2 Surprising Cuts Blues Made In Training Camp

The St. Louis Blues had a very good top-nine forward group last season who all scored at least 20 goals. David Perron left in free agency and the fourth line was nowhere near set in stone before training camp. There were a couple of forwards that were in contention for roster spot who lost out and were sent to the AHL.

Klim Kostin

Klim Kostin was the more surprising player cut from training camp considering he is a former first rounder by the Blues and had a good opportunity to earn a top-nine role in the NHL this season. He made the team out of camp in 2021-22, but was sent down after 40 games.

He didn't impress much in his time in the NHL, but also didn't get a great opportunity considering the talent the Blues had upfront. Jake Neighbours seized the role on the third line, but Kostin also couldn't win a spot over players on league-minimum deals like Nathan Walker and Josh Leivo. Kostin has since been traded to the Oilers in return for defensive prospect Dmitri Samorukov.

Matthew Highmore

Matthew Highmore is not a player that will stand out for his points, but he has been an effective fourth liner in the NHL for a few seasons now. He was with the Vancouver Canucks last season and got into 46 games, scoring five goals and 12 points.

He brings some physicality and a defensive aspect to the team. At worst, he should've stayed with the Blues as a 13th or 14th forward who can earn his way into the lineup. But instead, he will play in the AHL for the first time since the 2019-20 season.