Montreal's training camp depth gives St. Louis ample options as 27 players remain and one opening-night spot is contested. Oliver Kapanen appears to lead for the extra center role, while Alex Newhook shifts to a two-way, penalty-killing usage. Top line Suzuki-Caufield-Slafkovsky is locked, and the fourth line remains veteran-heavy; Dobson and Guhle injuries test the defense going into the opener in Toronto.