The start of training camp for the St. Louis Blues is just a few days away, and we'll get our first look at a few new faces in the Blue Note sweater. Some players have more to lose than others; some players have plenty to gain from a strong showing. Here are three players who could make some waves and make a real run at a roster spot for opening night.
Adam Jiricek
The young Czech defenseman has continued to impress ever since being drafted 16th-overall by the Blues in 2024. In his final season of juniors with the Brantford Bulldogs, he put up 59 points in 55 regular-season games and followed it up with 22 points in 15 playoff games. He also had a respectable showing in his final World Juniors tournament, posting six points in seven games.
It's unlikely that the 20-year-old will make the roster for opening night, given how many defensemen are ahead of him on the depth chart--but a strong showing early could put him first on the call-up list should injuries strike during the Blues' regular season. Leaving a good first impression on the coaching staff will go a long way towards cementing himself as a key part of the next wave of young Blues players.
Theo Lindstein
Unlike Jiricek, Lindstein already had a taste of NHL action. He played 17 games with the Blues last season and looked quite impressive in a sheltered role. There are five defensemen who are as good as locks for opening night (Philip Broberg, Colton Parayko, Brandon Carlo, Logan Mailloux, Cam Fowler), which leaves one spot open for competition. A strong camp from Lindstein, and he could lock down the No. 6 role on the third pair over Jiricek or Tyler Tucker.
Lindstein is 21 years old with two seasons remaining on his ELC, so it's not the end of the world if he doesn't make the opening night roster--but he's going to have to show he can be an NHL regular soon.
Mason McTavish
There's little doubt that McTavish will not be on the Blues' roster to start the season--they did give up two first-round picks to get him, after all. The main question will be whether he can lock down the second-line center role behind Robert Thomas, or if his limited skating forces him out to the wings.
The Blues will likely give McTavish every opportunity to succeed down the middle, but he'll have to deliver the goods, too. Demonstrating that he can stick at center during camp should assuage any concerns the coaching staff and front office may still have about his ability to be an NHL center.
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