Three Young NHL Trade Targets for the St. Louis Blues This Off-Season

The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for an active off-season on the trade market, looking to offload veteran players while bringing in younger talent to revitalize their roster. As the team contemplates significant moves, the focus shifts to potential acquisitions that could bolster their lineup with under-25 players who possess both skill and upside.

One name that has been circulating in trade discussions is Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has stated they aren’t actively shopping him, the team is open to listening to offers. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 232 pounds, Knies is a physical presence who excels in puck battles and getting to the front of the net. In the 2025-26 season, he tallied 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games, despite dealing with injuries. His versatility makes him an ideal top-six winger capable of contributing at even strength, on the power play, and during penalty kills. While it would take a substantial offer to pry Knies away from Toronto, the Blues have veterans like Jordan Kyrou and Colton Parayko who could serve as trade bait.

Another intriguing option is Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. After a challenging season marked by a contract dispute, McTavish’s performance didn’t meet expectations, finishing with 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. However, at just 23 years old and standing 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds, McTavish still has significant potential. The Ducks are likely to seek experienced players to enhance their playoff aspirations, and a change of scenery might be just what McTavish needs to rediscover his form.

Finally, the Blues could explore a trade for Bowen Byram, a promising 25-year-old defenseman currently with the Buffalo Sabres. Byram has shown remarkable development, wrapping up the 2025-26 season with 11 goals and 42 points in 82 games, marking his second consecutive season of full health. He averaged over 22 minutes of ice time and was instrumental in the Sabres’ playoff run, contributing four goals and seven points in 13 games. As a left-handed defenseman who excels at moving the puck and has improved defensively, Byram could be a key asset for the Blues. However, with one year left on his contract and indications that he seeks a significant pay increase, the Blues must consider if they can negotiate a long-term extension.

If the Blues can secure Byram, pairing him with Philip Broberg on the left side of their defense could lay a strong foundation for future success.

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