St. Louis Blues Open for Business — Just Not In a Hurry on 3 Names

The St. Louis Blues are no strangers to trade speculation, but this season feels different. After an underwhelming start and inconsistent results, the Blues have quietly positioned themselves as one of the NHL’s more intriguing “open for business” teams — with an important caveat: they are not rushing into anything.

General manager Doug Armstrong has made it clear that while the phone lines are active, meaningful moves are more likely to materialize closer to the March 6, 2026, trade deadline. That approach reflects both the current state of the roster and the realities of the NHL calendar, with roster freezes, the Olympic break, and cap maneuvering all playing a role.

St. Louis is listening — just not panicking.

A Calculated Approach Ahead of the Deadline

Armstrong has been saying the same thing: the Blues will talk trades, but only if it’s good for the team in the future. Big trades usually don’t happen early in the season, so St. Louis is okay with waiting to see how things develop before making a move.

Right now, with the holiday roster freeze and the Olympic break, teams are just checking things out. People expect serious talks to really start when teams get a better idea of their playoff chances—and when sellers have more power.

For the Blues, being patient isn’t being unsure. It’s part of their plan.

Brayden Schenn: A Proven Playoff Piece

People keep talking about Brayden Schenn as a hot trade option, and it makes sense. He’s an experienced forward that is a leader, can play many roles, and has done well in the playoffs before. He has a list of 15 teams he can’t be traded to, which makes things tricky. If St. Louis wants to trade him, many teams would be interested.

Potential fits:

• New Jersey Devils — seeking depth scoring and playoff grit
• New York Rangers — a middle-six upgrade with championship experience
• Vegas Golden Knights — always aggressive, always hunting veterans

Schenn represents the type of player contenders circle closer to the deadline when experience becomes a priority.

Jordan Binnington: A Goalie Market Wild Card

Jordan Binnington remains one of the more intriguing names in any in-season goalie discussion. While the Blues are not actively shopping him, Armstrong has acknowledged that no player is untouchable if circumstances align.

Goaltending markets often heat up suddenly — an injury, a slump, or a contender realizing their window is slipping away can change everything overnight.

Potential fits:

• Montreal Canadiens — if stability becomes a necessity
• Toronto Maple Leafs — should playoff urgency override long-term plans
• Carolina Hurricanes — always searching for postseason reliability

Any Binnington trade would be complex, involving cap considerations and long-term vision, making it far more likely closer to the deadline — if at all.

Justin Faulk: Blue-Line Depth for Contenders

Justin Faulk has quietly become another name drawing league interest. A right-shot defenseman with playoff experience and a 15-team no-trade list, Faulk fits the mold of a deadline acquisition teams pursue to stabilize their blue line.

Potential fits:

• Toronto Maple Leafs — playoff-tested depth
• Dallas Stars — defensive insurance for a Cup run
• Boston Bruins — veteran presence for a grinding postseason

Faulk’s value increases as injuries pile up league-wide, making him a logical in-season target.

Patience Today, Flexibility Tomorrow

The Blues might not be about to make a huge trade, but they’re definitely looking to do something. By being patient, Armstrong keeps his options open and makes sure any move fits what the team wants in the long run.

As the deadline approaches, expect St. Louis to be one of the league’s most closely watched teams — not because they’re desperate, but because they’re prepared.

Next: 3 Teams That Could Target Jordan Kyrou in a Trade