Can The St. Louis Blues Be An NHL Playoff Team Whether They Acquire Alexander Nikishin Or Not?

Storyline to Watch: Can Avalanche's Brock Nelson Deliver in the Playoffs?

Dec 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) plays the puck while defended by Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Throughout August, I’ll be counting down several storylines to watch for the Colorado Avalanche entering the 2026-27 season. Some will fly under the radar. Others, like this one, will be impossi…

Can The St. Louis Blues Be An NHL Playoff Team Whether They Acquire Alexander Nikishin Or Not?

The St. Louis Blues are reportedly interested in acquiring Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin. But regardless of whether they land Nikishin, the Blues are going to be a sneaky, dark horse pick to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs next season. Are people underestimating the Blues?