After spending most of the season in the AHL, Nikita Alexandrov is making it hard for the St. Louis Blues to ignore him.
The 24-year-old forward is on an offensive tear with the Springfield Thunderbirds, riding a seven-game point streak in which he has recorded seven goals and 13 points. Over his last five games, he has exploded for six goals and 11 points, cementing himself as one of the top performers in the AHL during that time.
Alexandrov has had an impressive start to the 2024-25 season, scoring 14 goals and accumulating 28 points in just 25 games. Despite playing fewer games than his teammates (at least 16 fewer), he ranks fifth in team scoring. His team-leading plus-20 rating shows his improved two-way play while avoiding penalties in only 10 minutes of the season.
Why Alexandrov Deserves a Shot
Alexandrov last appeared in the NHL with the Blues at the end of the 2023-24 season, playing 23 games but managing only two assists while averaging 8:32 of ice time. His defensive struggles and limited ice time in the NHL limited him to a bottom-six role, preventing him from receiving much of an opportunity to showcase his offensive skill set. However, his production and developed 200-foot game in the AHL this season could suggest he is ready for another shot.
A 7 GAME POINT STREAK FOR ALEXANDROV pic.twitter.com/Cy74GNcYjM
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) February 20, 2025
Alexandrov is no stranger to success in the AHL ahead of this season. During the 2022-23 campaign, he scored 19 goals and 38 points in 41 games and another three goals and seven points in seven games. So what’s the difference now?
A coaching change in Springfield from Drew Bannister to Steve Konowalchuk may have helped unlock his full potential and round out his game. Bannister has primarily been Alexandrov’s head coach in Springfield and the NHL with the Blues. Suppose Bannister’s opinion of Alexandrov was set in stone. In that case, it may have been difficult for him to break out of that mold and show his usefulness in other areas, especially at hockey’s highest level.
At 24, the club’s 2019 second-round pick is reaching maturity and completing his development. Despite the delay, he’s shown NHL talent and the tools to succeed. His current form indicates readiness for another opportunity.
Where Would Alexandrov Fit in the Blues’ Lineup?
If the Blues call up Alexandrov, they must find him a consistent spot in the lineup. His transition to the wing from center has been significant. His success playing both left and right wing in Springfield’s top six suggests the Blues should place him in a similar middle-six role in the NHL.
The Blues currently have Jake Neighbours and Alexei Toropchenko holding down the third and fourth left-wing positions, respectively, while Zack Bolduc and Nathan Walker have manned the third and fourth right-wing spots.
Mathieu Joseph, a veteran forward, holds the second-line right-wing spot, which could be another area for potential lineup adjustments.
Another potential route for Alexandrov’s NHL return could come via a trade. The Blues have limited draft picks in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, holding only a first, fifth, and sixth-round pick. With veteran Radek Faksa on an expiring contract, St. Louis could look to move him at the deadline, freeing up a spot on the roster and potentially opening the door for Alexandrov. The club has also had rumors swirling that core members like team captain Brayden Schenn could be available at the right price.
Keep Him in the AHL or Bring Him Up?
The Blues are in a tricky spot. On the one hand, Alexandrov has been one of Springfield’s most important players this season, helping drive their push toward the playoffs. Keeping him in the AHL would allow him to continue building confidence and being a major offensive component to the Thunderbirds on a postseason run.
On the other hand, his contract situation adds urgency to the decision. Alexandrov is in the final year of his deal and will become a restricted free agent this summer. Giving him a legitimate NHL opportunity before the season’s end would help the Blues assess his long-term value and determine whether he fits into their plans with Blues head coach Jim Montgomery.
If Alexandrov continues producing at this rate in the AHL, a call-up may be inevitable. His development, offensive explosion, and improved all-around game make him a serious candidate to crack the Blues’ lineup. Whether it comes via an injury, a lineup shakeup, or a trade opening up a roster spot, his recent play has earned him another shot at the NHL.