Neighbours understands more than anyone what Dvorsky is going through trying to make first NHL roster; Saad, Leddy, Texier each to make his preseason debut in home opener

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- If anyone understands how Dalibor Dvorsky feels in his first NHL training camp, it's Jake Neighbours.

Both are recent first-round draft picks by the St. Louis Blues, Neighbours in 2020, Dvorsky in 2023; one was in a similar situation not too long ago trying to make the team immediately (Neighbours), just like Dvorsky is in this camp, although the odds are against him.

Neighbours had a cup of coffee in his first camp with the Blues and played in nine games in 2021-22 before being assigned to the Edmonton OilKings of the Western Hockey League.

Dvorsky had his one season in Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League last season (88 points; 45 goals, 43 assists) and chances are he will begin the season in Springfield of the American Hockey League.

The two will be on a line tonight when the Blues (0-3-0) play their preseason home-opener against the Chicago Blackhawks (0-2-0) at 6 p.m. (stlouisblues.com, Blues App, Victory+, ESPN 101.1-FM).

"Being in his shoes not too long ago, I try and give him little tips here and there," Neighbours said. "I think it's less about about advice but more about making him feel comfortable, showing him around the rink, what to do, what not to do kind of things. But he seems like a great kid and getting the chance to play with him tonight, I'm looking forward to that and getting the chance to see what he's going to belike in a game. So far throughout camp, he's been very professional, seems to take care of himself and putting his best foot forward every day."

Tonight will be Dvorsky's third preseason game, the second for Neighbours, who will be joined by Brandon Saad making his preseason debut.

Neighbours said of Dvorsky, "I think he's just someone who thinks the game really well. It seems when the puck's on his stick, his eyes are always up. He's looking for the next play. That's important to come to pro because you don't have a lot of time with the puck. I've noticed that about him, I've noticed he's got a great shot obviously. I think he likes to use his teammates, give-and-go's and little things like that.

"It's hard to tell when you only practice with someone, but getting the chance to play with him tonight, I'm excited for it."

Blues coach Drew Bannister has liked what he's seen from Dvorsky.

"This is just a part of Dvorsky and his development and his path; all young players go through it," Bannister said. "Some quicker than others, but the player usually tells you the path that he's ready for. I've been impressed with him. I see growth in his game, in his practices day to day. It's a feeling out a little bit for him too. But I've been impressed. Every day he seems to be getting better, so that's a positive sign."

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Tonight could be one, if the, final opportunities for Dvorsky and anyone else on the fringe to impress the Blues prior to a large swath of roster cuts to either happen after the game or on Sunday prior to the opening of Springfield's training camp on Monday.

Among those other than Dvorsky include MacKenzie MacEachern, Hugh McGing, Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, Scott Perunovich, and Leo Loof, who is also making his preseason debut.

"I don't think it's at that point yet, but tonight's another opportunity," Bannister said. "I feel like in the first three games, we haven't had a lot of guys step up and look like they're trying to take people's jobs. Tonight, I want to see more of that, I want to see more of a competitive group for 60 minutes comparable for what we've had for the first three games. But as far as guys getting one or the last chance, it'll be up to them. If you come out and you play well, you deserve an  opportunity to get another game, get another game, that's going to be up to them on the ice and making sure that they're prepared and they're ready to earn their spots.

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Along with Saad, Blues fans will see defenseman Nick Leddy for the first time, paired with Colton Parayko and the debut of Alexandre Texier, who the Blues acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 28.

"He came over to us and played overseas in a tournament, so wanted to give him a little bit of a break before we got him into action," Bannister said of Texier. "Everything I've seen, he looks like he's going to be a real good player for us the way he skates, the way he shoots the puck, really does things hard, finishes at the net. We're excited to see him in the lineup here tonight."

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Blues projected lineup:

Brandon Saad-Dalibor Dvorsky-Jake Neighbours

Dylan Holloway-Radek Faksa-Mathieu Joseph

Alexandre Texier-Nathan Walker-Alexey Toropchenko

MacKenzie MacEachern-Hugh McGing-Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

Nick Leddy-Colton Parayko

Scott Perunovich-P.O. Joseph

Leo Loof-Matthew Kessel

Jordan Binnington is projected to start in goal; Colten Ellis would be the backup.

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Blackhawks roster:

Forwards -- Zach Sanford, Philipp Kurashev, Colton Dach, Brett Seney, Samuel Savoie, Cole Guttman, Taylor Hall, Pat Maroon, Landon Slaggert, Andreas Athanasiou, Frank Nazar, Ilya Mikheyev.

Defensemen -- Kevin Korchinski, Ethan Del Mastro, Isaak Phillips, Nolan Allen, Louis Crevier, Alex Vlasic.

Goalies -- Petr Mrazek, Mitchell Weeks.