In a recent update, the St. Louis Blues received some potentially good news on the injury front. Veteran center Oskar Sundqvist, who had been recovering from an ACL injury, is optimistic about his chances of starting the regular season on the roster. This is a positive development for the team, as Sundqvist’s experience and leadership will be valuable assets on the ice.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for the Blues. Defenseman Torey Krug is facing a challenging situation after being diagnosed with arthritis. There are fears that Krug may have to sit out the entire season, pending further evaluation in the coming weeks. The news of Krug’s potential absence has caused some concern among the Blues’ coaching staff and fans, as he is a key player on the team.
The possible loss of Krug has forced the Blues to reevaluate their plans for the upcoming season. With Sundqvist’s return looking promising, the team can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t have to fill another significant void. Sundqvist’s presence in the lineup will provide stability and guidance to the younger players on the roster, who can benefit from his experience and leadership both on and off the ice.
In the event that Sundqvist is unable to start the season, the Blues have a plethora of options to choose from. Players like Alexey Toropchenko, Nathan Walker, and Nikita Alexandrov are all capable of stepping up and making an impact. Additionally, the team made several offseason moves to bolster their forward group, including the re-signing of Kasperi Kapanen and the acquisitions of Alexandre Texier, Radek Faksa, and Mathieu Joseph. This depth will be crucial in the event of any unforeseen injuries or setbacks.
If Sundqvist is cleared to play, the Blues will have more flexibility in their lineup. He can anchor one of the bottom-six lines, with Faksa likely centring the other. The remaining forwards can then be slotted into roles that best suit their skills and strengths. While veterans like Kapanen, Texier, Faksa, and Joseph can adapt to different positions, the younger players like Zachary Bolduc, Zach Dean, and Dalibor Dvorsky may need more time to adjust to the demands of the NHL.
A healthy Sundqvist would provide a much-needed boost to a team grappling with injury concerns and roster adjustments. His return would not only solidify the bottom-six lines but also serve as a guiding presence for the younger players as they navigate the challenges of professional hockey. The Blues will be hoping for the best as they prepare for the start of the regular season.