Blues’ 2025 UFA Hunt: Best Bets to Bridge to Dvorsky

The St. Louis Blues are walking a tightrope this offseason—striving to stay playoff-relevant while preparing for the arrival of franchise prospect Dalibor Dvorsky. The 2023 first-rounder had a promising first AHL season, but he’s not quite ready to anchor the second line at the NHL level.

That leaves the Blues with a clear priority: sign a cost-effective 2C who can complement Robert Thomas and bridge the gap to Dvorsky. With $5.025 million in projected cap space (per PuckPedia, pre-LTIR), every dollar matters. The Blues also need to re-sign goaltender Joel Hofer, further tightening the financial window. Add in head coach Jim Montgomery’s fast-paced, skilled system, and the target becomes clearer: a productive, experienced center who fits the budget and plays with pace.

With Trent Frederic reportedly re-signing in Edmonton (eight years, ~$30 million), and others like Ryan Donato already off the board, here’s a breakdown of the top remaining UFA options—using salary projections from CapWages—and who makes the most sense for St. Louis.

Blues’ Current Center Structure

• 1C – Robert Thomas (81 points in 2024–25)
• 2C/3C – Brayden Schenn (50 points, leadership, versatility)
• 4C Candidates – Oskar Sundqvist, potentially Radek Faksa if St. Louis can re-sign
• Future 2C – Dalibor Dvorsky (ETA: 1–2 years to reach 2C status)

Top UFA Center Candidates

John Tavares (3 years x $7.9M)

Tavares, 34, posted 38 goals and 74 points with Toronto. His 58.3% faceoff win rate and 20 power-play points would boost the Blues’ 18th-ranked PP (22.1%). His projected $7.9M AAV dwarfs the cap, and with Hofer’s re-signing pending, signing him is unlikely unless significant salary is moved—not impossible, but improbable. Toronto’s likely to re-sign him. Verdict: Financially unrealistic.

Matt Duchene (3 years x $7.1M)

Duchene, 34, erupted for 30 goals and 82 points in Dallas. His speed fits Montgomery’s system, and his 52.4% faceoff wins add value, but his $7.1M AAV is unaffordable with Hofer’s contract looming. Shedding salary could make it feasible, but it’s unlikely, though not impossible. Dallas’ cap crunch may free him. Verdict: Too costly.

Sam Bennett (6 years x $6.6M)

Bennett, 29, scored 15 goals in 21 playoff games, helping Florida win the 2025 Stanley Cup. His physicality (145 hits) and 46.2% faceoff wins suit the Blues, but his likely upward of $6.6M AAV and six-year term exceed the cap and Dvorsky’s timeline. He’s likely to stay with Florida post-Cup. Verdict: Unattainable.

Claude Giroux (2 years x $5.09M)

Giroux, 37, had 50 points with Ottawa, boasting a 61.5% faceoff win rate. His PK skills and leadership are assets, but his $5.09M AAV slightly exceeds the cap, and his offense suits a 3C or wing. Ottawa is discussing an extension, reducing availability. Verdict: Too costly, limited scoring.

Pius Suter (4 years x $4.9M)

Suter, 29, offers defensive excellence, 46 points, and 42.6% faceoff wins from Vancouver. His $4.9M AAV fits the cap, and his PK skills address the Blues’ 51.6% faceoff rate. A four-year term slightly overlaps Dvorsky’s arrival, but he’s tradable. His offense needs wing support like Jordan Kyrou. Verdict: Strong, affordable fit.

Mikael Granlund (2 years x $4.9M)

Granlund, 33, posted 66 points split between San Jose and Dallas, including 21 in 31 games with the Stars. His 44 assists and 15 PP points are ideal for 2C, and his $4.9M AAV fits the cap. A two-year term aligns with Dvorsky’s timeline, though his defense needs support. Dallas’ cap woes make him attainable. Verdict: Top choice.

Jack Roslovic (3 years x $4.09M)

Roslovic, 28, scored 39 points as Carolina’s 2C. His skating suits Montgomery’s speed, and his $4.09M AAV is cap-compliant. Defensive lapses and playoff scratches are a concern but his 54.1% faceoff success is a plus. Verdict: Viable, but risky.

Nick Bjugstad (2 years x $2.3M)

Bjugstad, 32, offers size (6’6”) and defense at $2.3M. His 19 points and 47.4% faceoff wins are solid, but he’s a 4C. Verdict: Depth only.

Christian Dvorak (2 years x $1.7M)

Dvorak, 29, had 33 points and 55.8% faceoff wins. His $1.7M AAV is a bargain, but his offense is 3C/4C territory, and injuries are a concern. Verdict: Depth, not 2C.

The Best Fit: Mikael Granlund

With $5.025M in cap space and Hofer’s re-signing looming, Mikael Granlund is the Blues’ best target. His 66 points, including 44 assists, provide the offensive punch needed behind Thomas, and his $4.9M AAV leaves ~$0.125M (before LTIR) for flexibility. Granlund’s playmaking would spark Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich on the second line, while his 15 PP points bolster the power play. His 13-year NHL career offer great leadership to help mentor youth on the roster like Dvorsky and Zach Bolduc. Dallas’ cap constraints make him attainable, and his two-year term fits Dvorsky’s timeline and Montgomery’s fast-paced system.

If Granlund is unavailable, Suter is a strong alternative. His defensive prowess and lineup flexibility stabilize the lineup, with a $4.9M AAV fitting the cap. His 40-point ceiling needs wing support, but a four-year term is tradable. If both are off the board, Jack Roslovic offers youth but may not be worth signing instead of using Dvorsky as the teams third line center and keeping Schenn as as the second line center. 

The Blues’ tight cap and Hofer’s contract make Granlund the ideal 2C solution. His production, leadership, and cap fit keep St. Louis competitive under Montgomery while Dvorsky develops. If UFAs fall short, GM Doug Armstrong could explore trades, but Granlund should be the top target.