The Blues’ preseason opener in Dallas didn’t count in the standings, but it did give a first real glimpse at how the roster is starting to sort itself out. St. Louis dropped a 2-1 decision to the Stars, with Jordan Binnington in goal and NHL probables Pius Suter, Alexey Toropchenko, Ross Johnston, and Binnington all in the mix.
After one game, the picture is already getting sharper. The established regulars looked solid overall, with Ross Johnston standing out as the exception after an underwhelming debut in a Blues sweater.
On the other side of the ledger, several fringe players made their case. Theo Lindstein, Zach Dean, and Justin Carbonneau all chipped in and showed noticeable progress.
Otto Stenberg, though, had a rougher night and came away looking like he still needs more seasoning. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki scored the lone Blues goal, but even that came with a mixed overall performance. Still, the shot itself was worth the attention:
Get a look at this wicked shot from Aleksanteri Kaskimaki. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/ip6vK4yap0
- St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 20, 2026
Maddox Dagenais also made a strong first impression before heading back to the QMJHL for the season. Dylan Peterson added to the group that plays with more edge, and Nathan Walker suddenly looks a little more expendable after what St. Louis saw.
The Blues also made their physical identity pretty clear right away. Alexey Toropchenko delivered one of the night’s biggest moments when he flattened Stars defenseman Jakub Vaněček.
Welcome to the NHL, Jakub Vaněček.
(Dallas to the power play.) pic.twitter.com/X8MZzrgtr9
- Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) September 20, 2026
That kind of edge was all over the ice. There was plenty of pushing, shoving, and general nastiness, and it fits the shape of this group. The Blues look built to bring some size and punishment, and there’s skill in the mix to go with it.
Even with the loss, and even with some growing concern around Binnington heading into the season, there was something refreshing about seeing Blues hockey back on the ice. It was a useful first step for a team and a prospect pool that has clearly been reworked.
More regulars will enter the lineup as the preseason rolls on, and the opening-night roster should keep coming into focus. For now, St. Louis has its first result in the books, and the hope is still very much alive.
In Other News...
Dylan Peterson Is Making The Blues Reconsider One Roster Spot
Dylan Peterson gave the Blues something to think about in their preseason meeting with the Dallas Stars, turning in the kind of lively effort that tends to stick with coaches. He finished with three hits, three shots on goal and a takeaway, while also bringing a physical edge that fit the tone of a player trying to carve out a place in the lineup.
Jim Montgomery liked what he saw from Petersons competitiveness and energy, the sort of traits that can make a young forward useful on a checking line. Even so, the more likely path still points to Springfield to start the season with the Thunderbirds, where he can keep developing while the Blues sort through the last spots on the roster. [Read more 🡒]
Blues Just Made An Early Camp Decision Prospects Will Notice
Marc-Andre Gaudets first stop in Blues camp has ended with a familiar demotion, as the organization moved him through waivers and sent him to AHL Springfield. It is an early reminder of how quickly the numbers game can tighten in September, especially for players trying to turn a camp invite or depth role into a longer look with St. Louis.
For the prospects still in the mix, the move matters because every roster cut changes the shape of the competition around them. The Blues now have 39 players left in training camp, and while that still leaves room for more sorting, it also signals that the next wave of decisions is getting closer for anyone hoping to stick. [Read more 🡒]
Blues Fans Just Got An Intriguing First Look At Maddox Dagenais
Preseason games are usually where young players learn the pace, but Maddox Dagenais gave Blues fans a clearer idea of why St. Louis spent the 16th overall pick on him in the 2026 NHL Draft. In his first preseason action, the teenager looked comfortable enough to stand out even in a loss, showing the kind of confidence that can make an early impression on a crowded camp roster.
Dagenais logged a little over 14 minutes and kept getting involved, which is exactly the sort of glimpse the Blues wanted before sending him back to junior hockey for more seasoning next season. The organization has been careful not to rush the process, and this debut only added to the sense that his development path is on schedule, even if the next step still comes away from St. Louis. [Read more 🡒]