Amanda: Eight centers. Ten wingers. A captaincy that just silenced every trade rumor in one move. The St. Louis Blues are standing on the edge of the 2026-27 season, and the depth chart is more crowded than a playoff locker room.
Paul: It’s not just about who makes the team, Amanda. It’s about who plays. We’ve got Robert Thomas wearing the C, we’ve got a goalie triage situation, and we have eight guys fighting for four top-nine center spots.
Amanda: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down the NHL one roster battle at a time. I’m Amanda, and this is Paul.
Paul: Hey everyone. Thanks for tuning in. If you listened yesterday, you know we’re looking at a tough Central Division opener against Dallas on October 3rd.
Amanda: Today, we are tackling three things. First, the most critical position battle: the starting goalie spot between Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer. Second, the massive competition among those eight centers, including new faces like Dillon Dube and Connor McMichael. And third, which wingers are trending up and who might be headed to the AHL before the puck drops.
Paul: We’re also going to touch on the heavy news regarding Matthew Mayich, the Blues’ draft pick from Arizona State, whose health remains a priority as the league investigates his collapse. But let’s get to the ice first.
Amanda: Let’s start with the crease. This is the battle that defines the season. Jordan Binnington vs. Joel Hofer. Last year, Binnington was the guy, but Hofer showed flashes of elite potential when he stepped in.
Paul: Right. And don’t forget Georgi Romanov is there too, though he’s likely the long-term project. The real fight is Binnington versus Hofer. Binnington has the experience, the Stanley Cup pedigree, and the familiarity with the system. He knows how to win.
Amanda: But Hofer is younger. He’s got that modern goalie toolkit—butterfly style, quick recovery, high athleticism. If the Blues want to make noise in the playoffs, they need a number-one who can handle the volume.
Paul: Exactly. And look at the defensive structure around them. You’ve got Brandon Carlo and Colton Parayko anchoring the blue line. That’s a huge advantage. If Binnington gets hot early in training camp, it’s hard to pull him out. But if he struggles with consistency, Hofer’s upside is tempting.
Amanda: So, who do you see starting the opener against Dallas?
Paul: I’m leaning Binnington. In a regular-season opener, especially on the road in Dallas, you go with the veteran who knows how to manage the game. But Hofer needs to win Game Two or Three to keep the pressure on.
Amanda: Fair point. It’s a good problem to have. Now, let’s talk about the heart of the lineup: the centers. Eight centers on the roster. That is insane depth. We have Robert Thomas, obviously, now named the 25th captain in franchise history.
Paul: The captaincy silence is powerful. After all those trade rumors last year, naming Thomas captain shows the front office believes in him completely. He’s the anchor. Then you have Oskar Sundqvist, Pius Suter, Dillon Dube, and Connor McMichael.
Amanda: McMichael! Remember, we predicted back on August 31st that he’d score 25 goals. With his size and two-way play, does he crack the top nine immediately?
Paul: He has to. His contract suggests they want him here. But look at the competition. Dylan Peterson brings physicality. Jack Finley has speed. Mason McTavish—if he’s still there, which he is—brings net-front presence. This isn’t just about scoring; it’s about face-off wins and penalty killing.
Amanda: And what about Pavel Buchnevich? He’s listed as a Left Wing, but he often plays center in pinch situations. Does that clog the middle even more?
Paul: It does. Buchnevich is versatile. But ultimately, you need eight centers healthy for a full season. The battle will be for spots five through eight. Who sits when Thomas, Sundqvist, Suter, and maybe McMichael or Dube are playing?
Amanda: That’s the question. One of these guys is going to watch from the press box in October. Let’s move to Segment 2. We’ve talked centers and goalies. Now, let’s look at the wings and the blueline.
Amanda: On the left wing, you have Pavel Buchnevich, Dylan Holloway, Ross Johnston, Jake Neighbours, and Nathan Walker. On the right, Jonatan Berggren, Dalibor Dvorsky, Julien Gauthier, Hugh McGing, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Alexey Toropchenko.
