St. Louis Blues Most Likely Forward Lines And Some We’d Like To See

Editor’s lines

Kyrou, O’Reilly, Perron

I kind of like that trio as a top line. You’ve got the veteran in David Perron, who still has the slick moves but also more wisdom due to his years in the league.

O’Reilly is the captain, but in that in between age where he’s not old, but is already a veteran. He’s a good playmaker who will also shoot the puck, so he can mesh well with the other two.

Kyrou is an exciting player. He’s got all the tools to be a potential 30-goal scorer, but it all boils down to how well he executes. Playing with a guy like O’Reilly would definitely boost his progress.

Tarasenko, Schenn, Buchnevich

I fully understand this is a potentially dangerous mix. While we’ve heard nothing concrete since the Stanley Cup win, it is safe to assume that Schenn is still not the biggest Tarasenko fan in the world. Their styles just clash on a personal level, even if it’s not as evident on the ice.

Even so, this would be a lethal line. Every player on here wants to shoot the puck, but is also a much better passer than anyone gives them credit for.

Additionally, who do you focus on to shut down? If you think to defend Tarasenko, based on reputation, Schenn or Buchnevich will take over. If you rough up Schenn in front or behind the net, you’re leaving open at least one dangerous sniper.

If nothing else, I like the idea of having another Russian player with Tarasenko to continue to smooth things over.

Saad, Thomas, Bozak

I like this combination because you have the guys with all the knowledge in the world to help Thomas take the next step. They’re going to cover up any of his weaknesses too.

Thomas is not very good at faceoffs yet, which is a big detraction for a center. Bozak is excellent on the draw, so he fills that gap.

Thomas has not yet shown a toughness in the offensive zone. Saad is not an overly physical player, but he’s going to dig in and win those puck battles. Both of these guys will lead by example and hopefully Thomas can do by seeing it done.

Ideally, you’d have a more pure scorer to go with someone of Thomas’ passing ability, but Bozak and Saad still have enough goals left in the tank to make this a scoring threat. If Thomas continues to shoot as he has in the preseason, it will only enhance things.

Neighbours, Barbashev, Kostin

This line is quite unlikely to happen, but the potential is out of this world.

Jake Neighbours has really impressed during the preseason. He’s going into the last couple preseason games still being featured in a top-six role. It’s unlikely he would stay there, but even starting the season in the top 12 would be great. He has shown he’s not afraid of contact and doesn’t shy away from the big guys, so while he wouldn’t be a traditional fourth line player, he would bring a different dynamic.

Kostin and Barbashev are also more talented than your prototypical fourth line guy, but they’re quick and have some nastiness to them. Both guys can score, which gives you four lines that can put the puck in the net.

The only potential detraction right now is the unknown of Neighbours’ defensive ability. Still, it might be worth a roll of the dice.