Blues Weigh Options to Retain Three First-Round Picks and Potential Trade Moves

St. Louis Blues enter the summer with a busy agenda, balancing three first-round draft picks, a possible top-tier trade, and plans for their young players' camp.

Scraper SystemJune 06, 2026, 04:44 PM

Blues Weigh Options to Retain Three First-Round Picks and Potential Trade Moves

Following the season, the St. Louis Blues have accelerated their roster planning. The team is deliberating how to best utilize their three first-round draft picks while also considering the possibility of trading a key roster player this summer.

At the center of the Blues' summer plans is the NHL Draft on June 26 and 27. While there is talk of the club making a move to climb higher in the draft order, it is emphasized that this would require a willing team on the other side to step back.

It is noted that the most likely scenario is not using all three first-round picks at once. However, these options remain the strongest possibilities, while attempts to move into the top five or trade a major roster player during the draft are seen as less probable.

Roster Names and Potential Negotiations

Questions have arisen about whether the San Jose Sharks might be interested in players like Jordan Kyrou, Colton Parayko, or Jordan Binnington. However, the Blues appear reluctant to include young players such as Jimmy Snuggerud, Adam Jiricek, and Justin Carbonneau in trade packages alongside multiple assets.

One trade scenario discussed this summer involved the Sharks offering the No. 2 overall pick in exchange for Colton Parayko, Jake Neighbours, and a third-round pick. This offer is considered far from what San Jose would accept.

Attention is drawn to Parayko being 33 years old, while Neighbours is viewed as a potentially valuable asset for the club. Still, it is believed that any team giving up the No. 2 pick would expect a top-tier, highly skilled player in return.

The third-round pick included in the proposed package is also seen as insufficient, with the argument that it should be at least a first-round pick. Therefore, the message is that it is more realistic for the Blues to keep their current picks at Nos. 11, 15, and 29 and proceed from there.

Young Players and Camp Expectations

Following Springfield’s extended AHL playoff run, Zach Dean and Dylan Peterson have re-signed one-year two-way contracts. Dean finished the season with 10 assists and 14 points in 36 regular-season games and added two goals and three points in 12 playoff games.

Peterson, selected 86th overall in the 2020 draft, continues to stand out for his physical play. He recorded 12 goals and 24 points in 57 regular-season games and contributed one goal and two points in 12 playoff games.

Dean and Peterson are expected to participate in the Blues’ camp this September, joined by Adam Jiricek and Justin Carbonneau. Jiricek, picked 16th overall in the 2024 draft, and Carbonneau, selected 19th in 2025, joined Springfield after their junior seasons to gain playoff experience.

Jiricek played six games, and Carbonneau appeared in three. Although neither contributed points, this experience is seen as an important step for them to familiarize themselves with NHL-style playoff pressure.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong noted that such playoff series are valuable for young players. He cautioned against drawing firm conclusions about whether Jiricek and Carbonneau will make the NHL roster next season based on their limited ice time. According to Armstrong, their impact may become more apparent in the longer term rather than immediately.

Armstrong’s remark that "June is a big month" highlights the intense decision-making period the Blues face regarding the draft, roster planning, and potential trades. The club has many options ahead that will shape both their present and future.

Blues Weigh Options to Retain Three First-Round Picks and Potential Trade Moves

St. Louis Blues enter the summer with a busy agenda, balancing three first-round draft picks, a possible top-tier trade, and plans for their young players' camp.