Paul: Ten wingers. Amanda, this is ridiculous. The Blues aren’t just deep; they’re overflowing. Holloway is interesting because he can play both sides. Johnston brings the grit. Neighbours is pure energy.
Amanda: But who fits with whom? If Thomas is the captain, who are his wingers? Buchnevich seems like the obvious choice for the top line, but can he handle the minutes?
Paul: Buchnevich can handle it, but he needs support. Maybe pairing him with someone like Berggren on the right gives you skill. For the second line, maybe Holloway on the left with Dvorsky on the right? Dvorsky is young, raw, but explosive.
Amanda: And the fourth line? That’s where Johnston and Neighbours shine. Physicality, forechecking, disrupting the other team’s breakout.
Paul: Exactly. The forecheck is key. With so many skilled players, you need guys willing to kill penalties and win battles along the boards. Walker fits that role perfectly. He’s gritty, experienced, and knows how to play in tight spaces.
Amanda: Now, the blue line. Philip Broberg, Brandon Carlo, Cam Fowler, Logan Mailloux, Colton Parayko, Calle Rosen, and Tyler Tucker. Seven defensemen. That’s standard, but the roles are shifting.
Paul: Cam Fowler brings leadership and power-play expertise. Carlo is your shutdown defender. Parayko is the big defenseman. But Mailloux... remember our prediction from September 1st and 2nd? We said he’d play 60 games.
Amanda: We did! And with Mailloux developing into a reliable two-way player, does he secure a top-four spot over Broberg or Rosen?
Paul: I think he does. His skating matches the pace of the modern game. Broberg is talented but inconsistent defensively. Rosen is solid but aging. Mailloux has the ceiling to be a cornerstone.
Amanda: So, Carlo, Parayko, Fowler, and Mailloux as the top four? That looks strong.
Paul: It does. But keep an eye on Tyler Tucker. If he impresses in camp, he could steal a bottom-six spot. The competition is fierce everywhere.
Amanda: Before we head to Segment 3, we have to address the off-ice news. Matthew Mayich, the Blues’ draft pick, suffered exertional heat stroke during an ASU workout. His family and lawyer are seeking answers, and ASU is investigating.
Paul: This is heartbreaking. Hockey is a physically demanding sport, but safety protocols need to be rigorous. The Blues organization must be supporting Mayich and his family closely. It’s a somber reminder of the risks athletes take.
Amanda: Absolutely. Our thoughts are with him and his family. Let’s hope he recovers fully. Now, Segment 3: Roster cuts. Who is trending up, and who is in danger?
Amanda: We have eight centers and ten wingers. Someone has to go. Based on current trends, who is safe?
Paul: Thomas is safe. Obviously. Sundqvist and Suter are safe because of their versatility and experience. That leaves Dube, McMichael, Peterson, Finley, and McTavish fighting for two spots.
Amanda: McMichael is trending up. We predicted 25 goals, and his contract indicates faith. What about Dube?
Paul: Dube is solid. He’s a grinder who can score. I think he makes the team. The cut might come from the younger guys like Finley or McTavish, who need more seasoning.
Amanda: On the wings, Berggren and Holloway seem locked in. Johnston and Neighbours provide the necessary grit. Who else is safe?
Paul: Walker is safe. He’s a veteran leader. The battle is for the final winger spot. Gauthier, McGing, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, and Toropchenko. Dvorsky has the highest upside, but Gauthier has size.
Amanda: I’m going to say Dvorsky takes it. Young, fast, and hungry. He fits the rebuild timeline.
Paul: Agreed. So, my final roster projection: Binnington starts, Thomas captains, McMichael scores 25, and Mailloux plays 60+. We’re sticking by our predictions.
Amanda: Bold predictions. But based on this depth, it’s plausible. The Blues are 5th in the Central, but with this roster, they’re knocking on the door of a wild card spot.
Amanda: That’s it for today’s breakdown of the St. Louis Blues roster battles. From the goalie crease to the center ice face-off dot, the competition is heating up.
Paul: Stay tuned for our preview of the Dallas game. And remember, subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen.
Amanda: Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. Go Blues!