Blues Shake Up Lineup for Suter's Return to Chicago

Former Blackhawks forward Pius Suter faces his old team as the Blues make strategic moves ahead of key matchup.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a hockey game between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks into sharp, overlapping geometric planes. The players' movements and the energy of the game are captured through the cubist style, without any identifiable elements.A cubist interpretation of the strategic lineup changes and reunion between former teammates as the St. Louis Blues take on the Chicago Blackhawks.Chicago Today

The St. Louis Blues are making some notable lineup changes ahead of their April 11th game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. The most significant move is the return of forward Pius Suter, who will face his former team for the first time since joining the Blues. The Blues are also shuffling their lines, with Pavel Buchnevich moving up to center the second line and Dalibor Dvorsky taking on third-line center duties. Additionally, the team has chosen Joel Hofer as the starting goaltender for this important matchup.

Why it matters

Suter's return to Chicago adds an intriguing personal element to the game, and the Blues are likely hoping to capitalize on his familiarity with the Blackhawks' gameplay. The lineup changes demonstrate the Blues' adaptability and willingness to make bold strategic decisions, especially when facing former players and important divisional rivals.

The details

Suter will be skating on the Blues' fourth line alongside Alexey Toropchenko and Oskar Sundqvist. The move to center Buchnevich on the second line and Dvorsky on the third line is intended to bolster the team's offensive capabilities and add depth throughout the lineup. Head coach Craig Berube is also showing confidence in Hofer by starting him in goal, likely to provide a boost in confidence and showcase the young netminder's talents.

  • The Blues and Blackhawks will face off on April 11, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago.
  • Suter last played for the Blackhawks during the 2020-21 NHL season.

The players

Pius Suter

A 26-year-old forward who previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks and is now joining the St. Louis Blues for this matchup against his former team.

Pavel Buchnevich

A skilled forward who is being promoted to center the Blues' second line, a strategic move to bolster the team's offensive capabilities.

Dalibor Dvorsky

A young center who is taking on third-line duties, adding depth to the Blues' lineup.

Joel Hofer

The Blues' starting goaltender for this game, a confident choice that showcases the team's faith in his abilities.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the St. Louis Blues, who is making these strategic lineup changes ahead of the important matchup against the Blackhawks.

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What they’re saying

“Suter's return to Chicago adds an intriguing personal element to the game, and the Blues are likely hoping to capitalize on his familiarity with the Blackhawks' gameplay.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

“The lineup changes demonstrate the Blues' adaptability and willingness to make bold strategic decisions, especially when facing former players and important divisional rivals.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

What’s next

The Blues and Blackhawks will face off on April 11, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, where Suter will make his return to his former team.

The takeaway

The Blues' strategic lineup changes, including the return of Pius Suter to face his former Blackhawks team, showcase the team's adaptability and willingness to make bold moves in pursuit of a competitive edge. These adjustments could have a significant impact on the dynamics and outcome of the crucial divisional matchup.