3 Free Agents the Blues Must Steer Clear of to Avoid Major Setbacks
After identifying which players the St. Louis Blues should target in free agency, it’s equally important to spotlight those they need to avoid. Signing any of the following three free agents could undo the team’s progress and cause serious long-term issues.
Mitch Marner
This one’s a no-brainer — the Blues must steer clear of Mitch Marner and the enormous contract he’s expected to command. With the NHL salary cap increasing for the 2025-26 season, Marner is set to cash in big, potentially landing a deal worth around $15 million annually — more than any current player, including Leon Draisaitl.
While Marner is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, the financial burden of his contract would be too much for St. Louis. Affording him would require a complete overhaul of the team’s payroll, and signing one superstar at such a high cost simply isn’t worth it for the Blues.
Jamie Benn
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn may appear to be a good fit for the Blues’ hard-hitting style of play, but he’s another player they need to avoid. Though his toughness and leadership could bring value, Benn is nearing the end of his career and likely comes with a high price tag.
Given his long tenure and legacy in Dallas, Benn is expected to either retire with the Stars or re-sign at a discounted rate — something the Blues can’t match. If he decides to move on, St. Louis should resist the temptation to bring him aboard.
Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand, now with the Florida Panthers, still plays with intensity and grit, making him seem like a natural fit for the Blues. After 16 strong seasons with Boston and now pushing for another Stanley Cup, his résumé speaks for itself.
However, at 37 years old, Marchand is nearing retirement and not worth more than about $3 million per year — roughly half of what he earned previously. Even that reduced figure is likely too much for St. Louis, especially if they plan to address needs on defense. Pursuing Marchand would be an ill-advised move.
Bottom Line:
These three names may be appealing on paper, but for the Blues to continue building toward long-term success, they must resist costly decisions that could derail their progress.
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