Plenty of rotation there possible on the bottom for players to stay fresh, hungry for playing time. Play consistently well, then stay in the lineup.
I'm hopefully Suter helps that 2nd line get even better because Schenn is slowing down. 3rd line concerns because Schenn is slowing down and we're moving him away from faster wings that helped him.
If the team wanted to make the best 1st line possible it would be Holloway-Thomas-Kyrou.
Biggest concern, a lot riding on Snuggerud being ready for a full season of top 6 minutes.
Another possibility for the third line would be: Schenn-Dvorsky-Neighbours.
Really looking forward to seeing how Dvorsky does in camp after five months of growth and weights.
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
Another point to consider is special teams and other scenarios. Sunny might find his way in the lineup just because he's such a smart player who can play in all situations. We've even seen him in a role on the PP (with success). If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Dvorsky had at least one shift on the PP last year in his 2 games. He is a weapon that could be used there. Snuggerudd might not make it on the top line all season, but he's another PP weapon (please not the bumper again...). You could put those two on each side firing away. Add Mailloux's bomb to the mix...
Anyways, I guess I could see Joseph making a case on the PK. Tex is an enigma, but I like his game when he's actually out there. Could also see Bjugstad slide up to 3RW with Sunny at 4C.
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
Another point to consider is special teams and other scenarios. Sunny might find his way in the lineup just because he's such a smart player who can play in all situations. We've even seen him in a role on the PP (with success). If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Dvorsky had at least one shift on the PP last year in his 2 games. He is a weapon that could be used there. Snuggerudd might not make it on the top line all season, but he's another PP weapon (please not the bumper again...). You could put those two on each side firing away. Add Mailloux's bomb to the mix...
Anyways, I guess I could see Joseph making a case on the PK. Tex is an enigma, but I like his game when he's actually out there. Could also see Bjugstad slide up to 3RW with Sunny at 4C.
I'm pulling for Texier to actually figure out how to be responsible without the puck this year and earn that third line spot. I agree the DD could use another year in the AHL to mature while getting a few games in the show as well. Texier has the talent if he can earn the coaches trust. Maybe this is the year that he puts it together.
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
Another point to consider is special teams and other scenarios. Sunny might find his way in the lineup just because he's such a smart player who can play in all situations. We've even seen him in a role on the PP (with success). If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Dvorsky had at least one shift on the PP last year in his 2 games. He is a weapon that could be used there. Snuggerudd might not make it on the top line all season, but he's another PP weapon (please not the bumper again...). You could put those two on each side firing away. Add Mailloux's bomb to the mix...
Anyways, I guess I could see Joseph making a case on the PK. Tex is an enigma, but I like his game when he's actually out there. Could also see Bjugstad slide up to 3RW with Sunny at 4C.
I'm pulling for Texier to actually figure out how to be responsible without the puck this year and earn that third line spot. I agree the DD could use another year in the AHL to mature while getting a few games in the show as well. Texier has the talent if he can earn the coaches trust. Maybe this is the year that he puts it together.
I've got the same feeling, but wondering what was going on with him last season. There will always be injuries, so it seems we've got good rookie depth that can (and maybe should) stick in the AHL until opportunity presents, and the rest of the roster can battle it out to find their spot. I agree with seattle that Dvorsky has >50% chance of making the team, and really that hinges on Texier winning that 3rd line spot.
BluesDom wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 10:08 am
Toropchenko is great on 4th line. He is not coordinated enough for 3rd line. He is a big ball of energy lacks some coordination to be scorer.
I bet he can't walk and chew gum at the same time!
Agree. Torpochenko is a great skater and is very responsible with the puck. He could be a 15-20 goal scorer if given more of an opportunity. People have a paradigm about his style simply because he has been on lines that only grind and not play to his offensive strengths. He does well in the grinding 4th line role, but could do more on the third line.
My anticipation is that we'll see a few pairs stay set most of the year if healthy. I think mostly the first 3 lines of forwards will have paired off based on good play together, and we might see the center shift in between them. I think Thomas will always have top 6 minutes, but he might sometimes have buch and snuggy on his wings and other times might have Holloway and Kyrou or Neighbours and Dvorsky. Monty did some roster shuffling, but not as much of it, and he seemed to clue in on guys that had great chemistry AND production together and not mess too much with it, so i kinda think thats the way it'll continue.
The two with the most time to earn are Bjugstad and Dvorsky in the lineup in my mind. Bjugstad if he shows a greater willingness to use his frame to win puck battles will have a shot to get into middle 6 minutes. Dvorsky if he gets pushed off the puck less because he's stronger will command more time as well, thats just a matter of time imo.
I'm still a bit surprised we haven't looked to move on from one of our depth forwards. Maybe it'll happen as injuries hit elsewhere and there isn't any demand now
BluesDom wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 10:08 am
Toropchenko is great on 4th line. He is not coordinated enough for 3rd line. He is a big ball of energy lacks some coordination to be scorer.
I bet he can't walk and chew gum at the same time!
Agree. Torpochenko is a great skater and is very responsible with the puck. He could be a 15-20 goal scorer if given more of an opportunity. People have a paradigm about his style simply because he has been on lines that only grind and not play to his offensive strengths. He does well in the grinding 4th line role, but could do more on the third line.
Toropchenko regular season, solid 4th liner
Toropchenko playoffs, the kind of 4th liner everyone needs because his game is a direct north south hard fast no space physical kind of game and that's what the playoffs become more like for other players so suddenly everyone's playing in his flow, he loves it.
