Kessel did not get a qualifying offer from the Blues on Monday, according to PuckPedia.
Kessel, a fifth-round pick by St. Louis in 2020, appeared in 29 games with the team in 2025-26, posting two goals, three points, 22 hits, 26 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. The right-shot defenseman will likely be able to come to terms on a contract agreement with a new team July 1.