5 Shocking Trade Rumors Dominating St. Louis Blues Talk In December 2025
The St. Louis Blues are once again the biggest source of drama in the NHL, with the current date of December 21, 2025, marking a critical inflection point for the franchise. Following an underwhelming start to the 2025-26 NHL season, where the team sits at a disappointing 13-15-8, the talk around the Enterprise Center has shifted from playoff aspirations to a potential fire sale. General Manager Doug Armstrong has confirmed the team is "open for business," making the veteran core the subject of intense trade speculation across the league.
This period of inconsistent results, especially within the competitive Central Division, has forced the Blues' hand. The conversation now centers on which long-serving, high-cap veterans will be moved to reset the roster around a younger core. The names circulating are not minor players; they are Stanley Cup champions and key offensive contributors whose departures would send a clear signal about the team's immediate future.
The Unraveling Core: Trade Talk Dominates the Enterprise Center
The biggest storyline in St. Louis Blues talk is the clear mandate from management: if the team cannot reverse its fortunes soon, major changes are coming. GM Doug Armstrong has been candid about his willingness to listen to offers for key veterans. This has led to a flurry of rumors, with several high-profile players unexpectedly landing on trade boards.
The Blues’ strategy appears to be one of retooling, not a full rebuild, focusing on maximizing the return for established stars to bolster the prospect pool and future cap space. The core players considered "untouchable" are few, primarily centering on the team's young, high-end talent.
The Shocking Trade Candidates Fueling Blues Rumors
The following players are the most discussed names in trade circles as the 2025-26 season heads toward the March Trade Deadline. Their potential departure would fundamentally change the look and feel of the St. Louis Blues roster:
- Brayden Schenn ($52M Center): The most shocking name on the trade block is the veteran center and former Stanley Cup champion, Brayden Schenn. His 8-year, $52,000,000 contract, signed after the Cup run, has become a significant cap consideration. Insiders have repeatedly named the struggling center as a top trade option, suggesting the Blues are willing to move a major piece to free up salary and acquire future assets.
- Pavel Buchnevich (Winger): An elite offensive talent, Buchnevich is a primary target for contending teams. His name has consistently appeared on trade boards, and his high value means he could fetch a significant return, likely including a first-round pick and a top prospect. He represents one of the team's best opportunities to acquire blue-chip assets for the future.
- Colton Parayko (Defenseman): The veteran defenseman, who carries a substantial cap hit, is reportedly drawing significant attention. While a mainstay on the blue line, his $45.5 million contract has made him a focal point in discussions about the team's long-term cap flexibility. Moving Parayko would be a major shift in the defensive core.
- Justin Faulk (Defenseman): Another high-cap defenseman, Faulk is a reliable two-way player. He is considered a strong veteran presence, but his contract and age make him a logical candidate to be moved as part of a larger retooling effort to clear space for younger defensive prospects.
The Goaltending Conundrum: Binnington's Rollercoaster and Hofer's Rise
The performance in net has been another major source of St. Louis Blues talk. Goaltender Jordan Binnington, known for his fiery personality and clutch performances during the 2019 Stanley Cup run, has faced scrutiny due to inconsistent play. His struggles, coupled with the team's overall defensive lapses, have put pressure on the coaching staff.
However, the emergence of younger goaltender Joel Hofer has offered a glimmer of hope. Hofer has posted solid numbers in his recent starts, including a recent game against the Florida Panthers where he put up 27 saves. This situation creates a classic NHL conundrum: does the team stick with the high-paid veteran, or fully commit to the younger, cost-controlled option? The answer could have major trade implications for the position.
Jim Montgomery's Mandate and the Future Core
Head Coach Jim Montgomery, who took over in November 2024, is now tasked with navigating this turbulent period. Montgomery, a coach known for his demanding systems, has been praised by GM Doug Armstrong for the team's excellent work ethic, despite the lack of results. However, the pressure is mounting, and the team's performance leading up to the Trade Deadline will ultimately determine the fate of the coaching staff and the roster.
The long-term vision for the Blues is clear: build around a dynamic, young core that can compete for the next decade. The list of players considered the future of the franchise are the ones who are safe from the current trade frenzy.
The Untouchable Future of the Blues
The following players are widely considered the foundation of the next competitive St. Louis Blues team, representing the future of the franchise:
- Robert Thomas (Center): The undisputed number one center and the cornerstone of the franchise's offense. His playmaking ability and high-end skill make him the most critical player in the new core.
- Jordan Kyrou (Winger): A dynamic, speedy winger whose offensive potential is still considered elite. Kyrou is expected to be one of the primary goal-scorers for the team moving forward.
- Up-and-Coming Prospects: The team is also banking on a second wave of young talent, including forwards Dylan Holloway and Jake Neighbours, and defensive prospects like Simon Robertsson and Cam Fowler (who is a veteran on the roster but is considered a strong asset for the future). The goal of the current trade talk is to acquire more talent to join this group.
The next few months are pivotal for the St. Louis Blues. The constant "st louis blues talk" will continue to revolve around the trade market, as GM Doug Armstrong prepares to make the difficult decisions necessary to reshape the roster and position the franchise for a return to Stanley Cup contention, even if it means trading beloved veterans like Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich. The fans, while frustrated with the current standings (13-15-8), are bracing for a transformative period that promises an exciting, albeit uncertain, future.
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