St. Louis Blues Lose Four Players in Free Agency

The St. Louis Blues have lost four players to free agency, including defensemen Matthew Kessel, Hunter Skinner, and Justin Holl, as well as center Akil Thomas.

What happened to the players?

The players signed with other teams, with Kessel joining the New York Islanders, Skinner signing with the Nashville Predators, Thomas heading to the Vancouver Canucks, and Holl joining the Washington Capitals.

The Blues are currently 9th in the Western Conference with a 37-33 record, on a four-game winning streak after beating the Utah Mammoth 3-5 on April 16, 2026.

Why it matters for St. Louis Blues

Losing these players will impact the team's depth, especially on the blue line, where they lost three right-handed defensemen.

The Blues have added some new players, including Ross Johnston, a physical fourth-line forward, and re-signed Jonatan Berggren and Dillon Dube.

What comes next?

The team will need to navigate these losses and find ways to replace the departed players, possibly through trades or signings.

And with the free agency period still ongoing, the Blues may look to add more players to their roster.

But for now, the team will focus on their current lineup and look to build on their recent winning streak.

The Blues' recent win over the Utah Mammoth was a significant one, as it helped them move up the standings.

So the team will look to carry that momentum forward and make a push for the playoffs.

The loss of these players is a significant blow, but the Blues have a strong core and will look to rebuild and come back stronger.

The team's fans will be watching closely to see how the Blues navigate these losses and what moves they make next.

The Blues' management will need to make some tough decisions to ensure the team remains competitive.

The players who left will be missed, but the Blues have a deep roster and will look to replace them.

The team's current standing is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they will look to build on that.

The Blues will need to be active in the free agency market to replace the lost players.

The team's recent trades, including the one for Mason McTavish, will help to bolster their lineup.

The Blues' fans are excited to see what the future holds for the team.

The team's management is working hard to ensure the Blues remain competitive and make a push for the playoffs.

The loss of the four players is a significant one, but the Blues have a strong team and will look to come back stronger.