The 2026-27 season, and its newly implemented 84-game gauntlet, is right around the corner. The St. Louis Blues are about to have their third game of this preseason, and a new challenger is coming to the Enterprise Center. This time, it is the Chicago Blackhawks, and the initial rookie showcase battle continues on with a little more structured NHL rosters.
There are quite a bit of NHL-caliber players playing in this game on both sides. For the Blues, there are three of them that everyone must pay attention to as the preseason rapidly approaches its end.
Let’s talk about it.
Connor McMichael
After Jordan Kyrou picked up a point for the Washington Capitals in their preseason showcase at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, it is now time to see what the return can do. Connor McMichael has not suited up yet for the Blues in a game.
Mason McTavish got his turn and looked great playing without McMichael or Pavel Buchnevich, his projected linemates. For McMichael, this opening game for him has to showcase his speed and ability to potentially score a goal against a good Blackhawks defense.
Theo Lindstein
The wonder boy of the preseason, Theo Lindstein, has to continue his dominant run. It is fair to say that it has been almost a generational run for No. 4. It is not an overnight success story for him, but it has been a night-and-day comparison between his last showing in 2025-26 and what we are witnessing now.
With Tyler Tucker’s future uncertain, the path is crystal clear for him to make the opening night roster. Lindstein and his potential d-partner Colton Parayko are going to get some reps in with these last two games.
Jordan Binnington
It was not a good first showing following the worst season of Jordan Binnington’s historic career. This start might be a meaningless preseason game for the Blues, but it might as well be a playoff game for No. 50.
He is anticipated to get the start against Chicago, after Hofer looked like he was already primed and ready for the season. Can Binnington play well enough to retain his backup spot, or do the Blues have to start looking elsewhere for another goaltender?
History has shown that when Binnington has his back against the wall, he fights his way out of the jam. Let's see if that can happen in this one.
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