Alexey Toropchenko got his money, but the clock is already ticking on his roster spot. The St. Louis Blues handed the physical winger a two-year, $5 million contract extension that kicks in for the 2026-27 season. That is a lot of guaranteed cash for a player whose game has taken a step back. According to Bleedin Blue, the team rewarded his defensive approach, yet the numbers show a player who is getting softer.
The Hit Count Is Dropping
Toropchenko’s job is to hit hard and kill penalties. He used to do both well. Logging 223 hits and dominating the defensive zone, he proved a formidable presence throughout the 2024-25 season. But last season, that recorded hit total dropped to 132. According to Bleedin Blue, pressure on the ice increased for the Blues whenever he was playing during that period. You cannot pay $2.5 million a year to be gentle. The coaching staff trusted him with more shorthanded minutes, going from 84:12 in 2023-24 to 106:30 last season. More ice time should mean more impact, not less. The workload grew, but his effectiveness took a hit. His overall gameplay has noticeably softened.
Young Blood Is Waiting
The real danger for Toropchenko is not a veteran on the outside. It is the kids coming up from the system. The Blues possess affordable depth alternatives capable of delivering identical physical and defensive contributions. Nathan Walker and Pius Suter, both veterans, have demonstrated their ability to execute a robust defensive style of play. But the true pressure comes from prospects like Otto Stenberg. According to Bleedin Blue, Stenberg has shown he can play in Jim Montgomery’s system and be trusted with the puck. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki is also coming off a season that proves he can step up. These players do not need a $5 million contract to do the dirty work. They just need a chance.
The front office says they want a fourth-line player who brings physical matchups every night. They got that with Toropchenko in the past. Now they have a contract that locks him in for two years. That security is nice, but it does not guarantee a spot in the lineup. The question for training camp is not if he can score 14 goals. That level of offensive production is unlikely to return anyway. Whether he can restore the dominance previously exhibited in those heavy minutes remains the ultimate test. If he cannot bring the hits back, the younger talent will take his place. The money is safe, but the spot is not. Toropchenko has to earn his way back to the top of the depth chart, or he will be watching from the press box. The Blues have the tools to replace him if he fails to show up.
