Blues Likely to Sign Dillon Dube for Fourth Line Stability

The St. Louis Blues are on the hunt for players to solidify their fourth line, a position that lacked consistency last season. With a notable revolving door of players in that role, it became clear that the team needed a more reliable presence heading into the 2026 off-season. Recent reports from The Athletic suggest that the Blues may find that stability within their own ranks by signing Dillon Dube to an NHL contract.

Jim Rutherford of The Athletic reported there is a “strong chance” the Blues will ink Dube to a deal, with the intention of having him play down the middle. The 27-year-old forward has made a significant impact during his time with the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he was signed to a professional tryout. Dube excelled in the AHL, serving as the first-line center and notching 20 goals and 37 points in just 46 games, followed by an impressive five goals and eight points in 12 playoff appearances.

The Blues struggled to find a reliable fourth line last season, with players like Oskar Sundqvist, Alexey Toropchenko, Nathan Walker, and Jack Finley failing to establish themselves as key contributors. Dube’s potential addition could be a game-changer, as he brings a blend of speed, physicality, and offensive capabilities that the Blues desperately need.

Although Dube hasn’t suited up for an NHL game since the 2023-24 season, his pedigree as a second-round pick (56th overall) by the Calgary Flames in 2016 speaks to his potential. Over six seasons in the NHL, he has accumulated 57 goals and 127 points across 325 games, showcasing his capability to contribute at the highest level.

While no contract has been finalized yet, the prospect of Dube joining the Blues appears promising. This move could benefit both parties: the Blues would bolster their fourth-line center position with a responsible player, while Dube would have the chance to return to the NHL amid a challenging backdrop related to his past experiences with the Team Canada world juniors sexual assault case.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.