The Hockey News’ Summer Splash Series: Ranking the Off-Seasons of Every NHL Team
Attention all hockey fans! The highly anticipated summer splash series by The Hockey News is in full swing. We’ve been counting down the off-seasons of each NHL team, starting from the bottom with the Buffalo Sabres and working our way up to the top spot. And now, we’ve reached the halfway point with our latest team at No. 13 – the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues had a rollercoaster of a season, from firing their head coach mid-season to making a strong playoff push. But how did their off-season fare? Let’s dive in and see where they rank among the rest of the league.
Off-Season Moves
The Blues made some big moves this summer, starting with the acquisition of star forward Ryan O’Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres. O’Reilly brings a strong offensive presence to the team and will be a key player in their quest for the Stanley Cup.
They also added depth to their defense by signing veteran defenseman Tyler Bozak and trading for Joel Edmundson. These additions will provide valuable experience and stability to the blue line.
Departures
Unfortunately, the Blues had to say goodbye to some key players this off-season. Fan favorite and long-time captain Alex Pietrangelo signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving a big hole on the blue line. Forward Jaden Schwartz also departed, signing with the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft.
Overall Grade: B+
Despite some major losses, the Blues made some smart moves to improve their roster. O’Reilly’s addition alone bumps their grade up, but they also made solid depth signings and kept their core intact.
Looking Ahead
The Blues have a strong team heading into the 2021-2022 season and will be a top contender in the Central Division. With a solid mix of veteran experience and young talent, they have the potential to make another deep playoff run.
Stay tuned for the next installment of The Hockey News’ summer splash series as we continue to rank the off-seasons of each NHL team. Who will take the top spot? Only time will tell.
