Jake Neighbours: A Future Captain for the St. Louis Blues?

While Robert Thomas is the most likely candidate to be named captain of the St. Louis Blues if a decision is made before the 2026-27 season, Jake Neighbours is emerging as a strong contender for a future leadership role. At 24 years old, Neighbours is demonstrating qualities that point towards him becoming a future captain, including increased responsibility, intense play, and a willingness to defend his teammates.

Although Neighbours still has development ahead and Thomas is currently ahead in the pecking order, he is a player who could potentially become the next face of the Blues' leadership group. The team also has the option to begin the season without a captain, allowing the current leadership structure to evolve naturally while awaiting a clearer long-term leader.

Neighbours: A Teammate Who Stands Up

A clear indicator of Neighbours' leadership potential is his readiness to get involved when teammates are in the middle of post-whistle altercations. He shows a willingness to respond to questionable hits or confrontations, not by seeking fights, but by supporting his teammates. This kind of support carries significant weight in an NHL locker room.

His physical style of play further emphasizes this aspect of his personality. Neighbours plays with high effort, battles for loose pucks, and is willing to absorb contact to make a play. He consistently puts himself in challenging areas, particularly around the net, where he faces physical resistance from opposing defensemen.

This approach has become a defining characteristic of his game with the Blues and has earned him the respect of his teammates. Leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice; it can also stem from consistently doing the hard work and stepping into uncomfortable situations for the team's benefit. Neighbours is increasingly showcasing this facet of his game.

His Game Continues to Mature

Neighbours' development extends beyond his physical play. He has become a more well-rounded player, learning to impact games even without contributing significantly on the scoresheet. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 15 goals and 36 points in 69 games. While these numbers don't place him among the team's top offensive scorers, his value is multifaceted.

On many nights, his most significant contributions come from his relentless forechecking, effectiveness along the boards, and ability to create offensive zone pressure. He can make life difficult for opposing defensemen and generate opportunities simply by continuing to work after the initial play breaks down. This consistency is crucial for a potential captain.

Every NHL team experiences slumps where their top players aren't scoring. A captain must still find ways to contribute, whether by winning puck battles, creating chances through effort, or providing the energy a team needs to get back into a game. Neighbours has already demonstrated his ability to make an impact in these situations.

Furthermore, he has become more comfortable accepting responsibility when the Blues require more from him. At just 24 years old, he still has substantial room for growth in this area, but his progress is evident.

Thomas is the Likely Choice, But Neighbours is Next

If the Blues opt to name a captain before the upcoming season, Thomas remains the most logical choice. He has been a pivotal player for the organization for years and is a significant part of its future. His offensive talent, experience, and importance to the roster make him a natural candidate for the role. However, Neighbours should be considered the next player in line.

The Blues are entering a phase where several young players are expected to assume greater responsibilities, and Neighbours' age allows him to be a long-term presence within this group. He possesses enough NHL experience to understand the demands of the league while still being young enough to grow alongside emerging talents like Jimmy Snuggerud and other prospects.

This positions Neighbours to become one of the players who sets the standard for this developing core. He doesn't need to be the most talented player to lead; he needs to continue earning the trust of his teammates and coaches, improve his offensive consistency, and maintain the strong work ethic that has become a hallmark of his game.

Neighbours Has Time to Grow Into the Role

The Blues are not under pressure to rush Neighbours into a captaincy. If Thomas is named captain, Neighbours can continue his development while taking on more responsibility as an alternate captain and a veteran voice within the team.

This approach could be the most beneficial for his growth, allowing him to learn the nuances of leadership without the immediate pressure of captaining the locker room. The qualities that could eventually make Neighbours a captain are already present. He plays with passion, defends his teammates, and doesn't shy away from difficult situations. He has shown an ability to elevate his effort when the team needs it and has become more comfortable taking charge on the ice.

His offensive game still requires progression, and becoming a more consistent scorer would undoubtedly strengthen his case. For Neighbours to eventually lead the team, the Blues will need him to evolve beyond being just an energetic, physical forward. However, at 24 years old, there is ample time for this development to occur.

While Thomas is the most probable choice for the captaincy if the decision is made now, Neighbours is undoubtedly next in line. If he continues his current development trajectory, the Blues could gain a player who is not only a vital part of their lineup but also a central voice in their locker room for years to come.