NHL Prospect Pool Overview ’25-26: St. Louis Blues Building Their Pool Through Depth
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Hockey News
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In the 2025-26 season, the St. Louis Blues are strategically carving out their future by focusing on a depth-oriented prospect pool. With the goal of enhancing their competitiveness in the NHL, the Blues are blending seasoned veterans with promising young talents. Recent drafts have provided a wealth of skilled forwards and defensemen, making it a crucial time for the franchise as they build for sustained success.
Among the notable prospects, players like Jake Neighbours and Zachary Bolduc are emerging as key figures. Neighbours, a recent first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance with his offensive capabilities, while Bolduc is noted for his high hockey IQ and playmaking skills. The Blues are optimistic that these young players will contribute not only in the AHL but also make their mark in the NHL in the near future.
The organization recognizes the importance of depth in a long NHL season. By developing players like Neighbours and Bolduc, the Blues aim to create a robust team that can withstand injuries and fatigue. This strategic focus gives them a chance to grow while maintaining competitiveness against other teams in the league, including the formidable Colorado Avalanche and the veteran-laden Tampa Bay Lightning.
Head coach Craig Berube has emphasized the need for a strong practice culture and leadership among the younger players. As the Blues blend youth with experience, the 2025-26 season might just see the emergence of a new contender in the Western Conference, threading the balance between retooling and vying for a playoff spot.
Among the notable prospects, players like Jake Neighbours and Zachary Bolduc are emerging as key figures. Neighbours, a recent first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance with his offensive capabilities, while Bolduc is noted for his high hockey IQ and playmaking skills. The Blues are optimistic that these young players will contribute not only in the AHL but also make their mark in the NHL in the near future.
The organization recognizes the importance of depth in a long NHL season. By developing players like Neighbours and Bolduc, the Blues aim to create a robust team that can withstand injuries and fatigue. This strategic focus gives them a chance to grow while maintaining competitiveness against other teams in the league, including the formidable Colorado Avalanche and the veteran-laden Tampa Bay Lightning.
Head coach Craig Berube has emphasized the need for a strong practice culture and leadership among the younger players. As the Blues blend youth with experience, the 2025-26 season might just see the emergence of a new contender in the Western Conference, threading the balance between retooling and vying for a playoff spot.