Blues’ Standouts of the Week: Holloway, Buchnevich, and Mailloux

It is good to see Mailloux respond well to the increased responsibilities. It is possible that his ice time will continue and even expand if Justin Faulk is traded before Friday’s deadline. This three-game stretch may be the beginning of a new role for the young defenseman.

Standout #2 – Pavel Buchnevich

Pavel Buchnevich has continued to produce points since the season resumed. He has recorded at least a point in each of the Blues’ three games. Furthermore, he scored the game-winning goal late in the third period on Sunday.

The 30-year-old seems to be slowly turning his season around. He has a chance to reach the 20-goal and 50-point mark, which would be respectable totals. One has to wonder if this increased production may generate interest from teams on the trade market. He does carry an $8 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season, so any interested teams would likely ask the Blues to retain some of his salary.

Standout #1 – Dylan Holloway

Dylan Holloway returned from injured reserve on Thursday and made an immediate impact. He recorded a four-point game, including his second-career hat trick. He followed that with five shots on goal in Saturday’s loss, indicating he is starting to find his groove again in the offensive zone.

“It definitely feels good. Being out like that, it feels like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, especially getting reinjured. It’s tough watching. You want to be helping the team, being with the boys. It was great just to be back. I just wanted to enjoy it. Honestly, if I didn’t have an impact now, I’m just grateful to be able to play. But it’s obviously nice to have an impact on the score sheet.”

Like many members of the Blue Note, Holloway has had a rough 2025-26 season, with the injury bug biting on more than one occasion. Following a 26-goal performance last season, his totals this season are underwhelming.

If Holloway is truly healthy now, he has an opportunity to finish strong. He does not have to reach the 26-goal mark (a tall order at this point) to prove last season was not a fluke, but his play on the ice must show he can consistently be that player. Unfortunately for Holloway, the possibility of him earning a big contract at the end of this season has likely disappeared, but a bridge deal to give him more opportunities to showcase his offensive capabilities is likely on the table.

As the Blues play out the remainder of this lost season, Holloway may be the most intriguing player on the roster. What is in store for the 24-year-old? Time will tell, but his ceiling is high.

The Week Ahead

The Blues continue their road trip with a trip to the West Coast. Friday night’s game will be interesting. That is the day of the trade deadline. What will the lineup that takes the ice on Friday look like? Will core players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou still be wearing the Blue Note? Will Stanley Cup champion Jordan Binnington still be between the pipes?

A lot will be determined this week. Check in with The Hockey Writers for more Blues’ coverage throughout this trade-deadline week!