The St. Louis Blues’ playoff hopes are on life support, even after adding Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers in the off-season. With a 24-25-4 record and 52 points as of Tuesday, they sit seven points behind the Calgary Flames for the final Wild Card spot. The Vancouver Canucks are also in the mix, making the Blues’ path to the postseason even murkier.
Will the Blues wave the white flag before the March 7 trade deadline? That remains to be seen. But if they decide to sell, the Edmonton Oilers could find some intriguing targets in St. Louis. Let’s break them down.

Radek Faksa

Looking to bolster the bottom six? Radek Faksa could be your guy. In his first year with the Blues, Faksa has posted three goals and 10 points. His career-best season came back in 2017-18, with 17 goals and 33 points. While solid, he’s not a game-changer. On an expiring deal with a $3.25 million cap hit and a five-team no-trade list, Faksa’s value is serviceable at best, but the Oilers might find better options elsewhere.

Oskar Sundqvist

Right-shot centers are always in demand, and Oskar Sundqvist fits the bill. While his offensive numbers are underwhelming—three goals and nine points in 39 games—Sundqvist’s experience shines. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he’s a reliable depth piece. His $1.5 million cap hit, with no trade protection, runs through the 2025-26 season. He’s not dominant in the faceoff circle (44.2% this season), but his championship pedigree could make him a valuable addition.

Cam Fowler

Cam Fowler may have found some footing in St. Louis after joining via trade earlier this season, but could he be on the move again? The left-shot defenseman has been productive, with five goals and 13 points in 23 games for the Blues. With a cap hit of $4 million (Anaheim retains a portion of his $6.5 million salary), Fowler offers offensive upside. However, as a left-shot defenseman, he’s not the perfect fit for Edmonton’s need for a second-pair right-shot blueliner. His four-team no-trade list adds another wrinkle.

Colton Parayko

Every Oilers fan would salivate at the thought of adding Colton Parayko. The right-shot defenseman is having a career year, with 11 goals and 28 points in 52 games—he’s on pace to shatter his career-high of 35 points. Parayko could be Edmonton’s next Mattias Ekholm-like acquisition for the blue line. But here’s the catch: he’s locked in until 2029-30 at a $6.5 million cap hit and carries a full no-trade clause. The St. Albert native would be a dream addition, but pulling off this move won’t be easy.

Nick Leddy

After missing 49 games, Nick Leddy is finally set to return to the Blues’ lineup. The left-shot defenseman has yet to register a point this season but posted three goals and 28 points in 82 games last year. Leddy has a cap hit of $4 million through 2025-26, with a no-trade clause this season that shifts to a 16-team no-trade list after. While his offensive upside is intriguing, his extended absence raises questions about his durability.

Ryan Suter

Want to lean into Edmonton’s “veteran team” identity? Enter Ryan Suter, the league’s oldest active skater at 40. With one goal and nine points in 53 games, he’s not here to light up the scoreboard. Suter’s cap hit is $775,000 but could rise to $2.225 million with performance bonuses. As a pending UFA, he’s a low-risk, short-term option for the Oilers if they want to add experience to their blue line.

Jordan Binnington

Goaltending is Edmonton’s Achilles’ heel, and Jordan Binnington could be the answer. While his .898 save percentage in 37 games this year is underwhelming, don’t forget the magic he brought in 2018-19, backstopping the Blues to an unlikely Stanley Cup victory. With a $6 million cap hit running through 2026-27 and an 18-team no-trade list, Binnington’s contract is hefty, but his playoff pedigree makes him worth a look.
The clock is ticking, and the Blues have decisions to make. Whether they’re sellers or surprise buyers, Edmonton should keep a close eye on St. Louis.

If you’re enjoying my takes, follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social for more insights.