St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings projected lineup October 25, 2025

The St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings meet at Little Caesars Arena on October 25, 2025, with both teams looking to establish momentum in the early season. The Blues enter the contest with a 3-3-1 record, having struggled through a difficult homestand that saw them post a 1-2-1 record while being outscored 18-11. Meanwhile, the Red Wings sit at 5-3-0 and are looking to capitalize on home ice advantage. Head coach Jim Montgomery has once again turned to his line blender, shuffling all four forward lines in hopes of finding the right chemistry and creating a more consistent checking identity for his squad.

The matchup presents an intriguing test for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the 2025-26 campaign. Detroit will be without veteran forward Patrick Kane, who remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will miss his fourth consecutive game. For St. Louis, the focus shifts to building a harder-working identity after their recent struggles at home, though they’ve been perfect on the road with a 2-0 record this season.

St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings projected lineup October 25 2025: Forward lines undergo major reshuffling

Jim Montgomery has made significant changes to the Blues’ forward configuration, spreading his offensive talent across all four lines in an attempt to create more balance and consistent work ethic throughout the lineup. The top line now features Jake Neighbours alongside Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud, a departure from previous combinations that had Pavel Buchnevich in a prominent role.

The second line showcases Mathieu Joseph centering Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou, while Buchnevich has been moved to the third line with Pius Suter and Nathan Walker. The fourth line consists of Dylan Holloway, Oskar Sundqvist, and Nick Bjugstad. According to NHL.com’s official game preview, Montgomery’s strategy focuses on ensuring each line has “one to two workers” who can set the tone with their effort level.

Montgomery addressed the changes directly, stating his team’s biggest challenge is “creating our identity of being a checking team.” The head coach emphasized that establishing this identity “starts in the offensive zone,” suggesting he wants his forwards to be more aggressive on the forecheck and create turnovers through pressure rather than relying solely on skill.

The Blues’ forward corps has been inconsistent through the first seven games of the season, and these lineup changes reflect Montgomery’s attempt to find combinations that can sustain pressure for 60 minutes. During their recent homestand, stretches of strong play were often followed by defensive lapses and periods where the team seemed to lose its structure entirely.

Alexey Toropchenko remains sidelined with lower and upper body soreness, limiting Montgomery’s options somewhat, but the coach has shown throughout his career that he’s willing to make bold moves to spark his team. Alexandre Texier will be a healthy scratch for this contest, providing depth if Montgomery wants to make further adjustments.

The forward line shuffling represents more than just personnel changes—it’s a philosophical shift toward a more balanced attack where every line contributes defensively. This approach has worked for Montgomery in the past, particularly during his time with other organizations where he successfully implemented a four-line rotation that wore down opponents.

St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings projected lineup October 25 2025: Blues defensive pairings see adjustment

The Blues’ blue line will feature one notable change from recent games, with Matthew Kessel drawing into the lineup in place of Logan Mailloux. Kessel will pair with Tyler Tucker on the third defensive pairing, giving the Blues a different look on their bottom pair.

The top pairing remains intact with Cam Fowler alongside Colton Parayko, providing the Blues with a veteran presence and reliable minutes in all situations. This duo has been tasked with handling the opposition’s top offensive threats while also contributing to the Blues’ transition game. Fowler’s mobility and Parayko’s reach create a complementary partnership that Montgomery can lean on in crucial moments.

Philip Broberg and Justin Faulk continue as the second pairing, offering offensive upside from the back end. Broberg, who signed with the Blues after a breakout performance in limited opportunities with Edmonton, has shown flashes of the potential that made him a high draft pick. Faulk provides the veteran stability and power-play quarterbacking that makes this pairing dangerous in the offensive zone.

The insertion of Kessel provides Montgomery with fresh legs and potentially a more defensively responsible option for the third pairing. Mailloux’s demotion to a healthy scratch suggests the coaching staff wants to see more consistency from the young defenseman. This change could also signal a desire for a more conservative approach after allowing too many quality chances during the homestand.

Tucker, a left-shot defenseman, has been solid in his opportunities this season and will look to build chemistry with Kessel. The third pairing often faces challenging matchups when on the road, as opposing coaches can dictate matchups more easily with the last change advantage. Montgomery will need this pairing to stay disciplined and limit mistakes against a Red Wings forward group that features dangerous offensive weapons.

Jordan Binnington gets the starting nod in goal after a difficult stretch that has seen the Blues struggle defensively as a team. Binnington’s experience and past success will be crucial as the Blues look to tighten up their defensive structure and give their goaltender more support. Joel Hofer serves as the backup, providing the Blues with a capable insurance policy should they need to make a change.

St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings projected lineup October 25 2025: Red Wings forward lines remain mostly stable

Detroit’s forward configuration shows continuity, with coach Todd McLellan sticking with combinations that have helped his team to a 5-3-0 start. The absence of Patrick Kane forces some adjustments, but the Red Wings have depth options to fill the void left by the veteran winger.

The top line features Emmitt Finnie alongside captain Dylan Larkin and Mason Appleton, a trio that will be tasked with setting the tone for Detroit. Larkin remains the engine that drives the Red Wings’ offense, and having reliable linemates who can complement his skill set is crucial to Detroit’s success. Finnie and Appleton provide different elements—speed, work ethic, and the ability to finish plays created by their star center.

The second line showcases the Red Wings’ offensive firepower with Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper, and Alex DeBrincat forming a dangerous combination. Raymond and DeBrincat both possess elite finishing ability, while Kasper provides a strong two-way presence and playmaking ability down the middle. This line has the potential to be Detroit’s most productive offensive unit, particularly against the Blues’ reshuffled forward lines.

Andrew Copp centers the third line with J.T. Compher and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard on the wings. This unit provides Detroit with scoring depth while also being responsible defensively. Copp and Compher are both versatile forwards who can play up and down the lineup, while Brandsegg-Nygard represents the next wave of talent coming through the Red Wings’ system.

The fourth line consists of veteran James van Riemsdyk, Michael Rasmussen, and Jonatan Berggren. Van Riemsdyk brings experience and net-front presence, while Rasmussen provides size and physicality. Berggren adds skill and the ability to make plays in tight spaces. Elmer Soderblom will be a healthy scratch, giving McLellan lineup flexibility if needed.

Kane’s absence is notable, as the future Hall of Famer has been a key contributor to Detroit’s offense throughout his tenure with the organization. However, his “day-to-day” status according to the Blues’ official preview suggests he could return soon. McLellan confirmed Kane is “skating but not playing,” indicating progress in his recovery from the upper-body injury.

The Red Wings’ forward depth has been tested early this season, but their ability to continue winning without key contributors speaks to the organizational development and McLellan’s coaching. Detroit’s forwards will look to exploit the Blues’ defensive vulnerabilities and take advantage of any confusion created by St. Louis’s new line combinations.

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As puck drop approaches for this October 25 clash, both teams understand the importance of establishing consistency in the early season. The Blues’ line shuffling represents a calculated risk by Montgomery, who believes the changes will create more balanced production and a harder-working identity throughout the lineup. Whether these adjustments pay immediate dividends or require time to develop chemistry remains to be seen, but the urgency is clear after St. Louis’s struggles at home.

The Red Wings, conversely, enter with confidence and momentum, knowing their home ice provides an advantage and their current formula has produced results. Detroit’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging young talent creates a dangerous combination that could exploit any growing pains from St. Louis’s lineup changes. With the game available on FanDuel Sports Network for both regional audiences, this Central Division matchup promises compelling hockey as both organizations navigate the challenges of building winning teams in the modern NHL.