite to win the Cup next year, but they're very much a sleeper team that could shock the league. What's fair to expect of the Blues in 2026-27?
With the roster shakeups that occur during the NHL off-season, there are always one or two teams that emerge as ‘sleeper’ teams.

The biggest sleeper team in the league this coming season could be the St. Louis Blues, a team that has made several major moves this off-season, starting with Alexander Steen replacing Doug Armstrong as GM, who was promoted to president of hockey operations.

- clip -

Meanwhile, St. Louis acquired a proven contributor in former Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old had a down season with Anaheim this past year, posting only 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. But with more opportunity with the Blues, McTavish could get back to the level he was at when he generated 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games in 2024-25.

Finally, the Blues improved their defense corps with the acquisition of D-man Brandon Carlo. The 29-year-old Carlo never fit as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but in St. Louis, Carlo can come in and provide experience on the third defense pairing.

Third overall pick in 2021 didn't have strong finish in Anaheim last season, eager for fresh start with Blues after being traded to St. Louis
In addition to the players the Blues acquired, youngsters like Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Joel Hofer are a year older and more experienced, and they’re all coming off solid seasons. Jake Neighbours is also a likely candidate to bounce back, while Logan Mailloux flashed real NHL skills as the season went along.

St. Louis also has several first-round picks aiming to enter the lineup, including Otto Stenberg, Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek, and Justin Carbonneau. There’s a solid foundation in place for the Blues’ long-term future, and while the Blues could still use a generational talent or two, Steen and Armstrong are doing well at improving the overall depth of the organization.

https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-n ... conference

Theres a whole lot to like with the roster as it stands with some really good young guys about to explode. How good will Broberg and Holloway be, borderline star level talent. Thomas is in his prime with Snuggerud, a hammer, on his right side. McTavish could very well surprise everyone and remind fans why he was #3 OA. I think i had mentioned literally anything could happen with this roster and i wouldnt be shocked

Completely agree, and McT has me genuinely excited.

Going into last season, I fully expected him to be pushing 70+ points as the 24-25 season seemed like a light switch went on. That season he was the 2C and produced on a team who's talent base was very young and scoring was going to be a challenge. Not sure why he struggled so much last season, but it led to us landing him, so great.

So fast forward to the now. If our coaching staff can get this roster to play to it's ability (to INCLUDE tending), we're easily a playoff team. IMO we were a playoff team last season, it's just our first half tending was SO BAD we could never get out of that hole.

[BluesDom]

The Blues have hungry guys. It seems that they will improve this year and will indeed be a sleeper team.
Here are some stories going into the year.
Jake Neighbours CAN HE GET BACK TO 22 TO 27 GOALS. 50 PTS??

Jimmy Snuggerud 51 PTS LAST YEAR CAN HE GET TO 70? 75?
HOLLOWAY SAME?
THOMAS 80 85?

BROBERG 40 PTS?
MAILLOUX 35 PTS?
CAN FOWLER GET OVER 30? Parayko 30?
DVORSKY OVER 12 GOALS? YES--17? 45 PTS?

McMichael can he get back to 46?
McTavish will he get over 42? Can we get him to 55? Whole second line scoring 50 plus points. First line 75-85's
3rd line in 40's.

Get D scoring?
Insert Lindstein and Stenberg into the group. Can Jiricek get his shot later in the year?
What about Pekarcik--will he be knocking on the door at yrs end? Kaskimaki or Carbonneau?

It's going to be a good year. A year of progress.
Jim Montgomery has weapons O' Plenty. The riches will keep on coming going forward with a stocked stable of prospects. This is the most competition we have ever had. Exciting times to be a Blues fan.


(Word to the wise...Never be a troll. (bleep) trolls. Trolls be damned.
Smell the roses not the soiled grass. ASOG G F Y)

[DawgDad]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

Pretty much agree with all of this. Blues are still short a RW, ideally, but it is likely a 1-2 year issue.

I agree with the article that the Blues could be a sleeper team. First, we have to see how the new players blend in and avoid a mass dose of sophomore slump. If you extend the sophomore slump concept to established players who moved up into bigger roles (Hofer, e.g.) it's a bigger risk or potential issue. BUT if the guys play their roles effectively this team will benefit from more consistent play and even moderate repair of the horrendous OT record. The group that figures to open the season in St. Louis is young but not green, with the exception of perhaps Lindstein.

With all the young players there is a lot more room for synergy and growth of their games. There is untapped sniper and slot potential for the PP, fresh young legs and bodies for the PK. A guy like Snuggerud could absolutely go off like fireworks on the PP and Dvorsky's shot is a weapon, too. Mailloux and Broberg have plenty more to offer as offensive catalysts than what we've seen. Untapped and unharnessed skills and upside potential that doesn't exist in an older team.

Smell the roses, not the soiled grass.

What I recommend is that you go into the season fully aware of what just happened with our McBooby prize (McTavish, McMichael, and McMailoux).

While other NHL Cities are being fed potential STEAK OF.A LIFETIME (Aka Celebrini, Schaefer), St Louis is being fed the hot dogs leftover from the kid table in Anaheim.

As long as you don't look anywhere else and compare, maybe those hot dogs won't taste too bad---SO JUST DO THAT. Don't compare. That's the solution.

Covetousness is a sin, not a virtue. Benchmarking is fine, analytical, objective. While SJ and Chicago fans were suffering through losing season after losing season we got treated to some great hockey, a 109 point season and very competitive playoffs and a gut-wrenching volatile 7-game plus 2OT playoff vs the President's Trophy team. The Blues now have largely transitioned to a new younger core with more key pieces (talented players) still on the horizon. They will be compelling to watch, perhaps at times frustrating but watching the kids develop promises to be rewarding.

Smell the roses, not the soiled grass.

[Nublues69]

I like the roster changes a lot but I really wish we could acquire a 20+ scorer with a RH shot. I'm going to keep tooting that horn.

Some people will say Carbonneau but to me he's a couple seasons out.

Be interesting to see how it all plays out. With the moves they've made they must like that they have for now.

Could still see Suter getting moved here at some point.

lol he makes team this year

Carbonneau? Highly doubt that. He's 19. Plays an incomplete game. Blues are trying to be a playoff team.

Kid has talent but he couldn't stay on the AHL ice late last year.

I disgree and so does Jamie rivers. he stayed the longest out of all the prospects last year. Was the Highest goal scorer in the Q and was the second highest in the entire juniors. He had 3 games in the AHL playoffs, of course he didnt get that much playing time. He didnt earn it yet.

I think Carboneau is better then bergren plain and simple. SO does Jamie Rivers, carbs is going to make a case for himself and make the team. Its time for our youth to play instead of place holders like bergrem