The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a significant shift in their roster dynamics as they prepare to welcome Alexander Steen into the fold. With a focus on bolstering their bottom-six forward group, the Blues are turning to a familiar face in the AHL, Dillon Dubé, who is set to become a free agent. This move is a strategic one, aiming to inject more aggression and competitiveness into the team's lineup.
Dubé, a 27-year-old forward, brings a wealth of NHL experience, having played 325 games with the Calgary Flames. His time in the NHL has been marked by a steady scoring touch, with 57 goals and 127 points to his name. The highlight of his NHL career was the 2021-22 season, where he posted 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly in the top league.
However, Dubé's journey to the NHL hasn't been without its hurdles. He faced legal proceedings stemming from the 2018 Hockey Canada case, which ended in his acquittal in 2025. After this, he spent the 2024-25 season in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk, where he posted 11 points in 42 games. His recent performance with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL, however, has been a beacon of light, with 20 goals and 37 points in 46 regular-season games.
The Blues are looking to capitalize on Dubé's two-way capabilities, center versatility, and scoring touch at the AHL level. His addition provides a low-risk, experienced option that fits the team's emphasis on grit and scoring upside. For a Blues team in transition, Dubé's signing offers valuable depth and flexibility without a significant cap commitment, allowing them to nurture younger talent while remaining competitive.
What makes this move particularly fascinating is the strategic timing. With the Steen era set to begin on July 1, the Blues are looking to build a more aggressive and competitive bottom-six. This move is a calculated risk, aiming to inject more energy and consistency into the lineup. It's a move that could pay dividends in the long run, providing the Blues with a solid foundation to build upon as they navigate the offseason.
In my opinion, the Blues are making a smart move by adding Dubé. His experience and scoring touch will be a welcome addition to the team's bottom-six. While nothing is finalized until contracts are signed, the Blues are clearly taking a calculated approach to rebuilding, and Dubé's strong performance in Springfield has caught the attention of management. As free agency approaches, we can expect more updates on this front, with the Blues looking to make the most of the Steen-led offseason.
