Trade Chips: Leddy, Faulk, and the Blues’ Blue Line Future

As the St. Louis Blues look to move from retooling to contending, one of the biggest questions looming over their offseason involves the future of their blue line. With a projected $5.025 million in cap space for 2025–26 and a new wave of defensemen pushing for roles, veterans Nick Leddy and Justin Faulk find themselves in the spotlight — not just for what they bring, but for what their departure could free up.

As the St. Louis Blues look to move from retooling to contending, one of the biggest questions looming over their offseason involves the future of their blue line. With a projected $5.025 million in cap space for 2025–26 and a new wave of defensemen pushing for roles, veterans Nick Leddy and Justin Faulk find themselves in the spotlight — not just for what they bring, but for what their departure could free up.

Nick Leddy: Final Year, Final Move?

Leddy has quietly filled a stabilizing third-pair role over the past two seasons, but he’s entering the final year of a four-year contract carrying a $5.5 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade clause. His on-ice usage has declined, and his future in St. Louis feels tenuous at best.

Trading Leddy — especially with some salary retention — could provide the Blues with meaningful flexibility. Whether it’s to create roster space or open up cap room for a mid-season addition, a move would align with the club’s push toward a faster, younger blue line. He likely holds the most value as a deadline rental for a contender seeking veteran depth, but an offseason move can’t be ruled out if there’s early interest.

With the Blues positioning themselves to emerge from their retooling phase, Leddy’s role as a veteran placeholder may have run its course.

Justin Faulk: Core Piece or Cap Casualty?

Faulk remains a productive top-four option and is under contract for two more seasons at $6.5 million per year. He carries a 15-team no-trade clause and still logs meaningful minutes in all situations. The question isn’t whether Faulk still contributes — it’s whether he fits the long-term picture.

If the Blues aim to regain contender status within the next two seasons, Faulk could still be part of the equation. But with a maturing group of defensemen and tight cap math, his contract might soon be more valuable as a trade chip than a building block.

Unlike Leddy, Faulk would command a stronger return — particularly at the 2026 trade deadline if the Blues aren’t firmly in the playoff mix. But a team with cap room and playoff ambition could come calling earlier, especially this summer, if they believe he can elevate their top four.

Making Room for the Next Wave

The Blues aren’t short on internal options to step into larger roles:

• Tyler Tucker, signed through 2026–27, provides steady, physical play on the third pair.
• Matthew Kessel has proven himself as a reliable fill-in and could take on full-time duties.
• Theo Lindstein, one of the organization’s top prospects, could push for NHL time depending on where he plays in 2025–26. A true dark horse candidate for the offseason. 

Each of these players is younger and more cost-effective — but they’ll need ice time to develop. And that means opening up spots on the NHL roster.

The Time to Act

The Blues have shown no interest in bottoming out, especially after last years first round playoff exit. With key pieces like Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jordan Kyrou in their prime, the focus is on returning to playoff relevance — not prolonging the transition. But to do that, they’ll need to be strategic.

Moving Leddy seems more likely than not. Faulk is a trickier call, but his cap hit and remaining term could become problematic if the Blues need flexibility. The clock is ticking on both players — and how Doug Armstrong handles them may say more about the Blues’ ambitions than any free agent signing.

As the Blues plot their return to contention, change on the back end feels inevitable. Leddy and Faulk have served important roles in recent seasons, but the franchise appears ready to turn the page. Whether this summer or at the trade deadline, the path forward may require letting go of the past.