The St. Louis Blues will be introducing a new face to their lineup as they face off against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Thursday evening. Adam Gaudette, who was acquired by the Blues last February in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, will be making his debut with the team on the third line alongside Brandon Saad and Oskar Sundqvist.

Gaudette's call-up was in response to Kasperi Kapanen being placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. The forward has been playing with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds this season, where he has been in exceptional form. Gaudette currently leads the league in goals, having scored 24 goals, and ranks third overall in points with 36 in 37 games played. With his scoring prowess, Gaudette brings exciting potential to the Blues' lineup.

Blues Head Coach Drew Bannister spoke highly of Gaudette, highlighting his scoring ability and competitive nature on the ice. Bannister expects the forward to have a similar success at the NHL level as he has had in the AHL. Gaudette's strength on the puck and willingness to shoot make him a valuable asset to the team.

With Kapanen expected to be out of action for an estimated four weeks, Bannister is implementing other changes in the lineup. Jake Neighbours will be moved to the top line alongside Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas. Additionally, Jordan Kyrou will be shifted to a second line composed of Kevin Hayes and Brayden Schenn.

Nikita Alexandrov will also enter the lineup, taking the place of Sammy Blais. The Blues lineup for Thursday's matchup is projected to feature Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Jake Neighbours on the top line; Brayden Schenn, Kevin Hayes, and Jordan Kyrou on the second line; Brandon Saad, Oskar Sundqvist, and Adam Gaudette on the third line; and Nathan Walker, Nikita Alexandrov, and Alexey Toropchenko on the fourth line.

The defensive pairings for the game will consist of Nick Leddy and Colton Parayko, Torey Krug and Matthew Kessel, and Scott Perunovich and Justin Faulk.

As Gaudette prepares for his much-anticipated debut in a Blues jersey, fans will be eagerly watching to see how he contributes to the team's success against the Capitals. With his scoring ability and competitive spirit, Gaudette has the potential to make an immediate impact and help propel the Blues to victory.