The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a significant shift in their lineup as they prepare to welcome Alexander Steen into the fold. With the upcoming changes, the team is looking to strengthen its bottom-six forward group, and one name that has caught their attention is that of Dillon Dubé. Dubé, a 27-year-old forward, is a familiar face to the Blues, having previously played for their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.
A Familiar Face, A New Role
Dubé, originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the second round (56th overall) in 2016, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has already played 325 games in the NHL, recording 57 goals and 127 points. His most productive season came in 2021-22, where he scored 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games. However, after becoming a free agent and facing legal proceedings related to the 2018 Hockey Canada case, Dubé spent the 2024-25 season in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk, where he contributed 11 points in 42 games.
His recent performance with the Springfield Thunderbirds has been nothing short of impressive. In 46 regular-season games, Dubé tied for second on the team in goals (20) and fourth in points (37). He also played a crucial role in the Thunderbirds' playoff run, contributing five goals and eight points in 12 games. This strong showing has undoubtedly caught the eye of Blues management.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
The Blues are in a transition phase, aiming to rebuild a more aggressive and competitive bottom-six. They are considering moving on from pending UFA Oskar Sundqvist and demanding more consistency from players like Alexey Toropchenko and Nathan Walker. Dubé's two-way capabilities, center versatility, and recent scoring touch at the AHL level make him an ideal candidate to fill this role. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, coupled with his experience, makes him a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Nurturing Younger Talent, Adding Depth
The Blues are also focused on nurturing younger talent, such as Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky, while remaining competitive. Adding a proven NHL veteran like Dubé provides valuable depth and flexibility without a significant cap commitment. This move allows the team to balance the development of young players with the need for experienced leadership.
Conclusion
As the Blues prepare for the Steen-led offseason, the addition of Dillon Dubé could be a strategic move. His strong performance in Springfield and his ability to fill a specific role make him an attractive option. While nothing is set in stone until contracts are signed, the Blues are likely to continue their pursuit of free agents, and Dubé's name will remain in the mix as they aim to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
