Projecting the St. Louis Blues’ Forward Lines for 2026-27

St. Louis Blues’ training camp starts in just over two months. The team is slowly taking shape, especially now that free agency has opened. More moves could be coming, but today, let’s take a look at what the team’s forward lines could look like.

Projected vs. Preferred

Before we begin, I want to stress that the line combinations I discuss are the ones I think the Blues should implement. These are not projected lines from Daily Faceoff, nor are they based on inside information. This is simply me taking a look at the forward group and constructing the lines based on my preference.

Also, I am not taking hypothetical trades into account. While I think there are some players the Blues should try to move on from (I will get more into that later), I am going to create lines based on the current roster. My goal is to create the best possible combinations from the available players.

First Line

Dylan Holloway – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud

This is the easiest line to construct. This line was one of the best lines in hockey down the stretch last season. They each finished in the top three among the Blues in goals, assists, and points.

Had it not been for injuries to each player last season, all three would have come close to scoring 30 goals. If they can stay healthy and remain productive, it should not surprise anyone to see this line reach the 30-goal mark.

It goes without saying that this could be one of the most dangerous lines in hockey. They showcased that ability in a small sample size last season. What can they do in a larger amount of time?

Second Line

Connor McMichael – Mason McTavish – Jake Neighbours

The Blues were hoping to upgrade at center, and they did so by trading for McTavish. As such, he is the clear option for the second-line center role. He averaged 49 points a season. Furthermore, he is strong on the power play (“With Power Play in a Rut, Ducks Will Turn to Mason McTavish and His ‘Nifty Shot'” by Eric Stephens, The Athletic, May 10, 2026) and parks himself in front of the net, something the Blues need. McTavish is a definite top-six player for the Blues.

Neighbours is entering his fourth season in a full-time role for the Blues. After scoring 27 and 22 goals, the Alberta native regressed slightly in 2025-26, finishing with just 15 goals. However, that is not entirely his fault. Injuries and ineffectiveness caused Neighbours to have different linemates, so it was hard for him to establish a rhythm. He will look to bounce back in 2026-27, and he has the numbers to be a strong second-line forward. At 24 years old, he is entering the prime of his career.

McMichael is definitely the wild-card choice on this line. Pavel Buchnevich could be put on this wing, or even a youngster like Dalibor Dvorsky or Otto Stenberg. He is just one season separated from a 26-goal season. I think the Blues should try to see what they have in him. He is just 25, so he could rebound and return to his 26-goal self. I also like putting McMichael on this line, as he has more upside than Buchnevich, and it also avoids putting extra pressure on Dvorsky and Stenberg.

Third Line

Pavel Buchnevich – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jonatan Berggren

I was tempted to place Dvorsky on the second-line wing to see how he builds upon his 12-goal rookie season. However, he is a natural center, so I think it is better for him to remain in the center role. His 46% faceoff percentage was good for a rookie, so he should stay in that role to try and build upon that success.

Despite regressing, Buchnevich still managed his sixth-straight 20-goal season in 20250-26. While Daily Faceoff has him on the second line, I think being on the third line is better for where he is in his career. The Blues have younger talent that they need to evaluate in a larger role. Furthermore, I think Buchnevich’s physical ability could help this line. He could help create plays for the puck and even stand up for Dvorsky if someone tried to intimidate the youngster.

I was originally going to put Stenberg on this line. However, I really think the Blues need to see what they have in Berggren. He had 16 points in 36 goals after joining the Blues last season. He scored 15 goals for the Detroit Red Wings back in 2022-23. Like McMichael, Berggren is 25, so there could be much more in the tank to discover.

Fourth Line

Ross Johnston – Jack Finley – Pius Suter

Johnston is the textbook definition of an enforcer in the NHL. He is an old-school player who uses his body and will stand up for his teammates. The Blues have had some tough players like Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, and Patrick Maroon. However, they have not had a true enforcer since Ryan Reaves. Having one back in the lineup will be noticeably important.

Finley impressed on the faceoff dot in 22 games with the Blues last season. He is not the flashiest player on the ice, but what he brings to the faceoff dot is important. The Blues have been at their best when they have four effective centers. Finley does not need to put up attractive offensive numbers or be a Selke candidate. He just needs to win faceoffs.

Suter’s first season wearing the Blue Note was better than many might realize, myself included. He did not repeat his 25-goal success from 2024-25, but he was still a productive two-way player on the ice. He was a plus-13, the second-highest rating in his career. His 48.4% faceoff success was key to the team’s penalty kill. With the offensive players the Blues have added, they can afford to have Suter play a role that highlights his defensive strengths.

Extras

Stenberg, Nathan Walker, and Alexey Toropchenko are the extra forwards. Leaving Stenberg out of the lineup is a tough decision. However, with all the other players the Blues need to evaluate in this particular lineup, it would make more sense for Stenberg to go to the American Hockey League (AHL), where he can get meaningful minutes. Walker and Toropchenko could then alternate into the lineup when needed.

In A Perfect World…

I mentioned earlier that I was creating lines from the players on the current roster. However, in a perfect world, I think the Blues could make this forward group better by moving on from Buchnevich this summer.

Buchnevich is under contract for five more seasons. He is making $8 million per season. He has a no-trade clause until 2029-30, when it becomes a 20-team no-trade list. Trading him will not be easy, especially with his regressing play. However, moving would open the door for Stenberg to get consistent playing time. If Stenberg is part of this team’s future, I want to see what he can do in an expanded role.

I would not be opposed to moving on from Suter should the right deal emerge, but I would prefer to keep him for what he offers defensively. If we were to move him instead of Buchnevich, however, then Buchnevich would drop to the fourth line.

Right Around the Corner

The Blues’ preseason schedule was announced on Monday. We are getting closer and closer to the start of training camp. Before we know it, the team will be on the ice again.

Check back with The Hockey Writers for my analysis and news as we bridge the gap between now and training camp!