Blues’ Standouts of the Week: Armstrong, Buchnevich, and Parayko

Parayko may be lacking in the goal-scoring department, but he remains a strong, defensive-minded defenseman. He leads the team in blocked shots (140) and is the only one with more than 100. He continues to be the backbone of the Blues’ defense.

Of course, Team Canada would be the immediate beneficiary of a scoring streak, but maybe he will keep his scoring touch on his return from Italy.

Standout #2- Pavel Buchnevich

Like Parayko, Pavel Buchnevich has had trouble scoring this season. However, the 30-year-old had a strong week offensively, including two power-play goals. It started with a two-goal performance on Monday against the Predators (and an assist). Buchnevich continued his scoring touch on Wednesday, scoring the first goal of the game.

Buchnevich has also shown continued success on the faceoff dot. On Wednesday, he won 57% of his faceoffs.

The Blues are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Recently, there has been speculation about whether management will try to move him. He has a no-trade clause, so he would have to approve any trade, but if he continues on this hot streak when the season resumes, a contender will express interest.

Standout #1- Doug Armstrong

Doug Armstrong’s final season as general manager has not gone the way anyone wanted or expected. Artmstrong, who constructed the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning team, is going to be selling pieces at this year’s deadline, starting with Nick Bjugstad, who was traded on Wednesday to the New Jersey Devils for Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The trade does not move the needle or speed up the retool by any means, but it made clear Armstrong’s direction at the deadline. The Blues were in a similar position heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. There was interest in players like Brayden Schenn, but Armstrong decided to keep his roster together, and the Blues went on to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022. Many wondered if Armstrong would follow the same path this year.

The Bjugstad trade suggests otherwise, and that is a good thing. Justin Faulk’s value is the highest it has ever been. Schenn is drawing interest again. Jordan Binnington is drawing interest, while players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou are appearing in trade rumors. Some players are less likely to be traded than others, but Armstrong recognizes this as an opportunity to help the team’s future.

He is not happy to be a seller in his last season. However, he deserves credit for being willing to make the moves that are best for the organization instead of trying to squeeze out an unlikely run.

Looking Ahead for the Blues

The Blues will not be in action again until Feb. 26 when they host the Seattle Kraken. However, five players and some staff members will be looking to claim a gold medal as our attention shifts to Italy and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Be sure to check in for more Olympic updates and analysis.