Imagine if the 2025-26 season becomes a complete washout for the St. Louis Blues. Could a potential top draft pick like Gavin McKenna turn things around?
The Fall from Grace
Last January, the Blues hosted the Calgary Flames, and it seemed like a promising start to their playoff journey. However, fast forward to today, and the Blues find themselves in a dire situation, sitting second-to-last in the NHL standings. It's a stark contrast to the incredible run they had post-4 Nations Face-Off last season.
The team's performance has taken a nosedive, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly why. Slow starts, poor second periods, and an ineffective penalty kill have all contributed to their struggles. Even Jim Montgomery, the team's coach, admitted he expected more carryover from the previous season.
A Season of Disappointment?
With only one winning streak and a lengthy losing skid, the Blues' season is looking increasingly bleak. The core group of players, including Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou, who were instrumental in their success last season, have not been able to replicate their form. The goaltending duo of Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer has also struggled, with their save percentage dropping significantly.
The Core in Question
The current core of the team has come under scrutiny. Some players, like Schenn and Thomas, were paid handsomely to deliver, but their production has not met expectations. Others, like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, are aging veterans whose best years might be behind them. The team's inability to maintain consistency and carry over their success from last season is a cause for concern.
The Trade Rumors
There have been rumors of potential trades, with teams inquiring about players like Jordan Kyrou and Brayden Schenn. Kyrou, in particular, has attracted interest after being a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Sabres. However, with several players having no-trade clauses, any moves would be challenging.
The Future and the Draft
If the Blues miss the playoffs, it could mean valuable experience for their younger players is delayed. However, it also opens up the possibility of a higher draft pick, which could bring excitement to the fan base. The potential arrival of Gavin McKenna, a highly touted prospect, could offset the disappointment of a lost season.
A Delicate Balance
General Manager Doug Armstrong has been reluctant to initiate a full rebuild, understanding the pain it could cause. The team might miss out on opportunities like last season's near-upset of the Winnipeg Jets. But with their current odds of receiving the top pick in the 2026 Draft higher than their playoff chances, it raises the question: Could an unintended rebuild be on the horizon?
The Players' Perspective
While the team is focused on turning things around, the possibility of a lost season and the potential draft implications are not at the forefront of their minds. They're determined to believe in the analytics and their ability to bounce back.
As the Blues prepare for the Calgary Flames' return to St. Louis, the contrast between the teams' current positions and their meeting last year is stark. It leaves fans and analysts wondering about the season's trajectory and the potential impact of a high draft pick.
