Blues Face Avalanche Amid Roster Shakeup, Illness Sidelines Parayko

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues will face the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night without defenseman Colton Parayko, who is sidelined due to illness. Matthew Kessel, recalled earlier Friday, will take his place in the lineup as the Blues kick off a two-game road trip.

The Blues are navigating a roster shakeup following the departure of forward Brandon Saad, who was placed on waivers earlier this week. General Manager Doug Armstrong emphasized his desire to give Alexandre Texier more playing time. “Our pro scouts saw something in Texier, and now I’d like to see what they saw and give him an opportunity,” Armstrong said. Texier, who has been a healthy scratch for eight of his last nine games, will skate on the first line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich.

Head Coach Jim Montgomery outlined his expectations for Texier. “Play with pace, play with purpose, make plays, and stay connected with the other two,” Montgomery said. Texier has contributed three goals and five assists in 24 games this season.

The Blues, sitting 25th in the NHL with a 23-24-4 record, are looking to rebound from a disappointing homestand where they went winless in three games, being outscored 11-4. Despite their struggles, the team has seen bright spots, including the emergence of Dylan Holloway, who ranks second on the team in goals (16), assists (22), and points (38).

Meanwhile, the Avalanche return home after a disappointing East Coast road trip, seeking consistency as they trail the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild in the Central Division. The game marks the first meeting between the two divisional rivals this season, an unusually late point in the NHL schedule.

Projected lineups for the Blues include Texier, Thomas, and Buchnevich on the first line, while Joel Hofer is expected to start in goal. The Avalanche will counter with Nathan MacKinnon leading their top line, and Mackenzie Blackwood likely in net.

The game is set for 8 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and 101 ESPN.