As the St. Louis Blues gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, their defensive core is shaping up to be a new mix of seasoned veterans and emerging young talent. General Manager Doug Armstrong has been aggressive in retooling the blue line, with key acquisitions like Cam Fowler and Philip Broberg ahead of and during the 2024-25 campaign, alongside the trade for Logan Mailloux during the current offseason, signaling a shift toward a younger, more dynamic defensive unit.
With the departure of Nick Leddy to the San Jose Sharks via waivers and Torey Krug now likely done for the remainder of his career, the Blues are set to lean on a revamped group to solidify their status as a dark horse contender in the Western Conference.
Here’s a look at the projected defensive pairings for the upcoming season, along with an analysis of how these duos could shape the Blues’ fortunes.
Projected Defensive Pairings
- First Pairing: Cam Fowler - Colton Parayko
- Second Pairing: Philip Broberg - Justin Faulk
- Third Pairing: Tyler Tucker - Logan Mailloux
- Extra: Matthew Kessel
First Pairing: Cam Fowler - Colton Parayko
The top pairing of Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko is set to be the backbone of the Blues’ defense, a reunion that promises to build on their standout chemistry from the 2024-25 season. Fowler, acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in a blockbuster trade last season, brought elite puck-moving ability that perfectly complemented Parayko’s high-end shutdown game. In 51 games with the Blues after his trade, Fowler tallied 36 points (9 goals, 27 assists), ranking 9th among NHL defensemen in points over that span and leading all defensemen with 0.72 points per game in the playoffs. Parayko, a towering presence at 6-foot-6, led the Blues’ defensemen in 2024-25 with 16 goals and 36 points while averaging 23:45 of ice time per game.
At 33 and 32 years old, respectively, Fowler and Parayko are in the later stages of their primes, but their complementary skill sets—Fowler’s smooth skating and playmaking paired with Parayko’s physicality and defensive reliability—make them one a formidable NHL top defensive pairing. Expect them to log heavy minutes, quarterback the power play, and face the opponent’s top lines, providing stability as the Blues aim to climb the Central Division standings.
Second Pairing: Philip Broberg - Justin Faulk
The second pairing is where things get intriguing, as the Blues balance veteran experience with youthful potential. Philip Broberg, acquired via an offer sheet from the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 offseason, emerged as a revelation last season. The 24-year-old, a former eighth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, logged eight goals, 21 points during the 2024-25 campaign, showcasing his ability to handle top-four minutes. His skating, puck-moving ability, and playoff performance with the Oilers in 2024 gave plenty of promise ahead of his first campaign in St. Louis. Now heading into the 2025-26 season, he seems poised to make himself a cornerstone of the Blues’ defensive future.
His partner, at least to start the season, is likely to be veteran Justin Faulk. At 33, Faulk remains an offensive-minded defenseman with a knack for contributing on the power play, where he excels at distributing the puck. Last season, Faulk’s role was somewhat reduced due to the emergence of younger players, but he still logged significant minutes (22:27) and contributed offensively (32 points in 78 games).
However, with Parayko and Fowler handling the toughest assignments, Faulk’s role could shift to a more sheltered, offense-focused one, potentially maximizing his impact. That said, the Blues might take a conservative approach to start the season, pairing Broberg with Faulk to ensure stability.
However, a rookie like Logan Mailloux could push for a top-four role if he exceeds expectations. Mailloux, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Zachary Bolduc, brings size, speed, and offensive upside but has only eight NHL games of experience. While Mailloux’s potential is tantalizing, expecting him to leap into the second pairing immediately might be ambitious. By season’s end, if Mailloux proves ready, the Blues could flip Faulk to the third pair or explore trade options, allowing Broberg and Mailloux to form a dynamic, young second pairing.
Third Pairing: Tyler Tucker - Logan Mailloux
The third pairing of Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux has the potential to become the Blues’ newest “Bash Brothers” duo, bringing a mix of physicality and offensive flair. Tucker, 25, played a career-high 38 games last season under coaches Drew Bannister and Jim Montgomery, who has expressed significant confidence in his development. His rugged style makes him a natural fit for a bottom-pairing shutdown role, and this season could be a breakout opportunity as he competes for a permanent spot.
Mailloux, 22, is the wild card of the Blues’ defense. Acquired to address a lack of right-handed depth in the prospect pool, Mailloux’s size (6-foot-3), skating, and offensive instincts make him a high-upside addition. In his limited NHL action last season (seven games with Montreal), he recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists), hinting at his potential as a puck-moving defenseman. While he’s likely to start on the third pair, Armstrong has high expectations, noting Mailloux’s potential to eventually partner with Broberg in the top four. This pairing could be a proving ground for Mailloux, who may not shy away from physical play despite his offensive abilities, complementing Tucker’s grit. If Mailloux adapts quickly to the NHL level, this duo could generate excitement, with Tucker’s defensive reliability allowing Mailloux to take risks offensively.
Extra: Matthew Kessel
Matthew Kessel, 25, rounds out the defensive depth as the seventh defenseman. With 70 games of NHL experience, Kessel provides a right-handed option who can step into the lineup if injuries arise or if Mailloux needs more seasoning in the AHL. Kessel is likely to compete with Mailloux for third-pairing minutes during training camp, but his role as a depth defender makes him a valuable insurance policy for a team aiming to stay healthy and competitive.
Blues’ Defense Outlook and Key Questions
The Blues’ defensive overhaul shows a clear strategy: blend veteran leadership with youthful upside to remain a playoff contender while building for the future. The Fowler-Parayko pairing is a known quantity, capable of matching up against elite competition. The second and third pairings, however, will be a storyline to watch. Can Broberg solidify himself as a top-four stalwart, maybe even push for some of Cam Fowler’s shifts? Will Mailloux adapt to the NHL’s pace and physicality? And how will Faulk’s role evolve as the Blues prioritize their younger defensemen?
Health is another critical factor. Parayko and Broberg missed time with injuries last season, and Tucker was sidelined during the playoffs. With an older core in Fowler, Parayko, and Faulk, staying healthy will be crucial to maintaining consistency. Additionally, prospects like Theo Lindstein and Leo Lööf could emerge as wild cards if they impress in training camp, adding further depth to an already promising group.
The Blues’ defense has the potential to be a strength in 2025-26, with Fowler and Parayko leading the way, Broberg and Mailloux injecting youth, and Tucker and Faulk providing versatility. If this group gels under Jim Montgomery’s system, St. Louis could surprise many in the Western Conference, proving they could maybe be more than just a dark horse.