If you asked some fans of teams around the league -- or even some casual St. Louis Blues fans -- which players have played the most for the Blues over the last two seasons, not many people will have Alexey Toropchenko top of mind. However, he's been one of the most consistent players for the Blues over the last two seasons.
In the 2024-25 season, Toropchenko was one of just five Blues players to play in at least 80 games. Ryan Suter, Brayden Schenn, Jordan Kyrou, and Jake Neighbours suited up for all 82 while Toropchenko played in 80.
He played in all 82 games the season prior, though, leaving only Schenn and Kyrou (who haven't missed a game in the last two seasons) as the players with more games played than the physical winger.
Toropchenko isn't going to light the world on fire offensively. But that's not what he's on the roster for. He's on the roster to be a physical presence on the fourth line, and he's done exactly that.
He only had 18 points (4 goals, 14 assists) last season, but his 223 hits were tied for 17th-most in the NHL -- and second on the team behind fellow fourth-line winger Nathan Walker.
The Russian forward should be pencilled in on the fourth line for the Blues once again this season. However, some of the offseason additions -- including signing Milan Lucic to a professional tryout -- could create some competition in training camp.