Blues Await MRI Results After Toropchenko Exits Opener
Alexey Toropchenko left St. Louis's season opener in Dallas with an upper-body injury after a hit along the end boards by Lian Bichsel. Coach Jim Montgomery said the winger's status is worse than day-to-day, with MRI results still pending. Toropchenko logged eight shifts and 5:08 of ice time before exiting, while Joel Hofer made 25 saves in a 4-0 Blues win.
Toropchenko was injured early in the second period behind the St. Louis goal when Dallas's Lian Bichsel checked him into the end boards, with Tyler Seguin nearby. He remained down holding his right arm and was assisted off by trainer Ray Barile, finishing with eight shifts and 5:08 of ice time.
Montgomery said the winger's condition is worse than day-to-day, and MRI results are pending. Last season, a December 2025 home accident caused leg burns and a 17-game absence; he recorded four goals and 11 points in 65 games. St. Louis signed him through 2027-28.
The injury could ripple beyond the Blues' lineup, affecting teammates who must absorb Toropchenko's fourth-line minutes and fans awaiting clarity on a player who has already faced recent health setbacks. If the MRI reveals a longer absence, St. Louis may need to rely on depth forwards such as Dillon Dube or Zach Dean, while the hit itself may renew discussion among hockey audiences about player safety and boarding-style contact. The outcome remains uncertain until medical results arrive.