BREAKING NEWS: St. Louis Blues Right Wing Jordan Kyrou Named No. 1 Forward on Team’s Depth Chart Ahead of 2025 Season
June 7, 2025 — St. Louis, MO
In a major development ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, the St. Louis Blues have officially listed Jordan Kyrou as the No. 1 right wing on their depth chart. The move, confirmed by head coach Drew Bannister during a Friday morning media availability, solidifies Kyrou’s ascent into the team’s elite tier and sets the stage for him to be the offensive focal point in the Blues’ new-era lineup.
The 27-year-old forward has steadily grown into one of the NHL’s most dynamic and dangerous skaters, combining blazing speed with top-tier puck handling and scoring instincts. After signing an eight-year, $65 million contract extension in 2022, expectations were sky-high for Kyrou. Now, with Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O’Reilly long gone and a retooling roster around him, the spotlight is squarely on Kyrou—and the Blues believe he’s ready.
A Star in the Making
Last season, Kyrou tallied 35 goals and 41 assists for 76 points in 81 games. While the Blues missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, Kyrou was a bright spot. He led the team in goals and power-play points, often creating offense seemingly out of nothing. His improved two-way play and increasing physicality were also noted by both coaching staff and teammates.
“Jordan’s taken the steps we asked of him,” Bannister told reporters. “He’s matured, he’s become more vocal in the room, and he’s leading by example on the ice. He’s earned that No. 1 spot, and we’re going to lean on him heavily.”
Fans in St. Louis have watched Kyrou grow from a promising second-round pick in 2016 into the face of the franchise. After early-career inconsistencies, he found his rhythm in the 2021–22 season, posting his first 70-point campaign and helping lead the Blues to a playoff appearance.
Since then, he’s remained one of the most consistent offensive contributors in the Central Division.
Leadership Role Expands
Kyrou’s elevation to the top-line role comes with more than just increased ice time—it carries a leadership mantle. With Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk serving as co-captains, Kyrou is now seen as part of the team’s leadership core, especially among the younger forwards like Zachary Bolduc and Jimmy Snuggerud.
“He’s one of the guys everyone watches,” said Schenn. “When he’s flying, it energizes the bench. When he works in all three zones, it sets the tone. We need that from him every night.”
The Blues are expected to experiment with line combinations during preseason, but early indications suggest Kyrou will start on a line with center Robert Thomas—his long-time linemate and friend—and newcomer Jake Neighbours on the left wing. The chemistry between Kyrou and Thomas is well-documented, and with Neighbours adding grit and forechecking to the trio, the line could be one of the league’s most balanced top units.
The Face of a Franchise Rebuild
St. Louis missed the playoffs again last season, prompting questions about the franchise’s long-term direction. General Manager Doug Armstrong, who remains at the helm, has resisted calls for a full rebuild, instead opting for a more strategic retooling process. That process hinges heavily on Kyrou’s ability to be a consistent 90-point player.
“We’re not looking to tear this thing down,” Armstrong said earlier this week. “We’ve got cornerstone players here. Jordan is absolutely one of them. He’s the guy we’re building around.”
The Blues have added depth pieces via free agency and the draft, but Kyrou’s performance will likely dictate how quickly St. Louis can return to playoff contention.
Next Steps for Kyrou
Now that he’s officially the team’s top winger, the pressure and expectations are greater than ever. But if his recent trajectory is any indication, Kyrou may just be scratching the surface of his potential.
NHL analysts are beginning to take notice. In a recent segment on NHL Network, former players praised Kyrou’s development, calling him “one of the most electrifying players in the Western Conference.” Some even speculate he could be in the mix for a Hart Trophy nomination if the Blues make a surprise run.
“I feel ready,” Kyrou said in a brief interview after Friday’s announcement. “I’ve been working all summer to take my game to the next level. I know what’s expected of me. I want to help bring this team back to where it belongs.”
With training camp on the horizon and expectations rising in St. Louis, Jordan Kyrou will enter the 2025–26 season not just as the Blues’ top forward, but as the new face of the franchise.
And for the Blues and their fans, that’s exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
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