As the Olympic men’s hockey tournament shifts into playoff mode, five St. Louis Blues players are still very much in the hunt for gold-and they’ve already made their presence felt on the international stage. With the preliminary round wrapped up and the knockout rounds set to begin Tuesday, Feb. 17, it’s a good time to take stock of which Blues have stood out and what their performances might mean for both their countries and their NHL futures.
Let’s break down the top three Blues making waves at the Olympics so far.
#3 - Pius Suter (Switzerland)
Pius Suter’s season with the Blues has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with injuries limiting his impact. But in the Olympic spotlight, he’s showing flashes of the offensive upside that’s made him a valuable depth scorer at the NHL level.
In three preliminary games, Suter found the net twice. His first goal came in a tough loss to Canada, but he followed it up with a clutch tally in Switzerland’s win over Czechia-a game that had the feel of a playoff warm-up.
He’s not dominating the scoresheet, but he’s been noticeable, especially in key moments. That’s the kind of presence that matters in tournament play.
Switzerland opens the playoff round against Italy, and if Suter can keep finding those scoring lanes, he could help push the Swiss deeper into the bracket. For the Blues, who are expected to be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, this Olympic showcase could be a timely boost to Suter’s trade value. He’s under contract through next season, and a contending team looking for a versatile forward with international experience might see him as a savvy pickup.
He may not be the centerpiece of any deadline deal, but his stock is trending up-and that matters.
#2 - Jordan Binnington (Canada)
When it comes to goalies performing under pressure, Jordan Binnington has a history of rising to the occasion. He’s doing it again in Beijing.
Binnington opened the tournament with a 26-save shutout, setting the tone early for Team Canada. His second outing, a 10-2 blowout win over France, might have been all about Canada’s offensive explosion, but Binnington still turned away 12 of 14 shots and stayed composed in a game that could’ve easily turned sloppy.
Now comes the real test. Canada earned a bye into the quarterfinals and will play their first playoff game on Wednesday. If Binnington can continue this form in the medal rounds, it won’t just be a boost for Team Canada-it could significantly raise his value as the Blues weigh their options at the deadline.
Let’s be real: Binnington is the Blues’ most valuable trade chip. He’s got championship pedigree, he’s playing some of his best hockey, and he’s doing it on the biggest stage. If he helps Canada go all the way, his phone might be ringing a lot more once he’s back in North America.
#1 - Dalibor Dvorsky (Slovakia)
Dalibor Dvorsky isn’t just participating in these Olympics-he’s commanding attention.
The 2023 first-round pick has been electric for Slovakia, registering four points in three games, including two goals. His first was the game-winner in Slovakia’s tournament opener, and his second-a last-minute goal in a 5-3 loss-ended up being the difference-maker in clinching Group B and securing a playoff bye.
That’s high-impact hockey from a teenager.
Dvorsky now has 33 goals in 39 international games for Slovakia. That’s not just impressive-it’s a sign of a player who thrives under pressure and knows how to deliver in big moments.
For the Blues, this is exactly the kind of development you want to see from a top prospect. He’s not just gaining experience-he’s leading, producing, and showing that he’s ready for more responsibility.
As Slovakia prepares for the next round, the path ahead won’t be easy. Canada and the U.S. loom large as potential opponents.
But if Dvorsky keeps playing like this, Slovakia might surprise some people-and Blues fans should be watching closely. This kid is the real deal, and his future in St.
Louis looks brighter with every shift.
What’s Next
With the Olympic playoffs starting Tuesday and the gold-medal game set for Sunday, Feb. 22, the pressure is about to ramp up. For the Blues, this tournament has already been a showcase of talent, both established and emerging. Whether it’s Suter trying to spark Switzerland, Binnington anchoring Canada’s title hopes, or Dvorsky continuing his breakout run, each of these players has something to prove-and they’re doing it on the world’s biggest stage.
And who knows? Maybe one of them brings a medal-and a little momentum-back to St. Louis.