ST. LOUIS – As the NHL trade deadline approaches, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the St. Louis Blues locker room. Players are acutely aware of their names circulating in trade rumors, a reality compounded by the team’s struggles this season. The Blues (22-29-9 as of March 4, 2026) currently trail the Seattle Kraken by 14 points for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, making significant roster changes a distinct possibility.
Blues captain Brayden Schenn acknowledged the difficult atmosphere, stating, “It’s an uneasy time for everyone, especially the position we’ve put ourselves in.” He emphasized the need for professionalism amidst the speculation, adding, “You obviously witness names out there, but at the end of the day, you have a job to do and you arrive out, you practice hard, you play hard, you put your head down and you be a pro. That’s what it boils down to.”
The situation is complex, with varying degrees of trade protection among players. Schenn, in the fifth year of an eight-year, $52 million contract ($6.5 million average annual value, signed October 4, 2019), currently holds a 15-team no-trade clause. This means he has some control over where he could potentially be moved, unlike players with full no-trade protection or those with no protection at all. The contract details were initially reported by CapFriendly.
Beyond Schenn, forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, along with defenseman Justin Faulk, have also been subjects of trade discussions. However, any deal involving Thomas or Kyrou would require them to waive their full no-trade clauses, giving them significant leverage in the process.
Navigating the Human Element
Blues coach Jim Montgomery recognizes the emotional toll the trade deadline takes on players. He explained his approach to managing the situation, saying, “You understand the human element. Sometimes peoples’ minds might be somewhere else, so you talk to them in between whistles while the other group is going instead of blowing it down and slowing down practice since you understand that you need to obtain through practice and you also understand the human element of it. Everybody knows it’s coming.” This approach highlights the delicate balance between preparing for games and addressing the anxieties of players facing potential trades.
Schenn, who has recorded 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 60 games this season, understands the business side of hockey. “Some guys have full control, some guys have some control and some guys have none,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s part of the business. No one likes going through it. But we grasp what we signed up for.”
Blues’ Recent Struggles Fuel Trade Talk
The Blues’ recent performance has undoubtedly contributed to the increased trade speculation. The team has lost seven of its last ten games, further diminishing their playoff hopes. Their upcoming game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+) takes on added significance, not just for playoff positioning, but also as a potential showcase for players who could be on the move.
The team’s struggles are not lost on anyone within the organization. The pressure to improve the roster, either through trades or internal development, is mounting as the deadline nears. The Blues face a critical decision: whether to stand pat with their current roster or make significant changes in an attempt to salvage the season.
The NHL trade deadline is March 8, 2026, and teams across the league are actively evaluating their options. The Blues, facing a challenging situation, are likely to be active participants in the trade market, navigating the complexities of player contracts, no-trade clauses, and the emotional toll on those involved.
What comes next for the Blues remains to be seen. The next few days will be crucial as general manager Doug Armstrong weighs the potential benefits of trading key players against the risks of disrupting the team’s chemistry. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the Blues’ future for seasons to come.
What are your thoughts on the Blues’ situation? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below.
