NHL insider Darren Dreger, speaking on the Hockey Sense podcast, indicated that the St. Louis Blues are a team to watch closely leading up to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The Blues are reportedly aiming to improve their draft position, possibly by combining their first-round selections, picks #11 and #15. To move up significantly, especially towards the #2 overall pick, it’s believed they would need to include a player in the deal.
The Blues are said to be exploring a retooling of their roster rather than a complete rebuild. While the draft is still some time away, discussions surrounding potential trades are beginning to surface. There’s a possibility that San Jose might be open to moving their pick, and the Blues are reportedly making a strong effort to acquire a higher selection. If they manage to move up, attaching a player to their draft picks would likely be necessary.
Speculation also exists about revisiting previous trade conversations, potentially with the Buffalo Sabres. Additionally, there were significant discussions with the Anaheim Ducks around the trade deadline that didn’t materialize, suggesting there might be future potential for a deal there. The primary focus, however, seems to be the Blues’ ambition to climb as high as possible in the first round of the draft.
Moving both the #11 and #15 picks wouldn’t be enough to secure the #2 overall selection; a high-quality player would need to be included as well. Names like Ivar Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra, son of Manny Malhotra, are generating buzz, with Vancouver reportedly interested in him at the #3 spot.
English Translation:
NHL insider Darren Dreger, on the Hockey Sense podcast, shared that the St. Louis Blues are a team to watch heading into the 2026 NHL Draft. They are keen on moving up and could potentially package their picks at #11 and #15. To ascend as high as the #2 pick, they would likely need to include a player in the trade.
The St. Louis Blues are reportedly considering a roster retool rather than a complete rebuild. Although it’s a bit early for significant trade talk, Dreger has heard that St. Louis is actively trying to improve their draft position. There seems to be some openness from the San Jose Sharks’ side to consider moving their pick. If the Blues can find a way to leverage their first-round picks to move up, a player would likely need to be attached to the deal. Potential targets being discussed include Ivar Stenberg, and there’s considerable buzz around Caleb Malhotra, son of Manny Malhotra, whom many believe Vancouver would like to acquire at the third spot. Furthermore, it’s suggested that the Blues might revisit trade conversations they had with the Buffalo Sabres around the trade deadline. There were also substantial discussions with the Anaheim Ducks around the same period that didn’t conclude, indicating potential for future deals. Ultimately, keep an eye on the Blues’ efforts to move up as far as possible in the first round.
While combining picks #11 and #15 wouldn’t be sufficient to reach the #2 pick, the point stands that a quality player would need to be included in such a transaction.
