Matthew Kessel's Journey to the Blues & First-Round Targets in the 2024 NHL Draft
Also, Doug Armstrong tapped as GM for Canada at the Olympics & more
Welcome to the THW St. Louis Blues Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have a look at defenseman Matthew Kessel’s journey to the Blues, a few first-round targets in the 2024 Draft, and more.
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Now on to the good stuff…
Matthew Kessel’s Journey to the St. Louis Blues
March 16, 2024 by Josh Berg
When looking at the St. Louis Blues’ defense corp this season, the name that stands out the most is the player who was least expected to contribute coming into the season. While Colton Parayko has taken a step forward this season to solidify himself as a legitimate top-pairing defenseman and Nick Leddy has surprisingly been consistent throughout the season, it is a 2020 fifth-round pick getting his first taste of full-time NHL action who has surprisingly taken hold of a top-four spot.Â
Armstrong & Getzlaf to Lead Hockey Canada Into 2026 Olympics
March 15, 2024 by Jacob Billington
Hockey Canada has announced that St. Louis Blues general manager (GM) Doug Armstrong has been named as Team Canada’s GM for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. For the first time since the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the NHL and its players will be returning to the biggest international stage, and Armstrong will be at the forefront of Team Canada’s roster construction.
St. Louis Blues’ Recent Struggles Make Playoffs a Long Shot
March 14, 2024 by Anthony Testaguzza
The St. Louis Blues only made one trade by the 3 PM deadline on Friday (March 8), and it wasn’t for much. They traded goaltender Malcolm Subban to the Columbus Blue Jackets for future considerations (player, money, or picks). The fact that they only made that one deal shows that they aren’t eager to push for the playoffs or even grab some draft stock if they don’t make the postseason.
3 St. Louis Blues’ First-Round Targets in the 2024 NHL Draft
March 13, 2024 by Josh Berg
The St. Louis Blues’ season has not gone according to plan, but they’re in the position most expected them to be. They’re sitting in the middle of the pack, in ninth place in the Western Conference, and six points out of the second wild-card spot. Although they have a puncher’s chance at making the postseason this year, it is more likely that the team will again pick in the lottery during the NHL Entry Draft. Barring a late-season push, the Blues are slated to miss the postseason for the second straight season, and their attention will turn towards the NHL Draft in June.Â
Blues’ Path Back to the Playoffs Lies in Their Prospect Pipeline
March 13, 2024 by Evan Mead
The St. Louis Blues‘ playoff aspirations suffered a significant setback during their recent East Coast road trip . Facing off against formidable opponents in the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and the Boston Bruins, the Blues managed to secure only two victories, effectively diminishing their chances of contending for the Stanley Cup. However, amidst this disappointment, one crucial aspect deserves recognition: the Blues’ point total.