SOURCES CONFIRM THAT: Radek Faksa Named “Odd Man Out” as Montreal Clash Looms Also Sent a Shocking Message to St. Louis Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery and the Entire St. Louis Blues Team Concerning his….see more…

In a surprising turn of events, sources have confirmed that veteran forward Radek Faksa has been labeled the “odd man out” by the St. Louis Blues coaching staff ahead of their upcoming high-stakes exhibition clash against the montreal Canadiens Selects, a rare NCAA-vs-NHL prospect showcase scheduled as part of the NHL’s new preseason pilot initiative.

Faksa, 31, known for his defensive instincts and faceoff expertise, was reportedly pulled from the top nine rotation during practice on Tuesday. Though initially thought to be a routine maintenance decision, internal sources later revealed that head coach Jim Montgomery made the move as part of a shift toward “speed-first youth systems,” which could signal a larger cultural transition within the Blues organization.

🧠 A Veteran’s Shock Message

Shortly after learning of his scratch, Faksa sent a direct message to Coach Montgomery and later addressed the entire locker room in what one team source described as “a brutally honest, raw statement from a guy who’s given everything to the game.”

“If I’m out, let it be because I’ve given every ounce I have, not because we’ve forgotten what it takes to win in April and May,” Faksa reportedly said, according to a team assistant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The forward, who was acquired from Dallas in 2024 and had earned praise for his playoff composure and penalty kill contributions, emphasized the importance of veteran presence in high-pressure matchups—something he feels the team is beginning to devalue.

🧊 Blues Respond Quietly

Neither Montgomery nor the Blues front office issued a formal statement regarding Faksa’s status, but insiders say the team is monitoring his reaction closely. One coach noted, “Faks is a pro. He may not agree with every decision, but he’ll show up like he always has.”

Still, the decision has sparked conversation inside the Blues locker room. Younger players like Zach Dean and Jake Neighbours are reportedly being tested in Faksa’s usual minutes, hinting at a broader experiment in lineup evolution.

📉 The Fallout

Faksa’s removal from the game-day lineup could have deeper implications. With only one year left on his contract, and the Blues eyeing cap space for 2025–26, some insiders speculate this might be a soft signal toward an offseason parting of ways.

But those who know Faksa best believe he still has fuel in the tank.

“He’s not done,” said a former teammate. “He’s just asking for a little respect on the way out—or back in.”

📅 What’s Next?

• Faksa is expected to be a healthy scratch in the Kentucky showcase, but his future participation in the preseason remains open.

• Coach Montgomery is reportedly meeting with Faksa privately this week.

• Team leadership has stayed publicly silent, but locker room support for the veteran remains high.