The St. Louis Blues traded winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and the 16th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. The move removes Kyrou’s $8.125 million cap hit from the Blues’ books through 2031, while providing St. Louis with significant draft capital and immediate roster versatility, according to the official team announcement.
Why did the Blues trade Jordan Kyrou?
The Blues initiated the trade to break up a core that had struggled with consistency, according to reporter Jeremy Rutherford. Despite Kyrou recording 104 goals over three seasons between 2022 and 2025, his production dipped during the 2025-26 campaign, where he recorded 18 goals and 46 points in 72 games. His performance led to multiple instances of public accountability, including being made a healthy scratch by head coach Jim Montgomery. The organization viewed the move as an inevitable step toward retooling their roster before the 2026-27 season.
What is the outlook for Connor McMichael in St. Louis?
Connor McMichael offers the Blues a younger, more cost-effective alternative to Kyrou, though his recent performance has been volatile. According to an analysis by Shayna Goldman, McMichael’s market value is projected at $5.6 million annually over the next five years, significantly lower than Kyrou’s previous cap hit. While McMichael struggled during the 2025-26 season alongside a regressing Washington squad, he demonstrated high-end potential during a 26-goal breakout season in 2024-25. His versatility allows him to play both wing and center, though his career faceoff percentage sits at 43 percent.
How does the draft capital impact the Blues’ future?
By acquiring the No. 16 pick, the Blues now control four selections in the first round of the draft: Nos. 11, 15, 16, and 29. This accumulation of assets suggests the team is preparing for further roster maneuvers, according to Jeremy Rutherford. The strategy mirrors a broader trend of teams seeking to control the draft board to fill specific positional needs without relying solely on high-priced veteran contracts.
Prospect Profile: Milton Gastrin
The Blues also added 19-year-old forward Milton Gastrin, a 6-foot, 185-pound center who previously served as captain for Sweden’s 2007 age group. According to prospect analyst Scott Wheeler, Gastrin is a “projectable bottom-sixer” who excels in puck protection and defensive detail. While he lacks the dynamic offensive ceiling of a top-line winger, his ability to play a responsible, heady two-way game makes him a reliable depth piece for the Blues’ future development pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did the Blues retain any of Kyrou’s salary? No. According to the team, there was no salary retained, meaning Kyrou’s entire $8.125 million cap hit is off the books for St. Louis.
- Is Connor McMichael an unrestricted free agent? No. McMichael is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights, giving the Blues control over his immediate contract status.
- How many first-round picks do the Blues have now? Following the trade, the Blues hold four first-round picks in the upcoming draft: Nos. 11, 15, 16, and 29.
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