Blues Draft Climb and Leafs Bobrovsky Talks Shape 2026 Offseason Rumors

St. Louis Blues are prepared to trade assets and climb as high as the No. 2 overall pick to accelerate roster upgrades.

Blues Target Draft Capital Upgrade

Andy Strickland reported that St. Louis holds the necessary pieces to satisfy San Jose and move into the top two selections. The Blues currently sit outside the top five yet possess multiple first-round assets accumulated over recent seasons. Moving up two or three spots would allow immediate addition of a franchise-level forward or defenseman rather than waiting another year. San Jose holds the No. 2 slot after finishing last in the standings and has shown openness to moving the pick for established talent plus future capital.

The Blues front office views the current draft class as unusually deep at the top end. Acquiring the No. 2 selection would contrast sharply with their prior strategy of selecting later and developing prospects over multiple seasons. General manager Doug Armstrong has signaled willingness to part with mid-tier roster players whose contracts expire soon. This approach differs from the more conservative stance taken by teams like Buffalo that have retained their high picks without trading up.

Successful execution would add a player expected to contribute 40-plus points in his first NHL season based on historical averages for top-two selections. The Blues finished the 2025-26 campaign 12 points out of a playoff spot and cannot afford another developmental year.

Leafs Explore Bobrovsky Signing

Nick Kypreos indicated that Toronto Maple Leafs remain engaged in discussions for Sergei Bobrovsky despite length differences. The Leafs prefer a four-year pact while Bobrovsky seeks five or six seasons. Speculation centers on an annual average value between seven and eight million dollars. This shorter commitment would contrast with the five-year deals signed by comparable veteran netminders in prior offseasons.

Toronto currently relies on Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby in net after trading Ilya Samsonov. Adding Bobrovsky at age 37 would provide proven playoff experience from two Stanley Cup runs with Florida. The Maple Leafs finished the regular season with a .905 team save percentage that ranked 18th league-wide. A four-year deal would keep Bobrovsky under contract through age 41 while preserving future flexibility compared to longer-term alternatives.

Kypreos noted the talks have not cooled since the Panthers’ postseason exit. Toronto’s cap space allows the proposed range without moving other core pieces. This move would contrast with the club’s history of extending younger goalies rather than importing established veterans.

Additional Trade and Contract Activity

Brandon Carlo has drawn interest from both Toronto and Buffalo in preliminary discussions. Carlo posted 22 points and a plus-18 rating in 78 games during 2025-26. The Maple Leafs and Sabres each need right-shot defensemen who can log 20-plus minutes. Carlo’s contract expires after next season making him an attractive rental or bridge option.

Kirill Marchenko remains on Columbus trade lists with Montreal listed among suitors. Marchenko recorded 31 goals in 78 games last season yet the Blue Jackets seek to shed salary. A deal would give Montreal a top-nine winger at a lower cost than free agency alternatives.

Jordan Binnington is unlikely to fit long-term plans in Florida while Rasmus Ristolainen continues to generate trade interest from Philadelphia. Connor Ingram and Edmonton maintain ongoing negotiations for the pending unrestricted free agent goaltender. These parallel talks illustrate how teams are positioning multiple irons in the fire before the July 1 open market.

A four-year Bobrovsky contract at $7-8 million with Toronto could close by July 1 and reset veteran goalie market values ahead of free agency.