BREAKING NEWS: Assessing the Best Free Agent Defensemen Options for the St. Louis Blues under the…see more

As the NHL free agency period approaches, the St. Louis Blues face a critical offseason — one that could define their competitiveness for years to come. With a projected tight salary cap and glaring needs on the blue line, General Manager Doug Armstrong will need to be both strategic and creative in targeting free agent defensemen.

The Blues’ defensive corps has been inconsistent over the past two seasons. With veterans like Colton Parayko showing signs of decline and no clear top-pairing partner stepping up, shoring up the defense has become a top priority. But with limited cap space — projected at around $7 million depending on RFA negotiations — the Blues are unlikely to land a top-tier name unless they make a major trade or buyout.

Here are five free agent defensemen who could be a good fit in St. Louis — both from a financial and stylistic standpoint:

1. Matt Dumba

2024-25 Team: Arizona Coyotes
Estimated Cap Hit: $3.5–4 million

Dumba brings physicality and leadership, and despite a rough year in Arizona, he still has top-four upside. He could pair well with a more defensively responsible partner and help rejuvenate the Blues’ transitional game.

2. Ilya Lyubushkin

2024-25 Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Estimated Cap Hit: $2–2.5 million

A defensive specialist and penalty kill stalwart, Lyubushkin could add much-needed grit and zone-clearing ability. He’d likely slot into a bottom-four role and wouldn’t break the bank.

3. Oliver Kylington

2024-25 Team: Calgary Flames
Estimated Cap Hit: $3–3.5 million

After returning from personal leave, Kylington showed flashes of his old form. A strong skater with offensive upside, he could offer dynamic play at a reasonable cost if the Blues are willing to bet on a bounce-back season.

4. Calvin de Haan

2024-25 Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Estimated Cap Hit: $1–1.5 million

If the Blues opt for veteran depth, de Haan is a low-risk, stay-at-home option. Injuries have slowed him down, but in a third-pairing role, he remains dependable and affordable.

5. Ethan Bear

2024-25 Team: Washington Capitals
Estimated Cap Hit: $2–2.5 million

Still only 27, Bear could be a long-term asset if he stays healthy. His puck-moving ability and right-handed shot might make him an intriguing fit, especially if the Blues want to lean into a younger, more mobile back end.

What Comes Next

The Blues are not expected to be big spenders this summer, and Armstrong has emphasized a youth movement. But with no surefire top-pairing defenseman ready in the pipeline, the club may need to dip into free agency to stabilize the roster.

Expect St. Louis to be in on short-term, mid-priced deals, possibly adding one or two defensemen while exploring trade options to shed salary — including the possibility of moving Marco Scandella’s expiring deal or restructuring their blue line altogether.

The Blues’ offseason is just beginning, but how they address their defensive holes in the coming weeks will speak volumes about the direction of the franchise in the post-Tarasenko era.

Stay tuned for more updates as free agency unfolds.