Blues Eyeing a Major Trade Deadline in 2026
Doug Armstrong has one final opportunity to make a significant move and bolster the team this season before handing over the reins to Alex Steen: the 2026 trade deadline. Could the Blues’ quiet offseason hint at big moves ahead when the deadline hits? 
While the St. Louis Blues had a productive offseason, making necessary upgrades, it wasn’t the splash fans were hoping for. Armstrong took a more cautious approach, avoiding the temptation to overpay for questionable free agents. While this might not be the aggressive offseason many expected, it could have been the wise decision to set Steen up for success in the future.
Still, Armstrong has one last chance to make a significant impact and improve the team at the trade deadline. Is he biding his time, saving his assets for a big move when the deadline arrives?
Patience and the Long Game
Armstrong is known for his patience, and it’s often what leads to the right decisions. He doesn’t make a move unless it’s the perfect fit for the Blues, and he never overpays if he feels a deal isn’t right. He also avoids reaching on draft picks, always selecting the best talent available, regardless of position, as seen with his pick of Carbonneau.
Armstrong is no stranger to playing the long game, preferring to let the market come to him instead of forcing things. This offseason, in particular, has been slow and uneventful, with teams less inclined to trade away talent. This type of market can lead to overpaying, but Armstrong recognized this trend and shifted his focus to the future, positioning himself to take advantage of a more favorable situation at the trade deadline.
The trade deadline itself is a frantic and high-pressure time, and Armstrong knows this is when teams are more likely to move assets to make a push for the present. He’s likely setting his sights on this period as the optimal time to strike.
Potential Trade Targets
The upcoming trade deadline promises some intriguing names, especially with several big-name players set to become UFAs.
At the top of the list are Jack Eichel (VGK) and Connor McDavid (EDM), but both are highly unlikely to be traded, as their teams are aiming for the playoffs and both stars will likely sign extensions. For either team to move these superstars would be counterproductive to their win-now goals.
However, there are other top-tier players who could be valuable rentals for the Blues. Artemi Panarin (NYR), an impending UFA with a Rangers team not expected to compete at a high level, would be a game-changing addition for St. Louis. Adding Panarin would be a bold, win-now move that could catapult the Blues into the Stanley Cup conversation.
Additionally, players from contending teams who could be moved include Kyle Connor (WPG), Adrian Kempe (LAK), and Martin Necas (COL). Winnipeg is facing a salary cap crunch, making Connor potentially available for a trade. The Kings’ underperforming core might lead them to move Kempe for a shakeup. Meanwhile, Colorado is known for making moves when they can’t re-sign a player, and Necas could be one of their casualties.
Other possible targets include Rasmus Andersson (CAL), Shane Pinto (OTT), and Erik Karlsson (PIT)—each of whom could be a solid addition depending on the team’s needs at the time.
A Promising Deadline Ahead
With the Blues’ relatively quiet offseason, all signs point to a flurry of activity come trade deadline time. Doug Armstrong has set the team up for an exciting opportunity to make significant upgrades in March 2026, whether he opts for a big splash or focuses on filling smaller gaps.
The calm before the storm this offseason suggests that Armstrong is preparing for a strategic push, and with his time limited before passing the torch to Steen, expect him to make a mark with a big move when the trade deadline arrives.
No Comment! Be the first one.