As the St. Louis Blues gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season under head coach Jim Montgomery, fans are eager to see how the team’s mix of young talent and veteran leaders will perform. With Montgomery’s fast-paced, offensive system, the Blues are poised for an exciting year. However, competition for top-six and power-play roles is fierce, with players like Jordan Kyrou, Dylan Holloway, and rookie Jimmy Snuggerud vying for ice time. With respects to last season’s statistics, here are the top breakout candidates ready to shine and regression candidates who might take a step back.
Breakout Candidates: Who’s Ready to Elevate Their Game?
Dylan Holloway, Winger/Center
2024-25 Stats: 77 GP, 26 G, 37 A, 63 PTS, 14.6% Shooting, 16:49 ATOI
After taking his game to the next level in his first season with the Blues in the 2024-25 campaign, Dylan Holloway is primed to become a cornerstone for the Blues. Acquired from Edmonton, the 23-year-old center-turned-winger dazzled with 26 goals and 63 points, boasting a 52.2% Corsi For (CF%) and 18 even-strength points. His speed and finishing ability mesh perfectly with Montgomery’s transition-heavy system. Holloway’s eight game-winning goals and power-play role (13 PP points) show he’s clutch, and an increased role alongside Robert Thomas could push him to 30 goals and 65-75 points. If he boosts his shot volume (2.31 SOG/GP), Holloway could challenge Kyrou as the team’s top scorer.
Philip Broberg, Defenseman
2024-25 Stats: 68 GP, 8 G, 21 A, 29 PTS, 8.2% Shooting, 20:30 ATOI
Philip Broberg, another ex-Oiler, emerged as a top-four defenseman in 2024-25, posting 29 points in 68 games with a 46% Fenwick For (FF%). His skating and puck-moving ability shone in the playoffs (2 points, 22:07 ATOI) despite his inability to show up more on the scoresheet. At 23, he’s ready to take another step. With veterans like Ryan Suter (40) and Nick Leddy (34) out, Broberg could log 21-22 minutes and contend for heavier power-play deployment. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see Broberg push for 10-12 goals and 35-40 points as he solidifies his role under Montgomery’s system.
Jimmy Snuggerud, Right Wing
2024-25 Stats: 7 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 10% Shooting, 15:28 ATOI
The Blues’ 2022 first-round pick (23rd overall), Jimmy Snuggerud, made a splash in his seven-game NHL debut, scoring four points with a 67.9% offensive zone start rate (oZS%). His NCAA pedigree as a goal-scorer shows he brings true top-six potential, and as a likely full-time rookie in 2025-26, he’s a dark horse to watch to compete for a top-six spot all season long. Montgomery’s system should amplify his offensive instincts, especially if paired with playmakers like Brayden Schenn or Pius Suter. If Snuggerud secures top-six or power-play time, he could deliver 20-30 goals and 40-50 points, making him a Calder Trophy contender.
Joel Hofer, Goaltender
2024-25 Stats: 31 GP, 16-8-3, .904 SV%, 2.64 GAA, 1 SO, 18 QS (.643 QS%)
At 25, Joel Hofer is poised to challenge for the Blues’ starting goaltender role after a stellar 2024-25 as the backup. His .904 save percentage and 2.64 GAA outshone Jordan Binnington’s .900 SV% and 2.69 GAA, with a .643 quality start percentage (18/28 starts) showing reliable consistency in limited action. Hofer’s 16 wins in 31 games and 2.8 goals saved above average (GSAA) show there is a ceiling still not yet reached, and with Binnington’s regression risk, Hofer could see 40-50 starts this coming season. Jim Montgomery’s fast-paced system, backed by a solid defense, should keep shots manageable, setting Hofer up for a conservative 20-25 wins, a .905-.910 SV%, and 2-3 shutouts. If he seizes the No. 1 role, Hofer could emerge as a top-tier NHL goaltender.
Regression Candidates: Who Might Slip?
Pavel Buchnevich, Left Wing
2024-25 Stats: 76 GP, 20 G, 37 A, 57 PTS, 13.8% Shooting, 19:02 ATOI
Pavel Buchnevich has been a reliable 60-70-point producer since joining the Blues in 2021, but his 2024-25 season (57 points, 0.75 PPG) marked a career-low with the team. His shot volume dropped to 1.91 SOG/GP (from 2.73 in 2021-22), and at 30, slight declines in speed could limit his high-danger chances. Competition from Kyrou, Holloway, Snuggerud, and Neighbours threatens his top-line and power-play role if he should show signs of struggling throughout the season. Despite strong possession (52.0% CF%) and playmaking abilities, a normalized shooting percentage around 12.5% could drop him to 15-18 goals and even below 50 points. Montgomery’s system should keep his floor high, but a rebound to 65 points could be difficult.
Jordan Binnington, Goaltender
2024-25 Stats: 56 GP, 28 W, .900 SV%, 2.69 GAA, 3 SO
Jordan Binnington posted a reasonable 2024-25 (28 wins, .900 SV%), but his save percentage lagged behind backup Joel Hofer (.904 SV%, 2.64 GAA). At 32, Binnington faces pressure from Hofer, who started 31 games and had a .643 quality start percentage. Binnington’s playoff performance (.901 SV%, 2.53 GAA) was decent but not elite, and a reduced workload (e.g., 45-50 starts) could lower his win total to 20-25, and even see his stats return to his 2022-23 totals (3.31 GAA, .894 SV%)
Brayden Schenn, Center
2024-25 Stats: 82 GP, 18 G, 32 A, 50 PTS, 12.5% Shooting, 17:34 ATOI
Captain Brayden Schenn remains a heart-and-soul leader, but his 50 points and 12.5% shooting percentage could lead to a further decline from his 60-point days. At nearly 34 years old, his speed is waning, and his playoff showing (3P, -5 in 7 GP) was lackluster. With Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad pushing for middle-six roles, Schenn could slide to the third line, projecting 15-18 goals and 40-45 points. His 52.3% faceoff win rate and physicality (194 hits) keep him valuable, but Montgomery may prioritize younger legs.
What’s Next for the Blues?
The Blues’ 2025-26 success hinges on their young stars stepping up and veterans holding steady. Holloway, Broberg, and Snuggerud could form a dynamic core under the established new core of Kyrou and Thomas, while Buchnevich and Schenn must navigate competition to maintain their output. Binnington’s play in net will be crucial, especially with Hofer lurking. Under Montgomery’s guidance, St. Louis has the tools to push for a playoff spot, but balancing youth and experience will be the key.