3 Free Agents the Blues Should Target to Become Serious Contenders
By Justin Bonhard | May 13, 2025
The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a crucial offseason. With the 2025 NHL Draft just around the corner and free agency right behind it, the team has a golden opportunity to strengthen its roster. Three players in particular could provide the boost the Blues need to return to playoff form next season.
A common theme among these targets? Defensive reinforcements.
Aaron Ekblad
Revamping the blue line is a top priority for the Blues, especially with the current defensive core likely to undergo changes. Enter Aaron Ekblad, one of the league’s premier defensemen, currently excelling for the Florida Panthers.
The 29-year-old posted three goals and 30 assists during the regular season and added another goal and three assists in the playoffs, showing he’s still in top form. Ekblad would bring immediate value to St. Louis’ defense, though his services won’t come cheap.
That said, the Blues could make it work financially — particularly with the NHL salary cap increasing and the possibility of moving veteran Nick Leddy’s contract without salary retention. As it stands, they have around $7.75 million in cap space, which could be enough to bring Ekblad on board.
Ivan Provorov
If Ekblad proves too expensive, Ivan Provorov presents a slightly more affordable but still highly effective alternative. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman tallied 33 points (7 goals, 26 assists) in 82 games last season and has built a reputation for durability, having not missed a game over the past three years.
Pairing Provorov with players like Colton Parayko or Justin Faulk could significantly elevate the team’s blue line. And for a player who hasn’t seen playoff action since the 2019-20 season, the Blues’ fringe-contender status might be an appealing opportunity.
Ryan Lindgren
Another smart, physical addition could be Ryan Lindgren, currently with the Colorado Avalanche after years with the New York Rangers. Nicknamed “The Warrior,” Lindgren is known for his gritty, relentless style — a perfect fit for the Blues’ bruising identity.
Although his all-out style has led to some injury concerns, his price tag should be manageable. Lindgren’s fearless play and team-first mentality make him a strong candidate to help solidify the defensive unit without breaking the bank.
Final Take:
All three of these defensemen offer different strengths, but each one fits the Blues’ needs perfectly. Whether it’s the elite skill of Ekblad, the reliability of Provorov, or the grit of Lindgren, signing any of them could help push St. Louis back into serious playoff contention.
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