2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. We’ll preview the St Louis Blues in this post.
2021 Offseason
The Blues biggest moves this offseason came among their forward group. Along with signing UFA Brandon Saad, they acquired Pavel Buchnevich from the Rangers for Sammy Blais. They also completed new deals with a number of RFAs and have one RFA (Robert Thomas) left to sign. We’ll assume he signs in time for the regular season for this preview.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Blues’ biggest strength is their depth. While the top two forward lines and top four defense are capable, the bottom six forward group and third defense pair stand out.
Forwards
Pavel Buchnevich looks like a solid addition to the Blues’ top six, with a projected impact of a top line forward. The Blues were able to sign him to a reasonable contract as an RFA following the trade as well. With Vladamir Tarasenko looking set to return as well, the Blues top six looks more dangerous than last season. With Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Brandon Saad in the bottom six, the Blues have plenty of options to shuffle their lineup as circumstances require. Saad may have been one of the best RFA signings this summer, coming with a strong projection for the 21/22 season and a very reasonable cap hit.
Defensemen
The Blues’ defense corps returns from last season. With strong projected impacts throughout, their depth is once again a strength. They’ll look for their young defensemen on ELCs to grow and take on larger roles this season.
Goaltenders
The Blues head into the 21/22 season with a goaltending tandem of Jordan Binnington and Ville Husso. With both netminders projected impact only that of backup goaltenders, this looks like the weakest link for the Blues. They’ll need one of their goaltenders to step up and outperform the model projections.
Team Performance
The Blues look like they could be a factor in the playoff race this season. Goaltending holds them back in the model and could be the factor that decides if they make the postseason.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
