As the NHL’s 2026 free-agency window opens, the St. Louis Blues are facing a familiar challenge: finding immediate help down the middle while giving a young Center time to develop into the club’s long-term second-line Center. The unrestricted free-agent class at the position is notably thin this summer, with few to no true high-end difference-makers available.
While the options are few and far between, there are several options that General manager Doug Armstrong and his staff can slot in as reliable No. 2 or high-end No. 3 options without blocking Dalibor Dvorsky’s path.
Boone Jenner
Leading the list of realistic targets is Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 33-year-old captain could be entering free agency after posting 13 goals and 25 assists in 67 games during the 2025-26 season. Known for his physical edge, leadership, and strong faceoff work (200-180 in 2025-26), Jenner brings the gritty, heavy-minute presence the Blues would love to have in their middle six. He could immediately stabilize a second line alongside skill wingers like Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours while providing the playoff-type intensity St. Louis needs.
Boone Jenner gives the Blue Jackets their first lead of the game 👀 pic.twitter.com/obGHFeqnZU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 4, 2025
Coming off a $3.75 million deal, he is expected to command a multi-year contract in the $5-6 million range, but his intangibles make him the top bridge candidate in this market. Should he make it to free agency, Jenner should be the club’s number one target.
Scott Laughton
Close behind is Scott Laughton, who split time with the Los Angeles Kings after a midseason trade from Toronto. The 32-year-old versatile forward tallied 13 goals and seven assists in 64 games while continuing to excel on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle. Laughton offers a well-rounded game that blends defensive reliability with enough secondary scoring to push a middle-six unit. At a projected $4.75-5.5 million AAV on a shorter-term deal, he is a smart, low-risk value that would allow Dvorsky to ease into bigger responsibilities without pressure.
Jack Rolovic
The 29-year-old center-right wing hybrid, Jack Roslovic, adds more offensive upside to the conversation. He posted a solid 21 goals and 15 assists in 69 games, showing the skill and versatility to play either up the middle or on the wing. Roslovic went 142-126 on the faceoff dot this past season and his ability to slide between positions gives the Blues flexibility as Dvorsky matures. He’s not one that will ultimately raise the ceiling of the Center core, but one who reinforces the floor while providing an additional scoring threat to the lineup.
Jason Dickinson
The forward spent the season with Edmonton after a trade from Chicago, Dickinson is more of a bottom-six option who provides another steady defensive option. In 64 games he recorded seven goals and 10 assists while averaging 15:32 of time on ice and taking nearly 900 faceoffs, winning 49.3%. Though light on offense, his reliability in his own zone and on special teams makes him a safe, low-event choice for a team prioritizing structure.
None of these names will dazzle highlight reels, but they fit the Blues’ current window perfectly. With projected cap flexibility and a young core still taking shape, Armstrong can target one of these veterans to hold the fort while Dvorsky continues his promising growth. In a thin center market, this group is offers the kind of practical, value-driven moves that could prove fruitful as the season progresses.