Toropchenko

[Kilokaai]

I know it's early in the season but I was curious what others think about Toro since he will be heading into UFA at the end of this year. He has times where he seems to be a menace and times where he can flash a little skill but I can't say the sum of the last 120 games or so has been as impressive as the 140 games prior. He hasn't really taken that next step and most of the time when he has the puck it seems he lacks some of the vision/creativity to do much with it which have started to stick out after the '22-'24 season(s).

The last few games with Texier sliding in at his spot have highlighted to me that the 4th line could use a little more skill as it isn't a void of talent with Bjugstad and Walker. He also was important on the PK in the past but we seem to have a lot of options there now so I don't think that is a reason for force him into the lineup.

There are also some options down in Springfield that people mention as having good 4th line potential like Dylan Peterson which could make a natural replacement as well.

[DawgDad]

I know it's early in the season but I was curious what others think about Toro since he will be heading into UFA at the end of this year. He has times where he seems to be a menace and times where he can flash a little skill but I can't say the sum of the last 120 games or so has been as impressive as the 140 games prior. He hasn't really taken that next step and most of the time when he has the puck it seems he lacks some of the vision/creativity to do much with it which have started to stick out after the '22-'24 season(s).

The last few games with Texier sliding in at his spot have highlighted to me that the 4th line could use a little more skill as it isn't a void of talent with Bjugstad and Walker. He also was important on the PK in the past but we seem to have a lot of options there now so I don't think that is a reason for force him into the lineup.

There are also some options down in Springfield that people mention as having good 4th line potential like Dylan Peterson which could make a natural replacement as well.

Fair, but it's also fair to note Toro has been a beast in the playoffs.

[netboy65]

A buddy and I were JUST talking about him. He brings a lot to the table, size, speed, he seems to know what and where he’s supposed to be, but he’s got hands of stone and therefore his usefulness is greatly diminished.
If Monty got Tex and Joseph straightened out, I don’t see where he or even Sunny have a place here.

[bud white]

A buddy and I were JUST talking about him. He brings a lot to the table, size, speed, he seems to know what and where he’s supposed to be, but he’s got hands of stone and therefore his usefulness is greatly diminished.
If Monty got Tex and Joseph straightened out, I don’t see where he or even Sunny have a place here.

Torpo has some decent hands. He scored a highlight reel goal agaisnt Montreal a while back. He just doesn't get a ton of chances.

Blues have the right type depth in the right positions. Compeittion is good.

[DawgDad]

A buddy and I were JUST talking about him. He brings a lot to the table, size, speed, he seems to know what and where he’s supposed to be, but he’s got hands of stone and therefore his usefulness is greatly diminished.
If Monty got Tex and Joseph straightened out, I don’t see where he or even Sunny have a place here.

All true, with a limited view on "usefulness". Again, check his playoff stats.

What might happen is he prices himself out of St. Louis, or simply wants to go somewhere else. Or not, we'll see.

[seattleblue]

quintessential playoff 4th liner

[stlblue06]

Love Torpo. He has the size and speed combo you want for the 4th line. His main weakness his finishing his scoring chances although he did score what 12 goals a couple of years ago

[callitwhatyouwant]

If Torpedo hurt at all or is this strictly a lineup decision? If it is then that is trouble for Torpo, because last year Torpedo took a step back in the offensive department. He was loved here because he's a big body and was seen as useful situationally. If Bjuk and Suter have taken over some PK time and guys like Joseph have upped their physicality, all the sudden there's more skill in the lineup without him.

I like Torpedo, hopefully this team has a good rotation going with the role players to keep guys fresh.

[aroos]

I was at the game in Vancouver last night. Both Texier and Joseph were very noticeable. Texier in particular was excellent.

[STL fan in MN]

If Torpedo hurt at all or is this strictly a lineup decision? If it is then that is trouble for Torpo, because last year Torpedo took a step back in the offensive department. He was loved here because he's a big body and was seen as useful situationally. If Bjuk and Suter have taken over some PK time and guys like Joseph have upped their physicality, all the sudden there's more skill in the lineup without him.

I like Torpedo, hopefully this team has a good rotation going with the role players to keep guys fresh.

He’s hurt. All we know is “both upper and lower body.” Doesn’t sound longterm or anything though.

I like Torpo but he did score a lot less last season. I’d like to see him drive hard to the net more like he did before.

It’ll be interesting to see how they handle him. He’s an ideal 4th liner but depending on how much of a raise he wants, he could become expendable. I see Dylan Peterson developing into a similar type of 4th liner.

