Peterson has fight, 4 hits in NHL debut

Forward Dylan Peterson made his NHL regular-season debut for the St. Louis Blues in Tuesday's 7-2 win against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Center. He is the first Blues rookie forward to make his NHL debut since Otto Stenberg did so against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 17, 2025. 

Peterson was drafted by the Blues in the third round (No. 86 overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. He played his college career at Boston University - recording 23 goals and 60 points in four seasons - before signing a two-year entry-level contract with St. Louis in 2024. The 24-year-old spent last season with the Springfield Thunderbirds, scoring 24 points in 57 games and two points in 10 postseason appearances. 

Peterson made his physical presence known during the Blues' preseason, being assessed two fighting majors in three games played. He was recalled from the Thunderbirds after Blues General Manager Alexander Steen announced that Dillon Dube would be sidelined for eight weeks due to a neck injury.

After the Blues' practice in St. Louis on Monday, Head Coach Jim Montgomery said that Peterson brings an "edge" to the roster, as well as speed, a good release and the ability to take pucks to the net.

Slotted on the fourth line with Ross Johnston and Pius Suter, Peterson played 8:57, recorded four hits and received a fighting major penalty, following a bout with Senators rookie Jorian Donovan. 

His 6-foot-4, 209 pound frame certainly added size to Suter's flanks, as he played opposite of Johnston, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds. While he did not officially receive an assist on Suter's second goal of the game, Peterson's speed and forecheck created the puck separation needed for Johnston to find Suter with a cross-ice pass.

"Really good first game in the NHL - as a fourth line right-winger, he did exactly what you want a fourth line right-winger to do," Montgomery said postgame. "He was heavy on pucks, he was relentless on pucks, he was physical [and] he executed really well with and without the puck."

Peterson's family was in attendance for his NHL debut on Tuesday. 

"It's just so worth it - all the effort that me and my family have put in, all the love and support I've received from them to get here and play with the Blues is super fulfilling and I'm very grateful," he said.