Blues Shake Up Lineup, Bring in Drouin, Sundqvist, Walker, Tucker

Head coach Jim Montgomery makes bold changes after disappointing overtime loss to Kings

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:54am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and the ice broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and yellow.The Blues' lineup shakeup could spark a much-needed turnaround, with new additions bringing a mix of skill and physicality to the team.Los Angeles Today

The St. Louis Blues are shaking up their lineup, with head coach Jim Montgomery making some significant changes after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings. The projected lineup reveals the inclusion of Jonathan Drouin, Oskar Sundqvist, Nathan Walker, and Noel Tucker, while Pavel Buchnevich, Alexey Toropchenko, Jack Finley, and Justin Holl have been removed.

Why it matters

The Blues have been struggling, and these lineup changes could be a strategic move to spark a turnaround. The new additions bring a mix of skill, experience, and physicality, which could be the catalyst the team needs to improve their performance.

The details

Montgomery's decision to make these changes was a clear signal that the team needed a fresh start. The removal of key players like Buchnevich is a bold move, with the coach citing 'maintenance' as the reason. The new lineup features some interesting dynamics, with the first line of Dylan Holloway, Robert Thomas, and Jimmy Snuggerud, the second line of Drouin, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Jordan Kyrou, and the third line of Jake Neighbours, Pius Suter, and Jonatan Berggren.

  • The Blues suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings on April 11, 2026.

The players

Jim Montgomery

The head coach of the St. Louis Blues, who has made significant changes to the team's lineup.

Jonathan Drouin

A new addition to the Blues' lineup, known for his skill and ability to create scoring chances.

Oskar Sundqvist

Another new addition to the Blues' lineup, bringing a physical presence and strong two-way game.

Nathan Walker

A new player in the Blues' lineup, adding experience and depth to the team.

Pavel Buchnevich

A key player for the Blues who has been removed from the lineup, with the coach citing 'maintenance' as the reason.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Blues' decision to make these changes is a bold move that could pay off. It sends a message to the team that they are willing to take risks and make tough decisions to improve. The new lineup has the potential to turn things around for the Blues, but it will be up to the players to execute and find the right chemistry.