The 5 Most Influential St. Louis Blues Players in January 2026

January wasn’t kind to the St. Louis Blues. A 5–8–1 record, a -12 goal differential, and bottom‑tier special teams painted the picture of a team fighting uphill most nights. They averaged just 2.57 goals per game, allowed 3.43, and struggled to generate offense with only 25.4 shots per game.

But even in a difficult month, a handful of players meaningfully shaped the team’s identity, and in several cases, kept the Blues competitive when the underlying numbers suggested they shouldn’t be.

These are the five players who influenced the month more than anyone else.

Joel Hofer 

7 GP | 4–2–1 | .894 SV% | 2.69 GAA | 1 SO

The Blues were a 4–2–1 team when Joel Hofer started.

They were 1–6–0 when he didn’t.

That alone tells the story.

Hofer didn’t post elite numbers, but he provided something far more valuable: stability. In a month where the Blues allowed high‑danger chances in bunches and struggled to control the middle of the ice, Hofer consistently gave them a chance. His calm presence, rebound control, and ability to quiet chaotic shifts stood out in stark contrast to the team’s overall defensive performance.

Without Hofer, January could have spiraled into something far uglier.

Jordan Kyrou

14 GP | 4G–6A–10P | +1 | 41 SOG

On a team that averaged fewer than three goals per game, Kyrou’s 10 points were essential. He led the Blues in scoring, paced the team in shot generation, and was one of the few forwards who consistently created offense off the rush.

His five power‑play points mattered even more given the unit’s overall struggles (15.6%). When the Blues needed someone to tilt the ice, Kyrou was the one who did it.

This was the closest he’s looked all season to the dynamic, game‑breaking version of himself.

Justin Faulk 

14 GP | 1G–6A–7P | 21:57 TOI | 1 SHP

Faulk’s influence wasn’t loud, just constant.

He logged nearly 22 minutes a night, played in every situation, and was the only defenseman who consistently pushed play in the right direction. His puck movement helped stabilize breakouts, his PK minutes were heavy on a unit that struggled, and his lone shorthanded point was one of the few bright spots in a rough month for special teams.

In a month where the Blues allowed 3.43 goals per game, Faulk was the closest thing they had to a defensive anchor.

Jimmy Snuggerud 

14 GP | 3G–6A–9P | 5 PP Points | 50% FO

Snuggerud didn’t just survive January, he thrived.

He finished second on the team in scoring, tied Kyrou for the team lead in power‑play points, and showed a level of poise that is beyond his age. His ability to find soft ice, make quick reads, and contribute on the man advantage kept the Blues’ PP from completely bottoming out.

January was a month where offense was hard to come by, Snuggerud was one of the few consistent sources of it once he began shooting again.

Brayden Schenn 

14 GP | 4G–4A–8P | 52.8% FO | 1 GWG

Schenn’s month wasn’t perfect. The penalties were high, and the defensive results weren’t great, but his influence was undeniable. He scored timely goals, won key faceoffs, and provided the competitive edge the Blues needed during a turbulent stretch.

When the team sagged, Schenn was often the one dragging them back into the fight. His game‑winner and his ability to elevate the intensity in difficult moments earned him the final spot on this list.

Just Missed the Cut

Pavel Buchnevich — 9 points, but a tough -5. Still productive, but the defensive results weighed down his overall impact.

Dalibor Dvorsky — +4 on a -12 team. A quietly excellent month, but not enough usage to crack the top five.

Jake Neighbours — Efficient, physical, reliable. Strong identity play, but overshadowed by bigger drivers.

What January Told Us About the Blues

This was a month defined by inconsistency, special‑teams struggles, and a lack of offensive depth. But it was also a month where a young goalie emerged as a stabilizing force, a star winger rediscovered his scoring touch, a rookie proved he belongs, a veteran center set the emotional tone, and a top‑pair defenseman carried a heavy load

If the Blues climb back into the playoff picture, January will be remembered as the month where the core pieces kept the season from slipping away.