Olympic Break Could Be Just What the Blues Need

The St. Louis Blues are at their most disappointing performance level right now, losing their last two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets (Jan. 31) and Nashville Predators (Feb. 2). That said, the 2026 Winter Olympic Games are about to get underway in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 6, with the men’s hockey portion of the event beginning on Feb. 11. The Blues can use this time to rest and also as a short reset period until they return to play on Feb. 26.

Buying Time for Healing of Injured Players

Right now, the only two players on injured reserve (IR) are Dylan Holloway and Robert Thomas. Holloway is recovering from an injury he suffered on Jan. 29 against the Florida Panthers, while Thomas underwent a procedure on his leg, as announced on Jan. 31.

Injuries have been something the Blues have had to face for much of the season. Mathieu Joseph, Oskar Sundqvist, and Pius Suter, who were previously placed on IR but can benefit from the break as they fully heal from their injuries, with the hope that they can return at 100 percent health.

However, Thomas and Holloway are two key players that the Blues need back immediately. Thomas currently has 33 points in 41 games with 11 goals and 22 assists and still sits atop the Blues point leaders this season. Holloway, on the other hand, has only 17 points in 34 games, and if healthy, can most likely be a big piece of the Blues’ lineup.

The Blues are in a desperate position, and the Olympic break is the only one they will have this season. The only way they have a shot at getting back on track is if everyone is healthy by the end of, or a little after, the Olympic break, which is why they need to rest and recover during it.

Armstrong’s Chance to Get to the Drawing Board

Compared to last season, the Blues’ attitude towards making moves to put them in a successful position has been somewhat lackluster. There is just no urgency to go out and make the adjustments through trades that they should be making. Trying to sign free agents or pick up players off waivers is just not enough right now.

Though Blues general manager (GM) Doug Armstrong will be focusing on the Olympics as the GM of Team Canada, it does not mean he shouldn’t set aside time for the Blues. There should still be emphasis on the NHL players to see what moves can be made ahead of the trade deadline.

Back in December, Armstrong said he was open to offers that came his way, but the Blues have also been keen on the age group of players they want in return. According to Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Blues are seeking players between 22 and 24 years old, and Thomas is a trade bait option to engage in a trade for that return.

Some would say beggars can’t be choosers, but the Blues have their backs to the wall, and with roughly $4.31 million in current cap space, they cannot cover a big player in that age group without closing a big gap, which would require giving up someone big. Therefore, the break will be crucial to make any last-minute calls to work out a deal that is best for the team now.

Two Players Will Not Get Rest but Retooling

In general, this break is crucial for getting their players back healthy and thinking about how to fix problems in their lineup. However, five Blues players will represent their respective countries at the Olympics: Colton Parayko (Canada), Jordan Binnington (Canada), Philip Broberg (Sweden), Dalibor Dvorsky (Slovakia), and Pius Suter (Switzerland).