5 Players the Blues Could Trade This Offseason to Reshape Their Roster

With the 2024–25 season in the books and the NHL Draft and free agency looming, the St. Louis Blues face key decisions on how to retool a roster that’s stuck in the middle. General manager Doug Armstrong has already locked in key pieces like Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas — but to truly take a step forward, the Blues may need to part with others.

Here are five players — a mix of NHL contributors and top prospects — who could be moved as part of a summer shake-up.

1. Justin Faulk (RHD)

Age: 33

2024–25 Stats: 4 goals, 32 points in 78 GP

Cap Hit: $6.5M through 2026–27, 15-Team M-NTC

The veteran defenseman still brings value, particularly on the power play and in transition, but Faulk’s defensive game has regressed. With younger options like Tyler Tucker and Matt Kessel on the rise, Faulk’s cap hit might be better redirected toward a more dynamic or defensive second-pairing presence.

He’s not likely to be dumped for nothing — but in the right deal, he could help net a key upgrade on the back end or clear space to pursue one in free agency.

2. Zachary Bolduc (LW)

Age: 22

2024–25 Stats: 19 goals, 36 points in 72 GP

Bolduc proved he belongs in the NHL, carving out a role as a middle-six winger with goal-scoring touch. But he’s not untouchable. If the Blues look to acquire a game-changing defenseman or a top-six center, Bolduc is the kind of player — young, productive, and on an ELC — who can headline a package.

It’s unlikely Armstrong moves him in a minor deal, but Bolduc could be the sweetener a team rebuilding or retooling would covet. Again, likely not going anywhere. However, certainly one of those players who could certainly be considered in a trade due to the surplus of wingers. Will trading Bolduc help make the Blues 5% better next season? It depends on the deal. 

3. Michael Buchinger (LHD)

Age: 21

2024–25 Stats: 2 goals, 9 points in 51 AHL games

Buchinger is a poised, mobile left-shot defenseman who’s shown offensive upside in the OHL. But he’s also part of a logjam: the Blues are loaded on the left side with names like Lööf, Burns, Gaudet, and first-round pick Theo Lindstein also in the system.

That depth could push Buchinger into trade bait territory, particularly in deals targeting NHL-ready help.

4. Leo Lööf (LHD)

Age: 23

2024–25 Stats: 0 goals, 17 points in 63 AHL games

Lööf brings size and physicality on the back end — two traits the Blues will always value — but he may be more valuable to a team that needs a rugged third-pair option right now.

He’s not a centerpiece, but in a deal involving multiple pieces or a swap of young players, Lööf could quietly hold appeal.

5. Quinton Burns (LHD)

Age: 20

2024–25 Stats: 8 goals and 49 points in 66 OHL games

Burns plays a strong, stay-at-home style and continues to develop as a reliable defender in the OHL. That said, he projects more as a third-pair type — and with so many similar prospects ahead of him, the Blues could include him in a package without severely impacting their depth chart.

He’s exactly the kind of player who can round out a deal, especially if the Blues go hunting for impact help.

This isn’t a rebuild — it’s a reset. The Blues don’t need to sell off core pieces to move forward, but they do need to consolidate. Whether it’s clearing cap space, rebalancing positional depth, or turning a cluster of B-level assets into one A-level contributor, Armstrong and Steen have options.

The question now is: Will they make the bold moves to push this team forward?