The St. Louis Blues have been strategic and precise in free agency, making calculated moves to bolster depth and flexibility while managing their salary cap. Here are three under-the-radar transactions that could pay dividends for the Blues in the 2025-26 season.
Nick Bjugstad: Versatile Depth Up Front
The Blues signed veteran center Nick Bjugstad to a two-year, $3.5 million contract ($1.75M AAV) to shore up their bottom-six forward group. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Minnesota native brings size, experience, and versatility, capable of playing center or wing and slotting into third- or fourth-line roles. Coming off a 19-point season (8 goals, 11 assists) in 66 games with the Utah Mammoth, Bjugstad provides a reliable replacement for Radek Faksa, who signed with Dallas. His signing allows prospect Dalibor Dvorsky to develop at a measured pace, either in the AHL or NHL, without being rushed into a high-pressure role. Bjugstad’s strong possession metrics and leadership make this a savvy, low-risk addition for a team balancing veteran presence with youth.
Vadim Zherenko: Bolstering the Goaltending Pipeline
The Blues re-signed goaltender Vadim Zherenko to a one-year, two-way contract ($775K NHL/$125K AHL), ensuring depth in net for their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The 24-year-old Russian, a seventh-round pick in 2019, posted a 12-17-5 record with a 3.44 GAA and .897 SV% in 32 games for Springfield last season. Paired with Colten Ellis, Zherenko will return once again with the promising tandem for the Thunderbirds, offering stability as he continues to develop. With one more year of waiver exemption, Zherenko can refine his game in the AHL without immediate NHL pressure, positioning him as a potential call-up if injuries arise. This move quietly strengthens the Blues’ goaltending pipeline while maintaining organizational depth.
Nick Leddy: Clearing Space for Youth and Cap Flexibility
Placing defenseman Nick Leddy on waivers was a bold move to reshape the Blues’ blue line and cap situation. The 34-year-old, with a $4M cap hit but $3M in actual salary, played only 31 games last season due to injury, making him expendable with the arrival of younger defensemen like Logan Mailloux. By moving Leddy, the Blues freed up cap space to sign Pius Suter (two years, $4.125M AAV), adding a dynamic middle-six center to complement Bjugstad and deepen their forward core. This move also opens opportunities for prospects like Mailloux, Matthew Kessel, and Tyler Tucker to compete for NHL roles for a youth movement on defense.
Why These Moves Matter
The Blues’ offseason strategy, led by GM Doug Armstrong, balances immediate roster needs with long-term development. Bjugstad’s versatility protects young forwards like Dvorsky, Zherenko’s re-signing secures goaltending depth, and Leddy’s exit paves the way for Suter and a younger blue line. These under-the-radar moves may not grab headlines, but they position St. Louis for a deeper, more competitive roster in 2025-26.