In the quest to construct their roster for the upcoming season, the St. Louis Blues find themselves faced with some tough decisions when it comes to their bottom-six lines. The abundance of players vying for these roles presents a welcome challenge for the coaching staff.
One player who is on the minds of many is Sundqvist, who was off to a strong start last season before an unfortunate ACL injury cut his campaign short. The Swede’s road to recovery will ultimately determine his availability at the beginning of the season. General Manager Doug Armstrong remains optimistic about Sundqvist’s progress, expressing confidence that he will be back in action sooner rather than later.
“If Sundqvist is ready, he could slide right into the third or fourth line centre position,” said a source close to the team. “He has proven to be a reliable presence down the middle, and his return would be a significant boost to the team.”
Another player generating buzz is Toropchenko, who caught the eye of many with his solid performance last season. The young winger showed promise by tallying a career-high 14 goals in his first full NHL campaign. There is a growing belief that Toropchenko has the potential to be a key contributor in the bottom-six and provide an offensive spark when needed.
“Torpchenko has certainly made a case for himself and will be in the mix for a spot in the lineup,” said a team insider. “His consistent play last season has earned him strong consideration for a roster spot.”
On the topic of returning faces, Bolduc’s name has been floated as a potential candidate for a bottom-six role. The former first-round pick made a solid impression in his 25-game stint last season, showcasing his scoring ability with five goals. With a pedigree as a two-time 50-goal scorer in the QMJHL, Bolduc is seen as a player with the potential to blossom into an elite scorer at the NHL level.
“While Bolduc has the talent to make an impact in the bottom-six, the team may opt to send him down to the minors initially,” remarked a team source. “Developing his game with increased playing time in a top-six role could be beneficial for his long-term growth.”
As the Blues weigh their options for the bottom-six lines, the competition for spots is heating up. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans vying for roles, the coaching staff will have their work cut out for them in finding the right balance for the team’s depth chart. Stay tuned as the preseason unfolds and the final roster decisions are made.
