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If there was ever a time for Buchnevich to bounce back, it is now

ByJustin Bonhard|
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Feb 2, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For years now, fans of the St. Louis Blues have been waiting for the return of one of their favorite players. Pavel Buchnevich has been on a downward spiral since leaving New York and having a monumental first year with the Blue Note on his chest. 

If there was ever a time for No. 89 to bounce back, this new era would be it. 

New pieces around him should help

Another lackluster season, and Buchnevich could be traded, thus leaving Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, and Jordan Binnington as the last of the old core group. No. 89 has the possibility of being on that second line with two new faces next season, thus giving him the best chance for success. 

Both Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael will be battling it out for that second center spot, with the loser moving to the wing on that second line. Buchnevich would likely fill that other wing spot on the right side, but it will be on a trial basis. If Jake Neighbours can have the same kind of success as he did last season, pre-injury, then the spot may be his for the taking. 

Both McTavish and McMichael are very talented players and will be heavily relied on to make this top-six dynamic on both lines. The first line of Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Dylan Holloway will be very good again, and the second line has to do a good job of trying to complement it. 

Buchnevich has no more excuses and is basically down to his last straw to turn himself around and be a main contributor on this line. 

Younger competition on his heels

With the Blues heading towards a younger core group, that means that the prospects will be the key for the future. On the wing, there are a couple of talented up-and-comers who could make the move from Buchnevich a little easier. 

Justin Carbonneau and Dmitri Buchelnikov are on their way up the ladder of the farm system and their NHL arrival is imminent. Buchnevich has to get himself back to his career-year of 2021-22, or he could be in the way of something better. 

There has to be some serious improvement from Buchnevich in 2026-27, or else the trade deadline will get very interesting for him. 

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