Over the offseason, the acquisition of Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael has completely reshaped the top of the St. Louis Blues' forward core. However, the acquisitions do not and should not automatically push the young forward, Dalibor Dvorsky, out of the center position. While shifting the 21-year-old Slovakian to the wing might seem like the easiest roster decision, the Blues' depth at the center position remains one of the slimmest in the organization.
With 2026 first-round draft pick, Tynan Lawrence still at least two seasons away from contending for an NHL spot, the Blues are pushing and continuing to build a flexible and a formidable center pipeline. Giving Dvorsky a genuine, extended run at center to start the season could be the true key to helping unlock the long-term center depth in the organization.
Building a flexible spine down the middle
A center rotation heading into the 2026-27 season of Robert Thomas, along with McTavish and Dvorsky, will give St. Louis a dynamic mix of elite playmaking, a heavy physical presence, and high-end finishing ability. As a rookie, Dvorsky proved that he is capable of carrying the workload. He stepped straight into the circle for 729 faceoff's, posting a more than respectable 46% win rate (335-394). For a rookie, hovering even around 45% is a positive sign and a strong indicator that his hand speed belongs on the faceoff dot.
Now, with the Blues having a player like McTavish in the mix as well, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery has more fluidity that he can deploy game to game. The duo can slide between the 2C and 3C positions, while McMichael adds additional positional flexibility on the wing or down the middle when injuries hit, or the Blues simply need a new option. Keeping Dvorsky at center this season will help to ensure the Blues aren't forced to burn assets searching for bottom-six depth later.
Preserving Dvorsky's ceiling
Shifting Dvorsky to the wing prematurely to chase immediate production could very well cap his long-term ceiling. Center remains the ultimate premium asset in the NHL, and if Dvorsky continues to refine his 200-foot game alongside his elite finishing abilities that he has shown in both the junior levels and the AHL, St. Louis could possess three dangerous scoring lines down the middle.
Until Lawrence completes his NCAA and potential AHL development, the Blues' smartest move appears to be giving Dvorsky a fair, full-time opportunity at center. The move allows the club to develop their 10th overall pick while providing immediate matchup flexibility they will need for the upcoming season and years to come.
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