[Kilokaai]

If Torpedo hurt at all or is this strictly a lineup decision? If it is then that is trouble for Torpo, because last year Torpedo took a step back in the offensive department. He was loved here because he's a big body and was seen as useful situationally. If Bjuk and Suter have taken over some PK time and guys like Joseph have upped their physicality, all the sudden there's more skill in the lineup without him.

I like Torpedo, hopefully this team has a good rotation going with the role players to keep guys fresh.

He’s hurt. All we know is “both upper and lower body.” Doesn’t sound longterm or anything though.

I like Torpo but he did score a lot less last season. I’d like to see him drive hard to the net more like he did before.

It’ll be interesting to see how they handle him. He’s an ideal 4th liner but depending on how much of a raise he wants, he could become expendable. I see Dylan Peterson developing into a similar type of 4th liner.

To me the driving the net is the biggest difference between his "successful" years and last. He had a good chunk of close dirty area goals in 23-24 which were really needed on that team. The fourth line in the playoffs were fantastic last year, but I think a lot of that was driven by how good Radek Faksa gelled with that group. He was a hard as nails on pucks, great defensively, and had good vision for a 4th line center.

It feels to me Toro matches his center's identity, when paired with Sunny he did all the defensive things right and got his body to the front of the net where he was rewarded for his size/strength. Last year, with Faksa the skill level of the line increased but there is a ceiling there which I think might get exposed again this year if Bjugstad remains centering that 4th line when Sunny is ready.

[callitwhatyouwant]

If Torpedo hurt at all or is this strictly a lineup decision? If it is then that is trouble for Torpo, because last year Torpedo took a step back in the offensive department. He was loved here because he's a big body and was seen as useful situationally. If Bjuk and Suter have taken over some PK time and guys like Joseph have upped their physicality, all the sudden there's more skill in the lineup without him.

I like Torpedo, hopefully this team has a good rotation going with the role players to keep guys fresh.

He’s hurt. All we know is “both upper and lower body.” Doesn’t sound longterm or anything though.

I like Torpo but he did score a lot less last season. I’d like to see him drive hard to the net more like he did before.

It’ll be interesting to see how they handle him. He’s an ideal 4th liner but depending on how much of a raise he wants, he could become expendable. I see Dylan Peterson developing into a similar type of 4th liner.

To me the driving the net is the biggest difference between his "successful" years and last. He had a good chunk of close dirty area goals in 23-24 which were really needed on that team. The fourth line in the playoffs were fantastic last year, but I think a lot of that was driven by how good Radek Faksa gelled with that group. He was a hard as nails on pucks, great defensively, and had good vision for a 4th line center.

It feels to me Toro matches his center's identity, when paired with Sunny he did all the defensive things right and got his body to the front of the net where he was rewarded for his size/strength. Last year, with Faksa the skill level of the line increased but there is a ceiling there which I think might get exposed again this year if Bjugstad remains centering that 4th line when Sunny is ready.

I agree with you guys that his lacking of driving to the net was a problem. To me specifically it was the outside in move that Tarasenko would do. Torpedo did the same move the previous years but wasn't as skilled but his move would create chaos.

As far as 4th line goes, we are more skilled without Faksa, worse on possession/face offs.

[SameOldBlues]

While Toro is a good player for his role, he’s very replaceable if he wants too much money and/or term. The knock on him ever since I can remember is hands of stone, and he always leaves ya wanting more. I love his size, but the Blues have many, many suitable replacements if need be.

[Tabasco Flowers]

I'd like to see him on the 4th line with a center that drives offense. Faksa was not that. Bjuggie; maybe?

[blues2112]

While Toro is a good player for his role, he’s very replaceable if he wants too much money and/or term. The knock on him ever since I can remember is hands of stone, and he always leaves ya wanting more. I love his size, but the Blues have many, many suitable replacements if need be.

Agree about him being in his role for the most part, but who are the Blues "many suitable replacements"?

[SameOldBlues]

While Toro is a good player for his role, he’s very replaceable if he wants too much money and/or term. The knock on him ever since I can remember is hands of stone, and he always leaves ya wanting more. I love his size, but the Blues have many, many suitable replacements if need be.

Agree about him being in his role for the most part, but who are the Blues "many suitable replacements"?

While alot of them arent ready yet, depending on players who reach their potential, or barely reach their floors, the list of future and sooner than later 4th liners could be…Antoine Dorion, Zach Dean, Adam Jecho, Peterson, Kaskimäki, Stancl, to name a few. Not to mention how easy it is to aquire cheap 4th liners thru trade or free agency.