Just a few weeks ago, we were gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Now, as we eagerly await the NHL regular season's return, the St. Louis Blues are set to hit the ice again this Thursday.
Before diving back into the NHL action, let’s take a moment to reflect on how the Blues' representatives fared on the Olympic stage. With five players in Milan, the Blues were among the NHL's most well-represented teams.
The headline story? Team Canada snagged a silver medal after an intense overtime battle against Team USA in the Olympic finale.
Blues' Jordan Binnington and Colton Parayko donned the Canadian jersey, with Doug Armstrong, the Blues' GM, also contributing his expertise to Team Canada. While silver might not be gold, the impact on the Blues extends beyond the medals.
Binnington’s role as Canada’s starting goaltender raised some eyebrows, but he certainly wasn’t the scapegoat in the gold medal game. His trade value is likely at an all-time high, making this a potentially strategic moment for the Blues to consider a move.
Parayko, on the other hand, reminded everyone of his solid defensive skills-he may not light up the scoreboard, but his presence is undeniable. Both players did their country proud, and given the rising level of international competition, their silver achievement is noteworthy.
Team Slovakia turned heads, despite missing out on a medal after falling to Finland in the bronze game. With only a few NHL players on the roster, their performance was commendable.
Blues' Dalibor Dvorsky was a standout, finishing second in scoring for Slovakia with three goals and six points, even setting a new record. His future in St.
Louis looks promising, much like a recently extended Blues defenseman.
Though Team Sweden didn't clinch a medal, they certainly gave Team USA a run for their money in the quarterfinals. Philip Broberg was a steady force for Sweden, contributing an assist and maintaining a plus-2 rating in a top-four defensive role. His reliability on the blue line will be a crucial asset for the Blues moving forward.
Pius Suter, the newest Blue, made his mark with Team Switzerland, scoring two goals and three points. Switzerland proved they could compete on the world stage, and while Suter’s future in St. Louis might be uncertain with the trade deadline approaching, his contributions were significant.
For Binnington, Parayko, and possibly Suter, this Olympic experience might be their last. Parayko is under contract through 2030, and Binnington might still find a place in the NHL, but the next wave of Canadian talent is on the rise. Suter’s Olympic future depends on Switzerland’s upcoming talent.
Witnessing top-tier international hockey at the Olympics was a thrill. Blues fans have every reason to be proud of their players' performances in Milan. As we transition from the Olympic intensity back to the NHL, there's hope that the Blues' Olympians will bring some of that competitive spirit to energize the team for the final stretch of the season.