After the injuries to both Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours, complemented by a horrific seven-game losing streak, things were looking bleak for the St. Louis Blues. But now that Thomas is back in action, and there was a call-up that subsequently replaced Neighbours in the top six, things are certainly looking much brighter.
Dalibor Dvorsky has been fantastic since being called up on October 29. With Neighbours still out, this time with the Blues and at the NHL level, it is basically a five-week tryout for the 20-year-old former first-round selection.
Can Dvorsky make an everlasting impact to be a full-timer?
Immediate impact in multiple areas
Since being called up from Springfield, Dvorsky has appeared in three games with the Blues. He has seen time in the top six, manning the second line center spot, and doing it swimmingly. In the three games, he has seen 33 faceoffs and won 18 of them, with four shots on goal.
All of the prior impressions of him being a bit slow for the NHL pace and that his two games last season were overshadowed by the Jimmy Snuggerud show are all gone now. Now, Dvorsky has arrived in the big leagues and is showing improvements with each game.
The Blues tried out a new power play with both Snuggerud and Dvorsky manning the wings of both circles. Snuggerud, with a right-handed shot, and Dvorsky, with a left-handed shot, were both in position to launch one-timers with ease. His first goal of his career, in the win against Edmonton, 3-2, went just that way.
Congratulations Dalibor Dvorsky on your first career NHL goal. Many more to come. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/QqXd3cOk4J
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) November 4, 2025
Can the Blues slot him in when Neighbours comes back?
Obviously, Dvorsky and Neighbours do not play the same position. But, Neighbours is likely going to be coming back to his spot on the second-line left wing spot, which was accompanied by Brayden Schenn in the game against Edmonton. It is unclear if that will stay the same with Schenn moved from Center to Wing, but it could be the first way that Dvorsky can remain a Blue for the duration of the season.
The center position is a logjam right now. Both Nick Bjugstad and Pius Suter have been better than advertised, and Thomas is back healthy. Either Schenn or Dvorsky has to be moved to one of the wing spots in order for this to work. It really depends on who has better performances over the next five weeks.
Head coach Jim Montgomery has a lot more tinkering to do with his lines, but for now, until Neighbours returns from injury, it is the Dvorsky show. Let's all enjoy what this young kid has to offer.