Fresh off their first victory in the 2025-26 season, the St. Louis Blues pack their bags for the next leg of their West Coast road trip. Among the team, the rising fan favorite, Jake Neighbours, continues to establish himself as a key player in the team’s evolving identity through his consistent on-ice performance and leadership by example.
The hometown boy has got some moves. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/d188Y9Wl1w
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 11, 2025
The 23-year-old forward, drafted 26th overall in 2020, delivered a statement performance in Thursday’s 4-2 road win over the Calgary Flames, netting two goals that continues to show his growing role as a spark plug for the lineup. Coming off a home-opening shutout loss to Minnesota, Neighbours’ timely scoring not only secured the victory but also highlighted why he’s poised to become a cornerstone for the Blues in the years ahead.
Neighbours’ journey from promising prospect to reliable NHL contributor has been a steady climb. His first full season back in 2022-23, he suited up for 43 games, chipping in six goals and four assists while adjusting to the league’s pace. It was a steep learning curve, with the young winger focusing on building his physical presence by racking up 63 hits despite limited ice time, averaging 12:26 per game. Those early reps laid the groundwork, teaching him the value of gritty, two-way play in a bottom-six role.
The real breakthrough came in 2023-24, where Neighbours exploded for 27 goals and 38 points across 77 games, establishing himself as a legitimate scoring threat. His shooting efficiency jumped to nearly 19 percent, while logging 15:42 per night, all while continuing his physical dominance of 138 hits and 45 blocks to his resume. This wasn’t just about offense; Neighbours began driving play more effectively, helping the Blues control possession in key situations. His ability to blend scoring touch with physicality made him a fan favorite and a trusted piece in Jim Montgomery’s system.
Building on that momentum, the 2024-25 campaign saw Neighbours take another step forward, playing all 82 games and tallying 22 goals and 46 points. His assists climbed to 24, showing off his improved playmaking, while ramping up the physicality with 173 hits and 56 blocks. Averaging close to 16 minutes per game, he owned the ice with stronger possession metrics, often tilting shifts in St. Louis’ favor.
From a rookie finding his footing to a versatile forward who impacts every facet of the game, Neighbours is not just a player who’s not just contributing but evolving into a leader.
What makes Calgary, Alberta-native a potential monumental pillar for the organization is his intangible blend of skill and heart. He’s the kind of player who thrives in high-pressure moments, like his two-goal outburst in Calgary, driving hard to the net and scoring a greasy goal, and willing to sacrifice in front of the crease, creating a screen for his linemates.
Teammates rave about his work ethic, and is sometimes viewed by fans as a bridge between the Blues’ veteran core, and the incoming youth wave. As St. Louis rebuilds around speed and tenacity, Neighbours projects as a top-six staple who could hit 30-plus goals while anchoring special teams and mentoring prospects.
Heading into Monday’s clash with Vancouver, Neighbours represents the Blues’ blueprint for success: homegrown talent that’s tough, talented, and team-first. If his trajectory continues, he won’t just be a pillar, he’ll be the foundation holding up the franchise’s next era.