Scott Perunovich will make his season debut on Thurday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, sending Kessel to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 24-year-old Kessel has seen limited time, averaging 11:58 time-on-ice through six games, while primarily playing on the Blues' third defensive pair.
Kessel will get the night off on Friday after playing in each of the Blues' first two games of the season. Pierre-Olivier Joseph will draw into the lineup and make his Blues debut.
Kessel split time between Springfield (AHL) and St. Louis all season but with the conclusion of the NHL season, has been reassigned to the AHL. The 23-year-old had seven points (1G / 6A) in 39 games with the Blues this season.
Marco Scandella will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Kessel to re-enter the lineup. Kessel has four points (0G / 4A), 38 hits, and 60 blocks in 32 games this season.
Tyler Tucker will draw into the Blues' lineup on the blueline Monday as Kessel and Scott Perunovich will be healthy scratches for a Blues team that has dressed seven defensemen in recent games. Kessel Kessel has four points (0G / 4A), 38 hits, and 60 blocks in 32 games this season.
Kessel has only played one game with the Blues since February 24 but has signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract extension. The 23-year-old Kessel was the fifth-round pick of the Blues in the 2020 NHL Draft and has three points (0G / 3A) in 23 games this season.
With Justin Faulk being activated from LTIR, Kessel has been reassigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL. Kessel registered two assists while averaging 17:25 time-on-ice through 22 games with the Blues.
Kessel failed to pick up a point but had three SOG, and a -1 plus/minus through a short two-game showing with St. Louis but has been assigned back to Springfield (AHL) on loan Thursday. The 22-year-old has five goals, 26 assists, and 64 PIMs through 66 games with Springfield prior to his original promotion.
