Blues Can Raise 2024-25 Ceiling With These Trades

The St. Louis Blues, who have missed the playoffs the previous two seasons, will need to have a successful summer in order to make a run at it. Because of the immovable contracts, they are not rebuilding and they are not a contender either.

They do, however, have sufficient salary cap space to increase their ceiling and make a superior acquisition this summer. In order to increase their ceiling for the 2024–25 season, consider these three possible acquisitions.

Martin Nečas

First up is Martin Nečas, a restricted free agent (RFA) for the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old forward’s impact on the Blues starting lineup may be enormous. It appears from a number of speculations that the Hurricanes will let him go this summer. It might be best for both of them if he moved to a new place.

In the correct circumstances, Nečas has the potential to score thirty goals, and I believe the Blues can deliver that. Although the Hurricanes are a superior and more organized team, he may really shine if he plays with a center like Robert Thomas. In 2022–2023 he scored 28 goals, and in 2023–2024 he scored 24 goals. Additionally, during the last two seasons, he has 17 power-play goals. Although the Blues must be careful not to overpay him on his next contract, there is still value to be gained in any scenario.

Farabee Joel

This summer, the Blues and the Philadelphia Flyers might work out another agreement. They would be moving far more in the 2023 offseason for forward Joel Farabee than they were for Kevin Hayes. The Flyers may or may not shop Farabee this summer, but the Blues ought to be interested. There are four seasons left on his contract, and a $5 million salary cap hit. Whatever happens, it will always fit into the club’s cap table. This offseason, they might consider signing a guy like Farabee if they trade Pavel Buchnevich.

Farabee is a winger who played in 82 games for Philadelphia past season, scoring 50 points and 22 goals. At 24, he has already had two seasons with 20 goals or more. His 20 goals at even strength from the previous season and 74 of his 82 goals overall have come from the same position, which is another important aspect of his profile. I envision him scoring thirty goals or more when he plays on a line alongside Thomas. Nor are his defensive stats all that bad. Depending on the team’s strategy this summer, adding a winger of Farabee’s age makes a lot of sense.

Anthony Cirelli

If Anthony Cirelli were dealt by the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer, it would surprise me. Should they decide to consider the concept, Armstrong ought to seize the chance.

The Blues need a second-line center because Hayes and Brayden Schenn last season showed signs of struggle in that position. This offseason, Cirelli is the most valuable center that the trade market has to offer. He has played a significant role in the Lightning’s success since the team won two Stanley Cups in 2018–19. Last season, he achieved a career-high 20 goals, and he again placed in the top five of the Selke Trophy vote. At the center position, his faceoff statistics aren’t particularly impressive, but as a two-way player, he offers much.

It’s difficult to predict what the Blues might have to give up in a trade for Cirelli, Farabee, or Nečas, but I believe they have the pieces to close a deal if both parties are willing. The team’s top six pose questions for the organization.