Amanda: Connor McMichael just signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the St. Louis Blues, and Dillon Dube is already in the fold after his free agent signing. Is this center group the real deal, or are we looking at too much talent crowding one line?
Paul: It’s a massive shift for the roster construction, Amanda. We’ve talked about this depth all week, but putting dollar signs on it changes the dynamic entirely.
Amanda: Welcome to today’s Beatline Podcast Network episode! I’m Amanda, joined by Paul. We are your daily source for everything St. Louis Blues hockey.
Paul: And I’m Paul. Today is a mailbag edition, so we’re answering your questions directly. We’ve got three big topics: the new contracts, the center battles, and where this team stands in the Central Division right now.
Amanda: We’re starting with the headlines. The Blues have secured their top four centers, but how does that look against the Dallas Stars opener? Let’s dive into Segment One.
Amanda: First question comes from Sarah in St. Louis. She asks: 'With Connor McMichael signing that six-year, $40.5 million deal, where do you see him fitting on the lineup? Does he take over second-line center duties?'
Paul: That’s the million-dollar question, literally. McMichael brings size and skill. Given our previous predictions that he’d score 25 goals, this contract reflects that upside. He’s not just a depth piece anymore; he’s a cornerstone.
Amanda: Right. And remember, we predicted last week that he’d be a key part of this top-four center group. With Robert Thomas anchoring the first unit, McMichael gives us a serious secondary scoring threat.
Paul: Exactly. But let’s talk about Dillon Dube. He signed as a free agent, and he’s the second player acquitted in that Hockey Canada case to get an NHL deal. What’s his role here?
Amanda: I know, it’s a heavy topic. But on the ice, Dube brings speed and defensive responsibility. In our last episode, we predicted he’d make the team and score 10 goals. Do you still stand by that?
Paul: I do. His two-way game fits perfectly in this system. If he can capitalize on power-play opportunities, those 10 goals are very realistic. The center depth is undeniable now.
Amanda: Next question from @BluesFan88. 'The Blues are currently fifth in the Central Division. With this new roster, do you think they can jump to fourth before the season starts?'
Paul: We’ve said it before: finish fourth, make the playoffs as a wild card. The standings don’t matter until October, but the talent gap is closing. Dallas is tough, but we’re ready for them.
Amanda: Stay tuned. After the break, we’re tackling the biggest roster battles. Who makes the opening night squad? Stick with us.
Amanda: Welcome back. We’re diving into the depth chart. Marcus in Denver asks: 'With McMichael, Dube, Thomas, and Sundqvist all competing, who gets left off the opening night roster?'
Paul: Oskar Sundqvist is the most likely candidate to start on the IR or play in the AHL. He’s a veteran presence, but the younger legs of McMichael and Dube might edge him out for regular shifts.
Amanda: That makes sense. What about the defensemen? Philip Broberg and Brandon Carlo are locked in, but who joins Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler?
Paul: Logan Mailloux is trending up. We predicted he’d play 60 games last time. His physical style complements Carlo well. I expect him to win a spot.
Amanda: Great point. Now, goalie situation. Jordan Binnington is the starter, but Joel Hofer and Georgi Romanov are there. Who backs him up?
Paul: Hofer has the inside track. We predicted he’d start 20 games. That’s a lot of action for a backup, which means he’s being groomed as a future starter.
Amanda: Final question for this segment from Jenny in Chicago. 'Does this center group make the Blues favorites in the Central?'
Paul: Favorites? Maybe not yet. Contenders? Absolutely. They’re in the mix with Colorado and Dallas. It’s going to be a tight race.
Amanda: Let’s wrap this up. Next up, a fun hypothetical and lightning round. Don’t go anywhere.
Amanda: Okay, lightning round. First hypothetical: If the Blues could trade one forward for a defenseman, who goes? Tom in Kansas City wants to know.
Paul: Ross Johnston. He’s a grinder, but we have enough forwards. We need more blue-line depth.
Amanda: Agreed. Quick hits: Who is the MVP? Who is the surprise breakout? And who will miss the playoffs if things go wrong?
Paul: MVP: Robert Thomas. Breakout: Dylan Holloway. Misses playoffs: None, because we’re making the playoffs.
Amanda: Bold prediction! Last question: What’s the one thing fans should watch for in the preseason?
Paul: The forecheck. With McMichael and Dube, the pressure up front will be relentless.
Amanda: That’s it for today’s mailbag! We’ve covered McMichael’s big deal, Dube’s role, and the center depth battles.
Paul: Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Tell a friend about the Blues.
Amanda: Go Blues Go!