Valentine’s Day usually brings warmth, affection, and a little hope, three things the St. Louis Blues haven’t exactly delivered during a 20–28-9 start that has them sitting last in the Central. Still, even in a season full of frustration, there are players who’ve stepped up and earned a bouquet… and others who’ve left fans holding the thorns.
So in the spirit of the holiday, here’s a look at who’s making Blues fans swoon and who’s leaving them heartbroken.
ROSES (Standout Performers)
Jimmy Snuggerud
The rookie has been a revelation. With 10 goals and 24 points in 45 games, entered the break on a six‑game point streak with 9 points in that run. His shot volume is climbing, his transition play has stabilized, and he’s showing real defensive buy‑in for a first‑year winger. He’s playing with first‑line confidence on an entry‑level deal and has been one of the few true sparks in a bleak season.
Jake Neighbours
Before the injury, Neighbours was scorching hot with six goals in eight games. He’s been the team’s most reliable forechecker, leading the forward group in recovered pucks and board‑battle wins. His net‑front presence has been a tone‑setter all season, and his absence has exposed just how much identity he brings to the lineup. He brought first‑line intensity (regardless of the line he was on) every night and remained one of the Blues’ most consistent bright spots.
Jordan Kyrou
After a slow start, Kyrou has finally caught fire: five goals and 12 points in his last eight games before the Olympic break. Beyond the points, he’s tightened up his defensive reads, cut down on neutral‑zone turnovers, and started attacking the slot more consistently. Now at 13 goals and 32 points (11 on the power play), he’s heating up at the right time.
Justin Faulk
Eight assists in his last eight games and 30 points on the season (11G, 19A). Faulk continues to shoulder heavy minutes, often drawing the toughest matchups while still driving play at even strength. He’s been a stabilizing presence for younger partners, logs significant PK time, and remains one of the few defensemen who consistently moves the puck with purpose. In a year where the blue line has been chaotic, Faulk has been one of the few steady, productive veterans.
Pavel Buchnevich
Four goals and nine points in his last seven games. Buchnevich is back to driving possession, creating high‑danger looks, and elevating whoever plays on his line. His two‑way impact, especially on special teams, has resurfaced after an uneven start. When Buchnevich is engaged, he still looks like a legitimate difference‑maker and lately, he’s been driving play again. He’s leading the Blues in points with 34 in 57 gams.
THORNS (Disappointing Performances)
Colton Parayko
Just one goal all season after scoring 16 last year. His shot rate has dipped significantly, his breakout efficiency has regressed, and he owns his worst plus-minus rating at -15 since the 2022-23 season. Yes, he still takes heavy defensive‑zone minutes, but the drop‑off in impact — both offensively and defensively — has been stunning. At $6.5M, this is one of the most concerning storylines of the season.
Cam Fowler
After a strong first season (36 points, +19), Fowler has cratered post‑extension with only one goal and 18 points with a minus-23 rating through 57 games. His defensive‑zone turnover rate has spiked, his pairing has lacked stability, and he hasn’t provided the puck‑moving reliability the Blues expected. The return that the club is seeing after signing the contract extension makes the slump even harder to swallow.
Jordan Binnington
The Blues needed stability in net; instead, they’ve gotten inconsistency. An .864 SV% with a -25.5 Goals Saved Above Aveage and .267 Quality Start rating have compounded with Binnington allowing too many soft goals at critical moments, and his high‑danger save percentage (.807) has dipped during key stretches. Yes, the defensive structure in front of him has been shaky, but the team needed a backbone, and they haven’t had one.
Robert Thomas
The franchise center isn’t hitting the expected 80–100 point pace. Sitting at 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games, he’s still second on the team in scoring. His shot volume is down from last season and even further from his 26-goal campaign two season ago, the assist rate is down from last season, and he’s carrying too much of the playmaking burden on a thin roster. It’s not a bad season, but it’s not the leap the Blues needed from their No. 1 center.
Special Teams (PP/PK)
A season‑long thorn. The power play struggles with zone entries and predictability, while the penalty kill has been too passive and too leaky in the slot. There’s been a bit of a change with Montgomery taking over after Steve Ott took over as the head coach of the Springfield Thunderbirds, but not enough statistically. When both sides of special teams are bottom‑tier, you’re not winning hockey games, and the standings make that painfully clear.