Blues Defenseman Logan Mailloux Skates On Top Pair At Practice As He Nears NHL Return

As Logan Mailloux nears a return to the St. Louis Blues lineup, the team has made changes to the makeup of their lines.

Mailloux hasn't played a regular-season game in 2026-27, as he suffered a hand injury in a pre-season game. The 23-year-old has missed the first 17 games of the season, and considering the makeup of the Blues’ lines on Monday, his return could be imminent.

Mailloux was a full participant and skated alongside Philip Broberg on the top pair. The two finished last season together and built strong chemistry. Mailloux's best stretch of the season came in an elevated role alongside Broberg.

The hope was that the duo would start the season together and be a mainstay on the top pairing, but Mailloux's injury threw a wrench into those plans.

With Mailloux's eventual return, the Blues have adjusted their lineup. At Monday's practice, Adam Jiricek skated as the extra defenseman, doing so for the first time in his NHL career. 

Due to injuries, Jiricek found his way onto the opening-night roster and hasn't looked back. He's played in all 17 games this season, recording one goal and three points while averaging 15:51 of ice time. 

Jiricek has skated with several players, notably skating with Broberg and Cam Fowler. Although this might feel like a demotion for Jiricek, making and playing on the NHL roster this season wasn't even expected of him. He's blown past his expectations and has raised the bar for what he can become in the NHL.

20-year-old defensemen rarely play in the NHL, especially without AHL experience first. If Mailloux returns and Tyler Tucker eventually follows suit, Jiricek could be assigned to the AHL and continue his development.

For now, he and Theo Lindstein remain with the NHL club as extra defensemen, ready to jump into the lineup if injuries occur. 

The Blues defensive pairings at today's practice:

Philip Broberg - Logan Mailloux
Justin Barron - Colton Parayko
Cam Fowler - Brandon Carlo 
Extras: Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek

The Blues take the ice on Tuesday to host the Detroit Red Wings. 

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