Matthew Kessel was reunited with Scott Perunovich on the third defensive pair due to Philip Broberg's injury, which will sideline Broberg for four to six weeks. Kessel contributed to the scoring play that led to Sundqvist's goal, recording his first assist of the season.

Matthew Kessel, a defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, inadvertently contributed to Macklin Celebrini's first NHL goal by deflecting Celebrini's backhanded shot off his skate and past goalie Joel Hoffer. This moment highlighted Celebrini's skill in his debut, as he made an immediate impact by scoring in the first period of the Sharks' game against the Blues.

Matthew Kessel is among the 26 players who have played for both the Thunderbirds and the Blues, showcasing his development within the organization. His progression reflects the successful partnership between the two teams, highlighting Springfield's role in nurturing talent that contributes to the Blues' roster.

Matthew Kessel is expected to be part of the Blues' top six defensemen, as the competition for the seventh and eighth spots has not seen anyone stand out. His performance, along with others, will be crucial as the team prepares for the regular season, and he is noted for displaying speed and puck-moving capabilities. However, the overall defensive effort in the recent game was criticized, indicating that Kessel, like his teammates, needs to improve to secure his position and contribute effectively.

Matthew Kessel was great on defense, excelling in hits and blocks for the St. Louis Blues with 65 blocked shots and 64 hits in under 40 games played. His strong performance suggests he could potentially earn a more prominent role on the team in the future, especially if Marco Scandella does not return next season.