Amanda: Is the St. Louis Blues' new center depth actually enough to topple the top of the Central? We’re diving into Connor McMichael’s massive six-year deal, the defensive pairings that could make or break this season, and whether your wild card prediction is still on track. This is the Beatline Podcast Network.
Paul: And welcome back, Blues fans. I’m Paul, and I’m here with Amanda. We’ve got a packed mailbag today, grounded in the facts we know right now as we head toward October.
Amanda: I’m Amanda. Today we are answering your questions about the roster construction, the upcoming opener against Dallas, and some serious concerns about our defensive core. Let’s get into it.
Paul: Before we start, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Two weeks ago, we had to pause for a somber update regarding ASU hockey player Matthew Mayich, a St. Louis draft pick who collapsed during an offseason workout. He remains hospitalized, and his family is seeking answers as ASU investigates. It’s a stark reminder of the physical toll this game takes, and our thoughts are with him and his family.
Amanda: Absolutely. That was heavy, but important context. Now, let’s pivot to the ice. You asked us to dig into the mailbag, so let’s see what you’ve sent us. First up, Sarah from Kansas City wants to know: With Connor McMichael signed to that six-year, $40.5 million contract, where does he fit in this stacked center group?
Paul: It’s a great question because, frankly, it’s crowded up front. We have Robert Thomas, Dillon Dube, Jack Finley, Dylan Peterson, Oskar Sundqvist, Pius Suter, and now McMichael. That’s eight centers on the roster. But McMichael brings a specific skill set.
Amanda: Right, and remember, two days ago we talked about how this depth positions them as a true top-four contender. The key isn't just having the players; it's managing their ice time. McMichael’s contract signals they want him as a cornerstone.
Paul: Exactly. And looking at the next game, the Blues at Dallas Stars on October 3rd, that forecheck needs to be relentless. If McMichael can drive play in the neutral zone like we expect, he’ll create those odd-man rushes.
Amanda: Let’s move to the second question. Marcus in Denver asks: 'With Brandon Carlo, Cam Fowler, Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Logan Mailloux, Calle Rosen, and Tyler Tucker, which pairs will actually play?' This is the big one.
Paul: That is seven defensemen. In a regular season, you need three pairs. So, who sits? Last episode, we predicted Logan Mailloux would play 60 games. Given his upside and the need for mobility, I think he starts strong. But Parayko and Carlo are anchors.
Amanda: I agree. Carlo and Parayko provide the stability. But Fowler brings experience. The risk is if one gets injured, do we have enough NHL-ready bodies? We also have Georgi Romanov and Joel Hofer behind Jordan Binnington in net.
Paul: It’s a gamble on depth. If Mailloux doesn’t hold up, we might see Campoli-type minutes from younger guys. But for now, the prediction stands: Mailloux plays significant minutes.
Amanda: Okay, let’s keep going. @BluesFan88 tweets: 'The NHL is producing games for the Blues centrally. Does this affect our broadcast quality?' Simple question, but vital for the fan experience.
Paul: Interesting angle. The league is taking over production for the Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, and Blues. It’s part of a broader push into centralized distribution. For you, it likely means consistent camera angles and high-definition feeds, regardless of local station capabilities.
Amanda: So, better viewing for us. That’s a win. Now, let’s hit Segment One with some deeper roster questions. Stay tuned.
Amanda: Welcome back to Segment One. We’re talking roster battles. First question from Jessica in St. Louis: 'How does Pavel Buchnevich fit with all these wingers? We have Holloway, Johnston, Neighbours, Walker, Berggren, Dvorsky, Gauthier, McGing, Snuggerud, and Toropchenko.' That’s ten wingers!
Paul: Ten wingers. That is extreme density. Buchnevich is a left wing, so he’s competing with Holloway, Johnston, Neighbours, and Walker. Buchnevich has the most NHL pedigree here. He’s not going anywhere unless he underperforms significantly.
Amanda: Right. But look at the right side. Berggren, Dvorsky, Gauthier, McGing, Snuggerud, Toropchenko. That’s six RWs. Who makes the opening night lineup? Jake Neighbours is known for his physicality. Ross Johnston too.
Paul: Neighbours brings that edge. If the coaching staff wants grit, he’s in. But talent-wise, Jonatan Berggren has been developing nicely. Dalibor Dvorsky is a skilled playmaker. The competition will be fierce in training camp.
Amanda: Dylan Peterson is another C/LW hybrid. He adds flexibility. But let’s talk about the power play. With Thomas, McMichael, and Buchnevich, who runs the point?
Paul: Thomas is the obvious choice. His vision is elite. McMichael can slide into the slot. Buchnevich can take shots from the circle. The issue is if the neutral-zone turnover rate is high, the power play suffers. We need clean zone entries.
Amanda: Fair point. Clean entries are key. Next question from @HockeyDad_Mo: 'Jordan Binnington is the starter, but Joel Hofer looks good. What happens if Jordan gets hurt?'
Paul: Hofer is young. Georgi Romanov is there too. If Jordan goes down, Hofer steps in. It’s a huge ask for a backup to carry the load, but Hofer has shown promise. The defensive structure needs to support him heavily.
Amanda: We’ll see. Let’s move to Segment Two. We’re discussing the Central Division standings. Remember, we said fifth place currently, but we predicted fourth. How do we get there?
Amanda: Segment Two: The Road to Fourth. Kevin in Minneapolis asks: 'Dallas is tough. How do the Blues handle the Stars in the opener?'
Paul: Dallas is a powerhouse. They’re physical, they forecheck hard. To beat them, the Blues need to win the battle in the neutral zone. If we let them dump and chase, we’re in trouble. We need to cycle puck effectively.
Amanda: And the penalty kill? If we get caught offsides or take stupid penalties, Dallas will punish us. Colton Parayko needs to be sharp in his own end.
Paul: Exactly. Parayko and Brandon Carlo need to shut down the high-danger areas. If they do that, and Jordan Binnington makes the saves, we can steal points. But it won’t be easy.
Amanda: Next question from @CentralBlues: 'Connor McMichael predicted 25 goals. Is that realistic with this much competition?'
Paul: Twenty-five goals is ambitious but possible. He’s getting a six-year deal, which means they believe in his scoring touch. If he plays alongside Thomas, he’ll get quality passes. But he needs to convert on the power play.
Amanda: And if he doesn’t score 25, does the contract look bad? Not necessarily. Two-way play matters. But the expectation is high.
Paul: Also, consider the schedule. Playing Dallas early sets the tone. If we lose, it’s a setback. If we win, it builds confidence.
Amanda: Let’s go to Segment Three. Fun hypotheticals and lightning round. First, @StLForever: 'If you could only keep ONE center besides Robert Thomas, who is it?'
Paul: Connor McMichael. The contract shows commitment. His speed and shot make him unique. Dube is great, but McMichael has higher upside.
Amanda: I’d say Dillon Dube. He’s reliable, defensively sound. But McMichael is the flashy pick. Okay, lightning round! First pairing: Parayko or Carlo?
Paul: Carlo. More versatile. Can play both sides, more mobile.
Amanda: Best winger: Neighbours or Berggren?
Paul: Berggren. Skill wins games.
Amanda: Backup goalie: Hofer or Romanov?
Paul: Hofer. More NHL experience already.
Amanda: Final prediction: Do we finish fourth or fifth?
Paul: Fourth. Wild card berth secured.