Roster Adjustments Ahead of Regular Season
As the St. Louis Blues prepare for the upcoming NHL season, notable roster changes have taken center stage. The team recently trimmed its training camp roster by 20 players, a move that included sending two of their recent first-round draft picks back to junior hockey. Justin Carbonneau, selected 19th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and Adam Jiricek, the 16th overall pick the previous year, will continue their development in junior leagues. This decision reflects the Blues' commitment to nurturing their young talent while ensuring they gain valuable playing experience.
Additionally, the Blues are seeing key contributions from players like Jordan Kyrou, who made a significant impact in the preseason. Kyrou assisted on both goals scored by Dylan Holloway in a recent 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, showcasing his offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, new acquisition Pius Suter also made his presence felt, contributing an assist in his Blues debut. These performances are crucial as the team looks to build momentum heading into the regular season.
Preseason Highlights and Player Development
The Blues have experienced a mix of results in their preseason games, culminating in a decisive 7-1 victory against the Ottawa Senators. This win marked a much-needed turnaround for a team that had struggled in previous outings, where they went winless in their first four games. The performance of young players has been a silver lining, with Aleksanteri Kaskimaki emerging as a standout. The 2022 third-round pick was praised for his relentless effort and ability to contribute on both ends of the ice.
Despite the ups and downs, the coaching staff remains optimistic. Coach Jim Montgomery has emphasized the importance of player growth during these exhibition matches, noting that young defensemen like Colten Ellis are beginning to show their potential as they adapt to the NHL level. As the team continues to refine its roster, the focus will be on integrating these promising talents into their lineup.
Key Players to Watch
With the regular season looming, several players are particularly worth watching. Brayden Schenn continues to be a foundational player for the Blues, while the emergence of younger talents like Dylan Peterson and Jimmy Snuggerud adds depth to the forward lines. As the Blues look to solidify their identity for the season ahead, the interplay between established stars and rising prospects will be crucial.
The team's next challenge will be to maintain the momentum gained from their recent victory and apply it as they finalize their roster and prepare for the start of the NHL season.
TL;DR
- The Blues trimmed their roster, sending first-round picks to juniors for development.
- Jordan Kyrou and newcomer Pius Suter made significant contributions in preseason games.
- A recent 7-1 win against Ottawa lifted team spirits after a tough start to the preseason.
- Young players like Aleksanteri Kaskimaki and Colten Ellis are making strong cases for roster spots.