The St. Louis Blues made headlines this offseason by signing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets, luring them away from the Edmonton Oilers. Both players, former first-round picks, arrived with high expectations, but it was uncertain what they would contribute to their new team. While Broberg had just showcased his talent during the Stanley Cup playoffs, Holloway was an enigma, having previously recorded only nine goals and 18 points in 89 games with the Oilers. However, as the 2024-25 NHL season unfolded, it became clear that the Blues had struck gold with Holloway, who exceeded all expectations in his inaugural season in St. Louis.
Holloway's journey began slowly, as he found himself struggling to find his footing early on, managing only eight points in his first 22 games. However, everything changed when the Blues decided to part ways with Drew Bannister and brought in Jim Montgomery as the new head coach. Under Montgomery's guidance, Holloway's performance skyrocketed. He became an integral part of a dynamic line alongside Jordan Kyrou and Brayden Schenn, forming one of the most productive trios in the league. In the 55 games following Montgomery's hiring, Holloway racked up an impressive 22 goals and 33 assists for a total of 55 points.
Holloway's final season statistics were remarkable, finishing with 26 goals and 63 points in 77 games. This performance not only established him as a legitimate NHL player but also solidified his role as a core piece for the Blues moving forward. His two-year, $2.3 million contract now seems like a steal, especially considering his potential for future growth.
As the Blues look ahead, expectations for Holloway are on the rise. After suffering a season-ending injury just days before the regular season concluded, which required surgery, there are hopes that he will recover in time for the start of the next season. If he can maintain his trajectory, it’s not unreasonable to expect Holloway to aim for the 30-goal mark and push for 70 points in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Blues are also contemplating the future of another key player, Jordan Kyrou. As Holloway's breakout year has raised questions about his next contract, Kyrou's situation complicates matters. Holloway could command as much as $8 million per season on a long-term deal, and Kyrou's contract may serve as a benchmark for Holloway's next deal. Kyrou, who signed an eight-year, $65 million extension in 2022 after a standout season where he tallied 27 goals and 75 points, has continued to impress with a career-high 36 goals and team-best +23 rating this past year.
However, the Blues face a dilemma. With Kyrou's full no-trade clause kicking in on July 1, 2025, the team has a limited window to explore trade options. As they look to extend Holloway and Broberg, the Blues may need to make tough decisions regarding their roster, including potentially trading Kyrou while his value is at its peak. General managers often look to sell high, and with the cap flexibility needed to secure Holloway's future, moving Kyrou could be a strategic move.
As the offseason progresses, the Blues are at a crossroads. They have a rising star in Holloway, who has proven his worth, and a seasoned forward in Kyrou, whose future with the team is now uncertain. The decisions they make in the coming weeks will shape the franchise for years to come. Will they prioritize the youth and potential of Holloway, or will they keep Kyrou, a player who has consistently led the team in scoring? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the St. Louis Blues are in a pivotal moment of their franchise's history.
