This is it, folks. The St. Louis Blues are back in action with a preseason showdown against their opening night opponents, the Dallas Stars. Everyone, hold onto your hats, as this will surely be a fiery and exciting game.
Let’s just fly right into the three players who are must-watch components, as their future placement for this season is in question. This first game of a shortened preseason can make a big difference in how general manager Alexander Steen views their development.
Justin Carbonneau
Entering his second preseason, we all saw just how much Justin Carbonneau improved in the QMJHL last season. He took what was given to him in training camp and preseason and had a wonderful season in 2025-26.
Now is the time to see how much he has learned on his own from last preseason to this one. Is he a more complete hockey player, with a better understanding of situations in the game? Additionally, can he shine bright enough in this first game to push the needle on his much-anticipated NHL debut in 2026-27?
Maddox Dagenais
This is going to be a fun player to watch. Maddox Dagenais, who was just drafted a few months ago and is slated to head back to the QMJHL next season, can make a huge first impression against NHL/AHL talent. Many have proclaimed their love for his high-potential goal-scoring, and that could be on display right out of the gate.
Dagenais will not be making his NHL debut in 2026-27, but what he gains in these games is impossible to replicate if he wasn’t playing. Expect this to be the first of four games that he will play this preseason for the Blues.
Theo Lindstein
Seemingly, the most valuable player of training camp appeared to be defenseman Theo Lindstein. Not because he got a brand new and fresh number on the back of his uniform, but because head coach Jim Montgomery could not stop admiring him.
Why does Jim Montgomery like Theo Lindstein so much? "He might be our best defenseman at moving (the puck) up to the forwards and supporting it right away. As soon as someone’s open, boom, it’s tape-to-tape and it’s gone." #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) September 17, 2026
Now, can he translate that to a worthy performance in game action? A solid showing could move Tyler Tucker into an uncomfortable spot, as Lindstein could leapfrog him and move on to the opening-night lineup.
It is also worth noting that Adam Jiricek will not be playing in this opening preseason game. Lindstein can get an early advantage over another player who is fighting for one of the last spots on the opening-night roster.
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