The 2023 24 NHL season starts Oct. 10. With training camps underway, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the St. Louis Blues.Coach: Craig Berube fifth season Last season: 37 38 7; sixth in Central Division; did not qualify for Stanley Cup Playoffs3 KEYS1. Krug's healthTorey Krug, who sustained a right foot injury during offseason training, has been skating and expects to play in the Blues' regular season opener against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 12. The 32 year old defenseman has struggled with injuries since signing a seven year contract with the Blues on Oct. 9 Bobby Brink Jersey, 2020. He played 51 games in 2020 21, 64 in 2021 22 and 63 last season. Having a fully healthy Krug from start to finish would be a big boost for St. Louis.2. Kyrou continuing to growJordan Kyrou is the present and future of the Blues after he signed an eight year contract, which begins this season, on Sept. 13, 2022. He finished last season with 73 points 37 goals, 36 assists in 79 games, including an NHL career high goal total, after having a League career high 75 points 27 goals, 48 assists in 74 games the season before. His speed and production are great; without the puck https://www.flyersprostore.com/dave-schultz-jersey, however, is where the 25 year old must improve after finishing minus 38 last season. If he can do that, he'll be an all around threat for St. Louis.3. Binnington must regain formLast season was a tough one for a lot of Blues, including Jordan Binnington. The goalie played 61 games 60 starts , the most of his NHL career, and was 27 27 6 with a 3.31 goals against average, .894 save percentage and two shutouts. It's a far cry from 2018 19, when he was 24 5 1 with a 1.89 GAA, .927 save percentage and five shutouts and led St. Louis to its first Stanley Cup championship. The 30 year old needs to get back to what made him successful in his rookie season. "NHL Tonight" on Torey Krug's foot injury ROSTER RUNDOWNMaking the cutWith a veteran laden lineup, it may be difficult for some younger players to find a spot at forward or defenseman. There's perhaps one spot among the forwards, with potential candidates including Jake Neighbours and Nick Ritchie, who was signed to a professional tryout PTO on Sept. 14. Zachary Bolduc and Zach Deanare two of the Blues' top forward prospects, but the 20 year olds are most likely to start the season with Springfield of the American Hockey League.Most intriguing additionKevin Hayes was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers for a sixth round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on June 27. The move helps St. Louis to re establish depth at center after trading Ryan O'Reilly to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 17. Hayes, expected to center the Blues' third line, had NHL career highs last season in assists 36 and points 54.Biggest potential surpriseCan Scott Perunovichstart the season with St. Louis? The Blues have a glut of defensemen, but the 25 year old is having a strong camp thus far, which puts him in the mix. The biggest obstacle for Perunovich remains his health, which has been a problem since he turned pro in 2021 22. He played 19 games for St. Louis that season but sustained a shoulder injury during training camp last season that required surgery and kept him out until February. He spent the remainder of the season in the AHL https://www.flyersprostore.com/eric-desjardins-jersey, with 20 points two goals, 18 assists in 22 games. If he can stay healthy, Perunovich could stick with the Blues.Ready to contributeJoel Hofer should be the backup goalie after Thomas Greiss retired July 12, following 14 NHL seasons. The Blues probably don't want Binnington playing 61 games again this season, so they'll look to Hofer to shoulder some of the responsibility and starts. The 23 year old was 3 1 1 with a 3.22 GAA and.905 save percentage in six starts with St. Louis last season, and is ready for more.Fantasy sleeperJakub Vrana, LW undrafted on average in fantasy He has scored 24 goals in 51 games 82 game pace: 39 over the past two seasons, including 10 four on power play in 20 games with the Blues last season after being acquired in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings on March 3. Vrana also scored 49 goals over a two season span with the Washington Capitals 2018 20 but has not played a full NHL season since.