Parayko has missed the last two games and will miss at least one more due to back spasms. The 32-year-old Parayko is averaging 22:24 time-on-ice, recording 13 points (1G / 13A), 67 hits, and 141 blocks in 58 games this season.
Thomas did not play on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken due to a personal matter, but could suit up on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. The 26-year-old Thomas has been a point-per-game player over the past four seasons, but has not been able to maintain that pace in 2025-26, with only 33 points (11G / 22A) through 42 games for a struggling Blues team. That said, he had nine points (4G / 5A) in 10 games leading into the Olympic break.
Holloway has only played one game since December 12th, tending to an ankle injury, but will draw back into the lineup on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 24-year-old Holloway had a breakout 2024-25 season with 63 points (26G / 37A) in 77 games, but has been unable to match that offensive output so far in 2025-26, with only 17 points (8G / 9A through 34 games.
Parayko was impressive in a shutdown role on Team Canada's blueline during their Silver Medal performance at the Olympics, and he will return to the Blues' lineup on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. Despite his success at the Olympics, the 32-year-old Parayko has battled adversity for the Blues this season. He had 13 points (1G / 12A) and a -15 plus/minus through 57 games this season.
Jordan Binnington had a heavy workload during Team Canada's Silver Medal performance at the Olympics and will get some extra rest on Thursday, as the Blues will turn to Hofer to tend the twine against the Seattle Kraken. The 25-year-old Hofer has largely outplayed Binnington for most of the season, but struggled heading into the Olympic break, losing three of four (1-2-1) while posting an ugly 3.98 GAA and .824 SV%. Before that, Hofer was dazzling, with a 2.00 GAA and .932 SV% in his previous eight games (6-2-0).
Thomas will not play on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken due to a personal matter, but he is expected to suit up on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. The 26-year-old Thomas has been a point-per-game player over the past four seasons, but has not been able to maintain that pace in 2025-26, with only 33 points (11G / 22A) through 42 games for a struggling Blues team. That said, he had nine points (4G / 5A) in 10 games leading into the Olympic break.
Gauthier was drafted 21st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, but has yet to make his mark in the NHL and will get a fresh start, joining the St. Louis Blues, his fifth team. The 28-year-old forward has 41 points (19G / 22A) in 181 career NHL games, but has spent the entirety of the 2025-26 season in the AHL.
Binnington stopped all 26 shots that he faced in Canada's shutout win over Czechia to open the tournament. Logan Thompson started Game 2, but it will be Binnington who closes out the preliminary round vs. France. He should have no troubles, as Canada are massive -6.5 goal favourites to win.
