The St. Louis Blues are eagerly anticipating the return of forward Jake Neighbours from a leg injury that has sidelined him since October 27. Head Coach Jim Montgomery has indicated that Neighbours will accompany the team on their upcoming five-game road trip, with a strong possibility of him rejoining the lineup during the trip.
Neighbours' return presents a welcome boost for a Blues team that has struggled to find consistency. In the eight games he played this season before the injury, Neighbours showcased his offensive prowess by scoring six goals and one assist. Despite missing the last 11 games, his six goals remain tied for the team lead. The Blues have posted a 3-4-1 record since Neighbours' injury, a stretch where they have averaged over four goals against per game. His offensive capabilities and physical play are expected to provide a spark for the team.
However, Neighbours' impending return creates a conundrum for Coach Montgomery regarding the lineup. While his insertion into the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud seems like a natural fit given his performance earlier in the season, it necessitates a corresponding move for another forward, potentially impacting team chemistry.
One player whose position is under scrutiny is Pavel Buchnevich. After signing a contract extension with the Blues in the summer of 2024, Buchnevich's production has dipped, with only two goals in 19 games this season. Furthermore, his defensive metrics have suffered, as he holds a minus-8 rating. Consequently, a demotion to a lower line could be in the cards to allow Neighbours to slot in on the top line.
Several factors will weigh into Montgomery's decision as he tinkers with the Blues' forward lines. The coach has shown a willingness to shuffle the lines in an attempt to find the right combinations. Recent games have seen different players tried in various roles, reflecting the coaching staff's search for optimal chemistry and production. For example, in a recent game against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Blues implemented three lineup changes, with Nick Bjugstad and Tyler Tucker entering the lineup.
Beyond Neighbours' return, the Blues' roster has been affected by other injuries. Robert Thomas was recently placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Alexey Toropchenko and Oskar Sundqvist are also on injured reserve. Torey Krug is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury.
With these injuries and the need to optimize the lineup, Montgomery faces a complex task. Integrating Neighbours back into the lineup while maximizing the output of other forwards will be crucial for the Blues as they embark on their road trip. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring player performance and chemistry in the upcoming games to make informed decisions about the forward lines.
