With just two games left before the Olympic break, the St. Louis Blues are heading into a crucial stretch that could help shape the tone for the rest of their season - and potentially, their roster. First up, a Monday night clash against a surging Nashville Predators squad, followed by a trip to Dallas to take on the Stars on Wednesday.
The stakes are high. Not just in the standings, but in the front office as well.
The Trade Deadline looms just beyond the Olympic pause, and for a team like the Blues - still searching for consistency - these next two matchups could offer more than just points. They could offer clarity.
Here are three players to keep an eye on as the Blues look to close out this pre-Olympic stretch on a high note:
Brayden Schenn: The Captain in the Crosshairs
There’s no sugarcoating it - Brayden Schenn’s name is going to be buzzing around the rumor mill until the deadline passes. The Blues captain was a hot topic last season too, but he chose to stay, and in doing so, helped lead St. Louis on that unexpected run into the playoffs.
Now, with the Blues once again hovering in a gray area between contender and retooler, Schenn’s future is back in the spotlight. And while nothing’s set in stone, the writing on the wall suggests this could be his swan song in St. Louis.
But here’s the thing - Schenn isn’t playing like a guy distracted by trade talk. He’s heating up at the right time, with three goals and two assists in his last five games.
That kind of production matters, especially against a Predators team that’s been finding its groove. If Schenn can keep the motor running, he’s not just boosting his own value - he’s giving the Blues a shot at momentum heading into the break.
Joel Hofer: The Net’s in His Hands
After Jordan Binnington gave up four goals in a 5-3 loss to Columbus, it looks like Joel Hofer is next up between the pipes - and possibly for both games before the break. That’s not just a nod to rotation; it’s a chance for Hofer to take the wheel and steer this team into the pause with some confidence.
Hofer’s numbers this season are solid: a 12-10-3 record with four shutouts. He’s already seen plenty of the Predators and Stars this year, appearing in all three games of the season series and starting two. His 3.01 GAA in those outings doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s shown flashes of being able to lock things down when it counts.
With Binnington likely getting a breather ahead of Olympic duty, Hofer has a real opportunity here - not just to give the Blues a boost, but to show he’s ready for more responsibility in the stretch run.
Colton Parayko: Time to Step Up
It’s been a tough season for Colton Parayko, and the questions surrounding his selection to Team Canada haven’t exactly helped quiet the noise. The big defenseman just hasn’t looked like himself - still searching for his first goal of the season, and part of a defensive unit that’s struggled with consistency and structure.
But if there’s ever a time for a breakout, it’s now. With just two games left before the break, Parayko has a chance to reset the narrative. A strong showing against Nashville or Dallas - whether it’s getting on the scoresheet or simply stabilizing the back end - could go a long way in restoring some confidence, both for him and for the team.
Because let’s be honest: when Parayko is on his game, the Blues are a different team. They’re bigger, tougher, and harder to play against.
That version of Parayko hasn’t shown up often enough this year. But two strong games could be the start of something.
The Blues are at a crossroads. Two games, two tough opponents, and a looming Olympic break that could be the calm before the trade deadline storm. What happens in Nashville and Dallas might not decide the season - but it could help define what direction this team takes when the games resume.
And for players like Schenn, Hofer, and Parayko, it’s more than just business as usual. It’s a chance to make a statement.