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
Another point to consider is special teams and other scenarios. Sunny might find his way in the lineup just because he's such a smart player who can play in all situations. We've even seen him in a role on the PP (with success). If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Dvorsky had at least one shift on the PP last year in his 2 games. He is a weapon that could be used there. Snuggerudd might not make it on the top line all season, but he's another PP weapon (please not the bumper again...). You could put those two on each side firing away. Add Mailloux's bomb to the mix...
Anyways, I guess I could see Joseph making a case on the PK. Tex is an enigma, but I like his game when he's actually out there. Could also see Bjugstad slide up to 3RW with Sunny at 4C.
We do seem to be expecting Snuggerud to make it on the top line all year. He was highly impressive in his late season and playoff games, which raised hopes and expectations. However, most players first full year will see slumps and/or wear down during part of the season. What do the lines look like if that happens? Maybe move Neighbors up with Thomas-Buch and fill in on the third line with several options. Maybe Schenn on 1st wing?
BluesDom wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 10:08 am
Toropchenko is great on 4th line. He is not coordinated enough for 3rd line. He is a big ball of energy lacks some coordination to be scorer.
I bet he can't walk and chew gum at the same time!
Agree. Torpochenko is a great skater and is very responsible with the puck. He could be a 15-20 goal scorer if given more of an opportunity. People have a paradigm about his style simply because he has been on lines that only grind and not play to his offensive strengths. He does well in the grinding 4th line role, but could do more on the third line.
Toropchenko regular season, solid 4th liner
Toropchenko playoffs, the kind of 4th liner everyone needs because his game is a direct north south hard fast no space physical kind of game and that's what the playoffs become more like for other players so suddenly everyone's playing in his flow, he loves it.
Man i understand the purpose of our 4th line is to bang and ultimately get a offensive zone whistle, but i wish torpo would take the puck to the net front more. Every once in a while he will try to cut back infront of the net instead of wrapping and looking for a pass. He has the strength and length to pop a few in on those plays.
Right now on paper the Blues appear to have more depth in the forward ranks, and at least one extra serviceable NHL center. With a slew of prospects getting ever closer hopefully they are in a position where the wheels won't fall off the cart again. The Blues want and need to get off to a better start in the fall. Key points I see are:
1. Snuggerud is a rookie. Do they keep Dvorsky too and go with TWO rookies in the top-9, or do they park Dvorsky back in the AHL for a while until they see how Snuggerud settles in and how the centers look?
2. PK has to be MUCH better. P. Suter should help, in theory. The Blues must have better quality PK from their bottom-9 forwards (Thomas and Buchnevich contributions assumed). Jobs can be won on this basis, or lost as the case may be with some veteran holdovers.
3. The basics: Speed, puck control, passing, playing within the system. It should no longer be acceptable to take until February to look like a TEAM.
4. Defense. The top-4 needs to again be solid. Are Tucker and Mailloux responsible enough to play as a pairing? What happens with Fowler? Will Faulk cling to his minutes? Are there six guys here who can form a reliable six-man unit, or will there be a step back?
STL fan in MN wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 15:03 pm
Regarding Dvorsky making the lineup, I’d say it’s possible. Perhaps not likely but certainly possible.
The way I see it, with Bolduc’s departure, there’s 1 top-9 forward spot up for grabs in camp. Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Holloway, Schenn, Suter, Neighbours and Snuggerud seem to have 8 of the 9 spots pretty well locked up. I mean, Snuggy is going to have to earn his spot but based on what we saw last season, I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
The logical thought is that one of Bjugstad, Sundqvist, Joseph or Texier will win that spot. I’d also say the most logical spot that appears to be open is 3rd line RW, so righties Bjugstad and Sunny would have a bit of an advantage there as they primarily play RW when they’re not playing C.
But it’s possible Dvorsky shows he’s a better option than all of them. Or maybe someone like Kaskimaki as well. Or maybe Dean really surprises. We don’t really know what camp will bring.
There could also be injuries that opens up opportunities. As of today, I’d give Dvorsky about a 30-40% chance of making the team. Less than 50/50 but still pretty solid odds. And even if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I bet he’ll play a solid number of games for the Blues this season regardless.
I'm going to agree with all of this, except I'm secretly going to think Dvorsky makes it is just a tick above 50% likelihood, but not tell anyone because the analysis that gets me there isn't as good as this, but I want to think it anyway
Another point to consider is special teams and other scenarios. Sunny might find his way in the lineup just because he's such a smart player who can play in all situations. We've even seen him in a role on the PP (with success). If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Dvorsky had at least one shift on the PP last year in his 2 games. He is a weapon that could be used there. Snuggerudd might not make it on the top line all season, but he's another PP weapon (please not the bumper again...). You could put those two on each side firing away. Add Mailloux's bomb to the mix...
Anyways, I guess I could see Joseph making a case on the PK. Tex is an enigma, but I like his game when he's actually out there. Could also see Bjugstad slide up to 3RW with Sunny at 4C.
We do seem to be expecting Snuggerud to make it on the top line all year. He was highly impressive in his late season and playoff games, which raised hopes and expectations. However, most players first full year will see slumps and/or wear down during part of the season. What do the lines look like if that happens? Maybe move Neighbors up with Thomas-Buch and fill in on the third line with several options. Maybe Schenn on 1st wing?
Interesting ideas. My first bet would be one of Holloway or Kyrou move up. I'd love to see a Holloway-Thomas combo. Schenn could actually be a solid contributor on the wing for what he brings. I've always liked Neighbours with Thomas, and maybe we see him take that next step this year (will he really be a 3rd line guy going forward?). I just had the thought of Dvorsky on the top RW...and it's a thought I will continue thinking because of how much I like the idea.
