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Blues Need to Move on From Jordan Kyrou

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Joshua Michel | Last updated May 22, 2026 12:40 PM ET

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Jordan Kyrou has never been a problem in the sense of effort or talent. The St. Louis Blues winger remains one of the most naturally gifted offensive players on the roster, with game-breaking speed and the ability to turn neutral-zone puck touches into high-danger chances in seconds. When he is on, he can look like a legitimate top-line scorer who changes the pace of an entire game.

The issue for St. Louis is no longer what Kyrou can do at his peak. It is how often that version appears and whether the Blues can continue building around a player whose production has not consistently matched his role or contract.

Production Has Not Matched the Contract

Kyrou’s rise in St. Louis has included multiple strong offensive seasons, establishing him as a key part of the team’s offense and a long-term top-six forward.

In 2022, the Blues signed him to an eight-year, $65 million extension, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.125 million. That deal reflected expectations of a top-line winger who could produce at a high level year after year. Now 28 years old, Kyrou is still in his prime, which makes this less about potential and more about what he brings on a nightly basis.

For the most part, he has met that standard. Kyrou has typically produced in the 30 to 35 goal range and has recorded multiple 70-point seasons, showing he can be a reliable offensive contributor. At his best, he has pushed close to the 40-goal mark, which is strong production by any standard.

However, that is where the conversation shifts. While those numbers are impressive, the Blues may need more from a player in his role and cap hit. True top-line drivers often push beyond that range and consistently take over games offensively.

This past season only amplified that concern. Kyrou’s production dropped significantly to 18 goals and 46 points in 72 games, a noticeable step back from his usual output. While one season does not define a player, that kind of decline stands out, especially given his role and cap hit.

For St. Louis, the question is no longer just about what Kyrou has done but whether his typical 30-goal production and now a season well below that mark are enough to help push the team toward contention.

Not the Right Fit in St. Louis

Kyrou’s game is built on speed and open ice. He is most dangerous when attacking in transition, using his pace through the neutral zone and forcing defenders into quick decisions.

The challenge is that the Blues do not always play a style that fits those strengths. Their system is more controlled and structured, which limits the rush opportunities where Kyrou is most effective.

When space is limited, his impact becomes less noticeable. He is easier to contain in the offensive zone, and his production can come in stretches rather than consistently driving play. That gap between player and system has become more apparent as the team has tried to settle into a clear identity.

High Asking Price, But the Trade Value Is There

Even with some inconsistency, Kyrou still holds strong value around the league. The Blues are not in a position to move him without a significant return.

Any deal would likely need to include a top-six forward, along with premium assets or draft capital. Whether that price is realistic or not, it reflects the kind of return the Blues would expect for a player with his scoring ability and long-term contract.

At the same time, that price can work against them. Teams interested in Kyrou may hesitate to move established players or top prospects, especially in a flat cap environment where depth matters. While interest has been reported from teams like the Ottawa Senators, who, according to Elliotte Friedman on his ‘32 Thoughts Podcast‘ with Kyle Bukauskas, were also interested in Robert Thomas at the deadline, the cost may prevent serious discussions from developing. Other teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals, have been rumored to be interested based on how Kyrou can fit in those lineups.

The Need for Reliable Production

St. Louis is at a point where consistency matters more than streaks of offense. Kyrou’s production has often come in waves, with strong stretches followed by quieter periods that leave a gap in the lineup.

When he is confident and playing fast, he can take over shifts. When that rhythm is not there, his impact can fade, especially against good defensive teams.

That pattern creates a bigger concern. A team trying to move toward contention cannot rely on one of its highest-paid forwards to be so dependent on game flow. The Blues need steady production from their top players.

More to Consider

Kyrou is still an elite skater and a dangerous offensive player when conditions are right. His skill has never been in doubt, and he remains one of the more dynamic wingers on the roster. If paired with the perfect linemates that suit his style of play, maybe he could break out, but on this team, it’s not going to happen.

For the Blues, the focus has shifted to fit, reliability, and long-term direction. This is not about what Kyrou lacks, but rather whether his game aligns with what the team needs moving forward. The prospect pool is rapidly improving, with players beginning to push their way toward NHL roles. At some point, teams have to make difficult decisions to take the next step, and for St. Louis, that moment feels like it is approaching.

Kyrou is a very good player, but he is not the piece that leads them where they want to go.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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