Locked On Blues - Daily Podcast On The St. Louis Blues

The captaincy belongs to Robert Thomas. We react to the St. Louis Blues officially naming Thomas the 25th captain in franchise history and discuss why this is such a major moment for both the player and the organization. What makes Thomas the right choice to lead the Blues into their next era, and what does this decision say about the direction of the franchise? We also break down the leadership group surrounding Thomas, including alternate captains Jake Neighbours, Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, and Dylan Holloway. What does this group bring to the Blues, and how important will each player be in supporting Thomas as he takes on the responsibility of leading the team as captain?

The St. Louis Blues are entering a critical season with a young core looking to take the next step and a veteran group expected to provide leadership and production. What should the young players accomplish in 2026-27? Which veterans need to step up? And can both groups come together to help push the Blues back into playoff contention?

Connor Hellebuyck has publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, and while player movement is part of sports, this situation raises a bigger question for the NHL. Are star players becoming too quick to force their way out, and could the league be heading toward the same player-empowerment culture that has defined the NBA?

Robert Thomas feels like the clear choice to become the next captain of the St. Louis Blues—but what happens if he isn’t named captain? I break down why passing over Thomas could raise questions about the direction of the team, his role as a leader, and who the Blues see as the face of the franchise moving forward.

With the Blues heading into a new era and the captaincy still vacant, the question is simple: should Colton Parayko be the player to wear the “C”? Parayko has been a longtime alternate captain, one of the longest-tenured players in St. Louis, and a member of the organization’s Stanley Cup-winning core. Head coach Jim Montgomery has specifically praised his leadership, while Parayko has also been recognized for his impact away from the ice through his community work. But is he the right choice over younger leaders like Robert Thomas or Jake Neighbours? Or should the Blues continue with a leadership-by-committee approach instead?

A brutal opening schedule could have the Blues facing an uphill battle right out of the gate. We discuss the possibility of an 0-4 start, what could go wrong and why the opening stretch could tell us a lot about this team.

The NHL continues to be linked to expansion, with Texas emerging as one of the most talked-about destinations for a potential new franchise. But what would that actually mean for the St. Louis Blues? In this episode of Locked On Blues, we break down how a Texas expansion team could impact the Blues, from the expansion draft and player protection decisions to possible divisional realignment and the long-term effects on the Western Conference. Could St. Louis lose a key piece of its roster? Would a new rival emerge? We discuss the biggest questions Blues fans should be asking if the NHL expands once again.

The NHL season is still months away, but that won't stop us from making some predictions! From the St. Louis Blues' playoff chances to breakout players, team MVP, point leaders, and biggest surprises, we're making our way-too-early predictions for the 2026-27 season. Which takes will age well, and which ones will look ridiculous by April?

The St. Louis Blues don't need to make a blockbuster move every offseason to keep building toward Stanley Cup contention. In this episode, we discuss why smaller, strategic additions can be just as valuable as headline-grabbing trades, what the Blues' current roster says about their direction, and why patience may be the best approach. Plus, we break down where the team could still improve and why not every move has to be a "big move" to make a big impact.

The NHL mascots are back together for their annual Mascot Conference, and let's just say... things got a little heated. 👀 From hilarious interactions to what looked like some playful beef between mascots, we're breaking down the funniest moments, viral clips, and whether there was actually some mascot rivalry on display. Who started it, who stole the show, and which mascot came out on top? Let's dive into one of the NHL's most entertaining off-ice traditions! 🏒