So far, in 2024-25, we know a few things about the St. Louis Blues. For one, Philip Broberg was and still is the steal so far of the 2024 offseason. We also know that in his last two contests, Jake Neighbours has fared far better than he initially looked to kick off the season.
What else is there to like? What about a new face that few have been talking about in 2024-25 and has done more than their due diligence in six games? That player is Mathieu Joseph, and though it’s still early, two goals and three points in six games, plus sound defensive play, have been staples in his game.
Joseph is someone I figured would come in and enjoy a stint as a depth player, then the Blues would ultimately send him on his way. But right now, he should garner serious consideration to be a fixture on this hockey team.
While he’s never been an immaculate points producer, that narrative could be changing in Gateway City this season. But he’s also a turnover-creating machine, something that’s been continuing in St. Louis with three takeaways so far, while he’s still landing body checks.
Is Mathieu Joseph the St. Louis Blues most complete lower-liner?
It’s more than valid to ask whether Mathieu Joseph is the Blues most complete forward on the lower lines, a player who can score goals or make a play or two offensively when needed without sacrificing a defense-first mentality.
Take his numbers at even strength, where Joseph has been on the ice for six goals, good for a sound 10.3 on-ice shooting percentage. But he’s also seen just two goals go by for an on-ice save percentage of 93.1.
He’s not someone who will put up outstanding numbers in the Corsi For, and the same has been the case this season. But we also need to remember most of his zone starts are coming in the defensive zone, so there’s always that.
When the Blues acquired Joseph this past July from the Ottawa Senators, I had my doubts, doubts that can still come to fruition since it’s still early. But, right now, Joseph’s play has been alleviating those doubts, and I’m excited to see what he’s capable of doing for this Blues team from here on out should he keep up his current tempo.
Players like Joseph can take teams far, and while he’ll never hold the same value as Robert Thomas or Pavel Buchnevich, his respective style will ultimately help this Blues team overachieve.