Blues Face Key Decisions with Seven RFAs in Upcoming Off-Season

With the conclusion of their season alongside AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds, the St. Louis Blues are shifting their focus to the NHL draft and the off-season. New General Manager Alexander Steen will have his hands full as he navigates the complexities of managing seven restricted free agents (RFAs) this off-season.

Among these RFAs are Jonatan Berggren, Matthew Kessel, Dylan Peterson, Zach Dean, Thomas Bordeleau, Leo Loof, and Will Cranley. Notably, only Berggren and Kessel have seen NHL action with the Blues this past season. Berggren, who was picked up off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings, emerged as a reliable player, contributing six goals and 16 points in 36 games. As the Blues aim for competitiveness, having Berggren as a potential 13th forward could be invaluable, though finding a consistent role in a healthy lineup may prove challenging.

Kessel, utilized exclusively as a seventh defenseman, participated in 29 games with the Blues but did not compete in any AHL games. His role proved crucial during times of injury, showcasing his ability as a dependable depth piece.

The remaining five RFAs did not see any NHL action this season. Dylan Peterson, a 24-year-old forward drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft, is still awaiting his NHL debut. Over the past two seasons in the AHL, he has demonstrated potential, recently recording 12 goals and 24 points in 57 games while also making his presence felt physically with 85 penalty minutes.

Meanwhile, Zach Dean, a former first-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2021 NHL draft, was traded to the Blues as part of the Ivan Barbashev deal. Since joining, Dean has played just nine NHL games without registering a point. He faced challenges earlier in the season, spending time in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Upon his return, he managed to score four goals and accumulate 14 points in 36 AHL games.

Thomas Bordeleau, acquired from the New Jersey Devils during the 2025-26 season, made an immediate impact with seven goals and 13 points in 25 games after joining the Blues. Leo Loof, another 24-year-old and a third-round draft pick by the Blues in 2020, experienced a dip in production during his third season with the Thunderbirds, tallying just two goals and six points in 47 games, a stark contrast to his previous season’s 17 assists in 63 games.

Lastly, goaltender Will Cranley has had a split season between the AHL and ECHL, where he recorded a .892 save percentage in the AHL and a .915 save percentage in the ECHL. As the Blues prepare for a pivotal off-season, the decisions surrounding these RFAs will play a critical role in shaping the team’s future.

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