Amanda: Paul, I'll say it right now: the Blues have more centers than they know what to do with, and one of them is about to get squeezed out. This is going to get messy.
Paul: Messy in the best way, Amanda. Competition breeds excellence, and this roster is stacked with guys fighting for ice time.
Amanda: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm Amanda, joined by the sharpest hockey mind around, Paul. Today we're breaking down the biggest roster battles as the Blues gear up for the season opener in Dallas on October 3rd.
Paul: We've talked about the signings, we've talked about the division, now it's time to get into the nitty-gritty: who's making the cut, who's on the bubble, and who's trending up or down.
Amanda: Three things coming your way: first, the center logjam that's got everyone talking. Second, the defensive pairings and the battle for the third pairing. And third, our roster-cut predictions and a look at who's trending up and down.
Paul: And we'll have a little fun with it. Stick with us, because this is going to be a good one.
Amanda: Alright Paul, let's dive into the center position. The Blues have Robert Thomas, Connor McMichael, Mason McTavish, Oskar Sundqvist, Pius Suter, Dillon Dube, and more. That's a lot of guys who can play down the middle.
Paul: Absolutely. And it's the most intriguing battle because McMichael just signed a six-year, $40.5 million deal. He's going to be a top-six center, no question. But where does that leave guys like Sundqvist and Suter?
Amanda: Right, and we can't forget about McTavish. He's a young, talented center who needs ice time to develop. Does he slot in on the wing, or is he the third-line center?
Paul: That's the million-dollar question. McTavish has the skill to play top-six, but with Thomas and McMichael locked in, he might have to play wing or be the third-line pivot. Either way, he's going to get his minutes.
Amanda: And what about Dube? He comes in with a lot of baggage, but he's also a proven NHL player. Does he even make the team out of camp?
Paul: I think Dube is a wildcard. He's a versatile forward who can play center or wing. But given the depth, he might be competing with guys like Jack Finley and Dylan Peterson for a fourth-line role. It's going to be a real battle.
Amanda: So who's the odd man out? We've got Thomas, McMichael, McTavish, Sundqvist, Suter, Dube, Finley, Peterson... that's eight centers for maybe four spots.
Paul: Well, some of these guys can play wing. Suter and Sundqvist are both versatile. But I think the real battle is for the fourth-line center spot between Dube, Finley, and Peterson.
Amanda: And what about McMichael's contract? He's got a big deal now. Does that put extra pressure on him to produce?
Paul: Sure, but I think he's ready. We predicted 25 goals for him, and I'm sticking to that. He's got the skill and the opportunity.
Amanda: Alright, so the center battle is going to be the one to watch. But let's move on to the defense. The Blues have some big names back there.
Paul: Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Brandon Carlo, Cam Fowler... that's a solid top four. But the third pairing is up for grabs between Logan Mailloux, Calle Rosen, and Tyler Tucker.
Amanda: What about the goalies? Binnington is the starter, but who's the backup? Hofer or Romanov?
Paul: That's another battle, but we'll get to that later. Let's stay on the blue line for now.
Amanda: Okay, so who do you think wins that third pairing spot?
Paul: I like Mailloux's upside, but Rosen is more reliable. It's going to come down to camp performance. Stick with us, we'll have more on that in the next segment.
Amanda: Welcome back. Let's talk about the second most important battle: the defensive pairings, specifically the third pair. We've got Mailloux, Rosen, and Tucker fighting for that spot.
Paul: Right. Mailloux is the young, offensive-minded guy with a big shot. Rosen is the steady veteran. Tucker brings physicality. It's a classic mix of skill, experience, and grit.
Amanda: And with the season opener against Dallas looming, who do you give the edge to?
Paul: I'd say Mailloux has the edge because of his potential, but he needs to prove he can handle the defensive side. Rosen is the safe pick, but Mailloux could be a game-changer.
Amanda: What about the second pairing? Broberg and Carlo seem like a lock, but do you see any competition there?
Paul: No, that pairing is set. Broberg's offensive instincts paired with Carlo's shutdown ability is a perfect match. That's a top pairing, actually.
Amanda: Now let's talk about the goaltending battle. Binnington is the clear starter, but the backup spot is up for grabs between Joel Hofer and Georgi Romanov.
Paul: Hofer has more NHL experience, but Romanov has been impressive in the AHL. It's a tough call, but I think Hofer gets the nod to start the season.
Amanda: And what about the forward group beyond center? The wings are packed too. You've got Buchnevich, Holloway, Neighbours, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Berggren... it's deep.
Paul: Exactly. The competition for the bottom-six wing spots is fierce. Guys like Gauthier, McGing, and Toropchenko are fighting for a roster spot. It's going to be hard to crack this lineup.
Amanda: So who's the odd man out on the wings?
Paul: I think Dvorsky might start in the AHL, even though he's got huge potential. We said he'd be the first call-up, and I'm sticking with that. He needs consistent minutes, not fourth-line duty.
Amanda: That's a bold take, but it makes sense. Let's take a quick break, and when we come back, we'll give you our final roster predictions and who's trending up or down.
Amanda: We're back. Time for the moment of truth: who makes the opening night roster, and who's on the outside looking in?
Paul: Alright, let's start with the locks. Up front: Thomas, McMichael, McTavish, Buchnevich, Holloway, Neighbours, Snuggerud, Sundqvist, Suter, Toropchenko. That's ten.
Amanda: That leaves maybe two more spots for the forwards. Dube, Berggren, Walker, Johnston, Gauthier, McGing, Finley, Peterson... it's a crowded race.
Paul: I think Dube makes it because of his versatility and NHL experience. And the last spot goes to Walker, who can play any forward position and brings energy.
Amanda: So you're leaving off Berggren and Gauthier? That's a surprise.
Paul: It's not that they're not good, it's just that the Blues have too many bodies. They might get claimed on waivers or sent down. It's a numbers game.
Amanda: On defense, Parayko, Broberg, Carlo, Fowler are locks. Mailloux, Rosen, and Tucker battle for the last two spots, with one of them sitting out.
Paul: I'd keep Mailloux and Rosen, with Tucker as the seventh. Tucker's a good guy to have as an extra because he can step in and play physical.
Amanda: And in goal, Binnington and Hofer. Romanov starts in the AHL.
Paul: Exactly. Now, who's trending up? I'd say McMichael is trending up after signing that big deal. He's going to be a key piece.
Amanda: What about Mailloux? He's young and looking to make an impact.
Paul: Definitely trending up. And who's trending down? Maybe Sundqvist, who might be relegated to a fourth-line role, or even a healthy scratch. He's a good player, but the roster is just too deep.
Amanda: That's a tough one. But that's the nature of the business. Before we wrap up, let's make a few predictions.
Paul: I'll say this: Dube makes the team and scores 10 goals. And Mailloux ends up playing 60 games this season.
Amanda: Bold. I'll go with Hofer starting 20 games and the Blues making the playoffs as a wild card, like we've been saying.
Amanda: Alright folks, that's a wrap. We've broken down the center logjam, the defensive battles, and made our predictions. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share it with your fellow Blues fans.
Paul: And as always, let's go Blues! We'll see you next time.
Amanda: Thanks for listening, everyone. We'll be back soon with more coverage. Until then, stay sharp.