Pavel Buchnevich has been one of the Blues’ most consistent offensive contributors since arriving in St. Louis, but his start to the 2025–26 season has been unusually quiet. And at a time when the Blues are fighting to stay afloat in a tight Central Division, his slump is becoming too big to ignore.
Through 18 games, Buchnevich sits 10th on the team in scoring, tied with Jake Neighbours, who has played ten fewer games, and among the team’s-worst with a -8 rating. His two goals have both come on the power play, and his seven total points fall well short of expectations for a player who has normally been a fixture near the top of the Blues’ scoring chart. For long stretches, the eye test matches the numbers: fewer dangerous touches, slower decision-making, and far less impact at 5-on-5.
Despite the slump, Buchnevich has remained glued to the top line next to Robert Thomas. That’s been the default setup for much of his time in St. Louis, but this season it hasn’t produced the offensive punch the Blues need. When a first-line winger isn’t finishing, isn’t driving possession, and isn’t winning his matchups, the coaching staff eventually has to consider whether the role is helping the player or hurting the team.
Why Reducing His Role Makes Sense Now
A reduced role isn’t about punishing Buchnevich. It’s about giving him a better chance to reset.
Jim Montgomery has a history of making temporary adjustments when top-six players hit extended cold streaks. He values chemistry, structure, and reliability. If a player isn’t producing or isn’t sharp defensively, Montgomery isn’t afraid to redistribute minutes until the form returns. That’s exactly the kind of moment Buchnevich is in right now.
Sliding him down the lineup — even for a few games — would ease his matchups and remove the pressure of facing top-pairing defenders every night. Softer competition could help him simplify his game, build confidence, and start generating the offense that has defined his time in St. Louis.
Who Could Step Into That Spot?
With Jake Neighbours sidelined due to injury, the Blues’ options on the left side become more limited, but there are still workable paths if the staff decides to ease Buchnevich’s role. Dylan Holloway has shown flashes of pace and north–south pressure that could complement Robert Thomas, and giving him a brief run in that spot would allow the Blues to see whether he can handle more responsibility now that he appears to be finding his offensive game again. Brayden Schenn, though naturally a center, brings the two-way reliability and competitive consistency Montgomery values and could stabilize the line while providing a steady veteran presence. His role is likely more suited for the third line at this stage in his career.
The most dramatic option would be something along the lines of healthy-scratching Buchnevich for a game or two, similar to what was done with Kyrou in a message-sending move, but not unprecedented under Montgomery if the staff believes a hard reset is needed.
When Do You Elevate Him Again?
If Buchnevich does slide down the lineup or sit out briefly, the path back to the top line should be guided by his game returning to form rather than his résumé. The staff would want to see him re-engage on the forecheck, win more battles along the wall, and re-establish chemistry in transition, areas that have dipped during his slump. A rise in shot volume, cleaner defensive reads, and more consistent touches in dangerous areas would all signal that he’s trending back toward the impact player the Blues rely on. Once those habits reappear, elevating him again becomes not just justifiable, but beneficial for a team that still needs him at his best.
The Russian forward has earned plenty of trust during his time in St. Louis, but right now, the Blues need his game to stabilize. Reducing his role, even briefly, may be the reset he needs to rediscover his scoring touch. And with younger players emerging and the left side depleted by injury, the timing may be right for Montgomery to make a move.
This isn’t about giving up on Buchnevich. It’s about giving him the best possible chance to get back to being the reliable difference-maker the Blues know he can be.