Nikita Alexandrov's one player who will try to break through to a spot on the St. Louis Blues, but the competition will be fierce for a spot in the bottom six. But, it doesn't mean Alexandrov won't see the ice in Arch City again after his last appearance came during the 2023-24 season, when he finished with zero goals and two points across 23 contests.
Still, he can play impactful minutes and add a physical edge when the Blues need it, so I wouldn't rule out another appearance in the Blue Note this season should injuries strike. But even then, if he comes out and enjoys a good camp, then why not give the former second-round pick a longer look?
He's played a good AHL game, racking up 49 points and 21 goals in 48 contests with the Springfield Thunderbirds last year. And, starting in 2022-23, Alexandrov's threatened the point-per-game mark. So, at worst, he makes for some outstanding organizational depth.
How does Alexandrov get that extended look and unforeseen shot at making it back onto the Blues big club? It's all about carving out that niche. We know he can land body checks, and we know Alexandrov's gonna give the big club effort in the defensive zone.
Nikita Alexandrov's still a long shot to make the St. Louis Blues
It would be ultra tough to make the Blues top 12 forwards, especially with outlets like Daily Faceoff projecting players like Jake Neighbours onto the third line. It shows you the level of competition fringe players like Alexandrov will face in camp, and even the projected fourth line - Alexey Toropchenko, Oskar Sundqvist, and Mathieu Joseph - looks set in stone.
That said, Alexandrov's best bet's to win a spot as the 13th or 14th forward, and look to maximize his impact as a part-time player, primarily used if the Blues need to put someone on the ice who's not afraid to play with an edge, or if there's an injury and he factors in as the 'next man up.'
Being in his age-25 season, Alexandrov's got the age and experience to make a run, even if his resume's iffy when it comes to sticking around the big club. He can use that experience to his benefit in camp, and perhaps make a surprise run to at least find himself in the press box come opening night. We'll see if Alexandrov outlasts the competition.