As the St. Louis Blues grapple with the challenge of maintaining a sustained and consistent five-on-five offense, the decision by head coach Drew Bannister and the coaching staff to retain the duo on the team’s top line becomes a crucial point of discussion. While this choice appears logical on paper, the results paint a different picture, underscoring the importance of the top line’s performance.
Thomas and Kyrou, the two highest-paid players on the club’s roster, have managed two goals, three points, and a combined mins-11 rating as we approach the midpoint of March. Despite his 16 shots on goal through six games, Kyrou’s lone goal of the month has come at even-strength, while Thomas has been limited to power play opportunities to contribute to the team’s offense.
After their 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins, the Blues remain six points back of the Vegas Golden Knights and nine points back of the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference Wild Card standings. Though a playoff berth may seem like a stretch at this point in the season, the coaching staff should consider breaking up the pair to bolster their top-six offense.
Should Bannister look to move Kyrou to the second line, this could suggest a swap of him and Jake Neighbours on the right wing. The flip would bring a heavy, potentially slow top line featuring team captain Brayden Schenn on the left wing. However, the move would reunite Kyrou and Buchnevich on the second line alongside rookie forward Zachary Bolduc.
Blues alternate captain Thomas is on pace to break his career-high of 77 points (20 goals, 57 assists) set during the 2021-22 season after scoring his 21st goal and 70th point of the season against the Bruins. However, Kyrou remains far behind his back-to-back seasons, producing over 70 points with only 20 goals and 48 points through 65 games. Should the offense falter again, Bannister could look to make a change.
