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

As the NHL offseason heats up, the St. Louis Blues are wasting no time preparing for a pivotal summer. After a middling 2024–25 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year, General Manager Doug Armstrong is expected to make bold moves — with a particular focus on bolstering the blue line. With several veteran contracts coming off the books and cap space opening up, the Blues are poised to be active players in free agency.

Here’s a look at some of the top free agent defensemen that could fit the Blues’ needs and help stabilize a defense that ranked among the league’s bottom ten in goals against.

1. Brett Pesce – Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 30
Shoots: Right
2024-25 Cap Hit: $4.025M

Pesce brings a steady, shutdown presence on the right side and has been a key part of Carolina’s stingy defensive corps for years. With his strong hockey IQ, solid puck-moving ability, and penalty-killing prowess, he could be a perfect complement to the more offensively inclined Torey Krug — assuming Krug stays put. The Blues desperately need a defensive anchor, and Pesce fits the mold.

2. Brady Skjei – Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 31
Shoots: Left
2024-25 Cap Hit: $5.25M

Another Hurricanes blueliner hitting the market, Skjei offers size, mobility, and offensive upside. He’s coming off a career-best 45-point season and logged top-four minutes consistently. Skjei’s versatility would allow him to play in various situations, and his leadership would be a valuable asset in the locker room.

3. Matt Roy – Los Angeles Kings

Age: 29
Shoots: Right
2024-25 Cap Hit: $3.15M

Roy has flown under the radar in LA, but he’s an analytics darling with solid two-way metrics. He’s a physical, stay-at-home defender who can block shots and eat tough minutes. If the Blues are looking for a reliable and affordable option on the second or third pairing, Roy should be high on their radar.

4. Shayne Gostisbehere – Detroit Red Wings

Age: 32
Shoots: Left
2024-25 Cap Hit: $4.125M

If Armstrong wants to double down on offense from the back end, Gostisbehere is a wildcard. Though he’s not known for his defensive acumen, “Ghost” still contributes heavily on the power play and can drive offense with strong zone entries. Paired with a more defensively sound partner, he could thrive in a sheltered role.

5. Ilya Lyubushkin – Toronto Maple Leafs

Age: 31
Shoots: Right
2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75M

A rugged, no-nonsense defender, Lyubushkin doesn’t bring much offense but plays with a physical edge and keeps things simple in his own zone. The Blues have lacked grit on the back end since trading away Joel Edmundson, and Lyubushkin could fill that void at a relatively low cost.

Internal Options & Considerations

The Blues also need to consider the development of young blueliners like Scott Perunovich and Matthew Kessel. However, neither is ready to carry top-four responsibility, making a veteran acquisition crucial if the team wants to remain competitive while continuing its soft rebuild.

Cap Situation

With the cap projected to rise to $88 million, the Blues could have north of $11 million in space depending on RFA signings and possible buyouts or trades. The club may also look to move a veteran like Colton Parayko or Marco Scandella to create additional flexibility.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 offseason is a defining moment for the Blues’ front office. If Doug Armstrong wants to get the team back into playoff contention — or at least shore up their defensive woes — landing a proven free agent defenseman is a necessary step. Whether he swings for a big name like Brett Pesce or opts for a value play like Matt Roy, fans in St. Louis can expect blue-line changes to be a top priority.

Stay tuned for more updates as NHL Free Agency opens on July 1st.