Their leading goal scorer, James van Riemsdyk, signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and their longest-tenured player, Tyler Bozak, will now be wearing a different shade of blue in St. Louis. Leaf regulars over the last few seasons in Roman Polak and Leo Komarov have also departed.
In response, the organization was able to add a legitimate superstar in his prime in John Tavares. Bigger roles appear in store for youngsters Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen, and the defense has some wide open spots for some hungry players to claim them – Justin Holl? Connor Carrick? Martin Marincin?
The main talking point is obviously John Tavares.