Five Sensible Trade Options for the Blues This Offseason
The St. Louis Blues are positioned to take a significant step forward this offseason. While there’s potential to move aggressively toward Stanley Cup contention, sacrificing long-term assets too early in their competitive window could backfire. Instead, GM Doug Armstrong may opt for measured upgrades that gradually raise the team’s ceiling. Here are five realistic trade targets that could improve the team by a meaningful margin:
1. K’Andre Miller (New York Rangers)
One of the top priorities for the Blues is adding a young, NHL-ready defenseman. Armstrong has emphasized the need to build around players in their early 20s—those like Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. K’Andre Miller fits that age range and skill profile perfectly.
At 25, Miller is coming off his entry-level deal and is now arbitration eligible. The Rangers have yet to sign him to a long-term extension, which is curious—perhaps a result of needing to prepare financially for Artemi Panarin’s future.
Miller is a steady presence on the blue line with decent offensive production. He could likely be acquired via trade for a package including a couple of mid-tier prospects and a later-round pick. An offer sheet is unlikely, given how controversial they’ve become.
2. Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)
Zegras dazzled fans early in his career with creative, highlight-reel plays, but he’s struggled in Anaheim’s rebuild over the last two seasons. After notching 61 and 65 points in his first full campaigns, his numbers have since declined.
Despite the dip in production, Zegras remains a highly talented forward. The knock on him has been a lack of physicality, but that may stem from playing on a stagnant team. With just one year left on a $5.75 million deal and arbitration rights to follow, he represents a high-upside, controllable asset.
Zegras would be a gamble, but one worth taking at his current low trade value—especially for a Blues team seeking to accelerate its rebuild with skill in the middle six.
3. Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils)
The Devils are facing a surplus of defensemen, particularly on the left side, making Nemec a potential trade candidate. While still raw at 21, he has shown signs of being a strong two-way defender.
Nemec hasn’t quite found consistent offensive success yet, but the upside is clear. His development mirrors that of Philip Broberg, making him a natural fit alongside the Blues’ new core.
A trade for Nemec might involve an NHL contributor or a package of picks and prospects, but the investment could pay off long term if he realizes his potential.
4. Brandt Clarke (Los Angeles Kings)
Another intriguing option is Brandt Clarke, a 22-year-old defenseman who tallied 33 points in 78 games last season. LA has a crowded defense corps and may need to shed cap space to pursue other moves.
Clarke is a well-rounded blueliner with room to grow, especially if given more responsibility. His mix of size, skill, and hockey IQ makes him a prime candidate to blossom into a top-pair defenseman.
Acquiring Clarke would likely require a more substantial return than others on this list—possibly a high draft pick or an established NHL player. But his youth, upside, and contract status (one year left on his ELC) make him a worthwhile pursuit.
5. Ryan O’Reilly (Nashville Predators)
Though older than the other targets, 34-year-old Ryan O’Reilly could be the perfect veteran addition. Still productive—he recorded 21 goals and 53 points last season—O’Reilly would fill the Blues’ need for a second-line center.
Despite playing on a struggling Predators team, he remained effective at both ends of the ice, showing that he has gas left in the tank. His leadership and playoff experience would also be invaluable to a young Blues squad.
O’Reilly is on a team-friendly deal: $4.5 million for two more years, without any trade protections. He could be had relatively cheaply and would provide a strong presence both on and off the ice.
Beyond the strategic fit, bringing O’Reilly back would also energize the fanbase, rekindling memories of the 2019 Stanley Cup run. For a low-risk price, the Blues would be getting a leader and mentor with a proven track record.
Each of these players could realistically be acquired without gutting the farm system or overcommitting to one direction. With smart moves, the Blues could edge closer to contention without mortgaging their future.
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