St. Louis Blues Trim Training Camp Roster Ahead of Preseason

The St. Louis Blues have made significant cuts to their training camp roster, reducing it by 20 players as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong confirmed that 18 players have been assigned to the Blues' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This group includes forwards Nikita Alexandrov, Sam Bitten, Hugh McGing, Matthew Peca, Juraj Pekarcik, Dylan Peterson, Simon Robertsson, Jakub Stancl, Sam Stange, Nikita Susuev, and Christopher Wagner, as well as defensemen Michael Buchinger, Quinton Burns, Marc-Andre Gaudet, Samuel Johannesson, and Anthony Kehrer, and goaltenders Will Cranley and Vadim Zherenko.

Blues trim 20 from training camp rosterBlues Assign 18 Players to T-BirdsBlues Trim Training Camp Roster By 20, Including Two Assigned Two Top Picks To JuniorsBlues Assign Matt Luff, Corey Schueneman…Official announcement from the Chicago Blackhawks and a 4 player transaction has been completedCarbonneau has a chance to sweep every Junior Hockey award in 2025-26News And Notes From Day 12 Of St. Louis Blues Training CampThe Hockey News Sunday Recap: Columbus Blue Jackets

Additionally, the Blues have returned their two most recent first-round draft picks, Adam Jiricek (2024) and Justin Carbonneau (2025), to their respective junior teams, Brantford of the Ontario Hockey League and Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This decision means both players will not be eligible to return to the NHL until their junior seasons conclude.

Carbonneau has a chance to sweep every Junior Hockey award in 2025-26

The Springfield Thunderbirds are set to begin their preseason on October 3, facing the Providence Bruins. The roster changes come as the Thunderbirds prepare for their season, with single-game tickets and ticket memberships for the 2025-26 season now available for fans.

Blues Assign 18 Players to T-Birds

Blues coach Jim Montgomery has emphasized the importance of player development for the assigned prospects. He noted that Carbonneau, who performed well during the preseason, needs to enhance his defensive play to transition effectively to the NHL. Montgomery stated, “With Carbonneau, I want him to gain that next-play speed... when the puck transitions from offense to defense.” He also highlighted Jiricek's potential, indicating that both players possess the skills to become elite NHL contributors.

Carbonneau has a chance to sweep every Junior Hockey award in 2025-26

While the roster cuts are a standard procedure as teams finalize their lineups, some fans and analysts have expressed concern over the decision to send promising young players back to junior leagues. Critics argue that this may hinder their development and delay their readiness for the NHL.

Carbonneau has a chance to sweep every Junior Hockey award in 2025-26

As the Blues continue to refine their roster, they will focus on evaluating remaining players in the final days of training camp. The team aims to finalize its lineup ahead of the NHL opening night, which is fast approaching. The decisions made in the coming days will be crucial for setting the tone for the upcoming season.

Official announcement from the Chicago Blackhawks and a 4 player transaction has been completed

• “With Carbonneau, I want him to gain that next-play speed and what I mean by that is when the puck transitions from offense to defense that he gets above it,” — Jim Montgomery, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

News And Notes From Day 12 Of St. Louis Blues Training Camp

• “Both of them are going to be elite, NHL power play players.” — Jim Montgomery, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

News And Notes From Day 12 Of St. Louis Blues Training Camp