When head coach Jim Montgomery spoke about these last two games of the 2026-27 preseason, he said that by the final game, that will very likely be the opening-night lineup. After the St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 1-0, on Thursday night, we have now reached the time of that final preseason game.
All of the anticipated NHLers have gotten a shot at some action over the last week and a half, and now the whole unit will come together. Although this team, as a jumbled-up bunch, was only able to score three goals in three games, now that we are heading toward real games, the offensive production should improve.
Ideally, this should be the opening night roster
Dylan Holloway | Robert Thomas | Jimmy Snuggerud |
|---|---|---|
Pavel Buchnevich | Mason McTavish | Connor McMichael |
Jake Neighbours | Dalibor Dvorsky | Jonatan Berggren |
Alexey Toropchenko | Zach Dean | Ross Johnston |
Philip Broberg | Logan Mailloux |
|---|---|
Theo Lindstein | Colton Parayko |
Cam Fowler | Brandon Carlo |
Adam Jiricek |
Starter: Joel Hofer
Backup: Jordan Binnington
Looking at that lineup sheet, there is one major thing that sticks out. That being Pius Suter, Nathan Walker, and Tyler Tucker are missing from the lineup.
The reason being is that, because of all those lines, the fourth line is still not set in stone yet. Zach Dean has had a fantastic showing as of late and should get a nod to start the season. That unfortunately eliminates both Walker and Suter for now, as Ross Johnston is necessary to bring the body with this lineup.
Eventually, the trio of Suter, Walker, and Dean will all cycle into the fourth line, as will the emergence of Dylan Peterson, thrown in as well. Peterson proved his worth as a menace on the ice, and some time refining his game as a forward in the AHL this season could make him a mainstay on this roster in future seasons.
Potential changes?
Obviously, the Blues are going to be taking this roster and tweaking it on a daily basis. With so many prospects fighting for a spot, there is a good chunk of the bottom six that is expendable. Justin Carbonneau, Otto Stenberg, Dillon Dube, and Aleksanteri Kaskimäki could force the Blues' hand in Springfield.
Every week there will be risers and fallers inside this organization, and their path to the NHL is depending on the health and performance of those at the top. Injuries can create opportunity, and lackluster play gives Montgomery a reason to make changes.
Suter and Walker will get a lot of time to play this season, as Dean gets this nod with a very short leash. Even if he can play the first week of the season, that is an important development boost for him.
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