Prospect System Ranking – 14th (Previous Rank - 15th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Drew Bannister Hired: December 2023
The St. Louis Blues shook up the hockey world in mid-August, making waves by successfully executing two offer sheets that landed them two key Edmonton Oilers graduates, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. These additions bolster an immediate core that includes Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko, Scott Perunovich, and Justin Faulk. These moves provide a clear signal that the Blues are committed to accelerating their retooling process, rather than waiting for a slow cook.
Unfortunately, despite carrying a few notable names for the future, the Blues’ prospect pool lacks immediate impact players. Among the few notable prospects currently marinating on the farm team are Zachary Bolduc (102nd), Zach Dean (123rd), Michael Buchinger (ranked 214th) and Tanner Dickinson, all of whom are continuing their development and could become NHL contributors within the next few seasons.
One of the most exciting young prospects in the system is Dalibor Dvorsky (37th), who transitioned to the OHL and lit up the league with 88 points in just 52 games with the Sudbury Wolves. Additionally, Adam Jecho (265th), Lukas Fischer (292nd) and Juraj Pekarcik (297th) will continue their development within the CHL.
Jimmy Snuggerud (66th), regarded as the organization’s premier sharpshooter, will return for his junior year with the Minnesota Gophers. Over 79 games, Snuggerud has posted 84 points, just above a point-per-game clip. The hope is that Snuggerud will make the leap to the NHL by the season’s end. Additionally, the Blues have some exciting pieces developing overseas, including recent draft picks Adam Jiricek (90th), Theo Lindstein (114th), and Otto Stenberg (121st).
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back season, the Blues have taken a turn in the opposite direction and to make matters worse, they have ridden themselves of most of their future picks with no second, third or fourth round picks at next year's draft table. While they may not be tracking as strong contenders right now, the Blues’ prospect depth carries a few underrated and talented names, offering the potential for a slightly smoother landing.
St. Louis Blues Top-15 Prospects
1. Dalibor Dvorsky
Drafted 10th overall in 2023, Dalibor Dvorsky's season was a story of adaptation. A brief stint in the SHL with IK Oskarshamn proved challenging, highlighting the struggle for ice time in a men’s league. However, the move to the OHL's Sudbury Wolves was a breath of fresh air. He exploded offensively, putting up a dominant 88 points in 52 games. His blend of size, skill, and skating translated well against his peers. While the offensive outburst is impressive, questions remain. Can Dvorsky replicate this production against tougher competition? There are also whispers about inconsistency in his game. Despite the point totals, there’s a need to see a more well-rounded effort at both ends of the ice. Overall, last season showcased his high offensive ceiling. He will likely spend next year in the AHL, where he'll face a steeper challenge. How he adjusts will determine if his scoring prowess can translate to the pro game.
2. Jimmy Snuggerud
Drafted 23rd overall by the Blues in 2023, Jimmy Snuggerud opted to stay in the NCAA for his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota. The decision paid off. He emerged as a top line forward, leading the Golden Gophers with 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 39 games. He showcased a well-rounded skillset, combining impressive skating with a knack for finding the net. Not just a scorer, though. He displayed a strong work ethic and a willingness to battle for pucks along the walls. That performance earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honours. While there is a need to improve his decision-making at times, the overall development suggests he's on the right track to becoming a valuable NHL contributor. Having NHL bloodlines and the knowledge gained from a couple of years with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program have been huge factors in the steep upward trajectory of his growth, and he is only just getting started.
3. Adam Jiricek
Adam Jiricek entered the 2024 draft season as one of the most highly anticipated prospects, following an impressive track record in the Czech U17 and U20 leagues. The younger brother of David Jiricek, is known for his exceptional skating and showcased his skills at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, playing significant minutes and impressing scouts. However, his season proved challenging. Jiricek struggled to find offensive opportunities in his pro role, leading to a dip in confidence and performance. After brief stints in the U20 league and the 5-Nations Tournament, he suffered a concussion and a season-ending injury at the World Junior Championship. Despite these setbacks, Jiricek remains a first-round talent. His skating, defensive prowess, and offensive skills make him a promising future NHL defenceman. With time to develop and a strong all-around game, he’s well-positioned for success once he fully recovers and matures.
4. Zach Bolduc
Zach Bolduc, the 17th overall pick in 2021, enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Living up to his talented, opportunistic scorer label, he notched 25 points in 50 games, earning a call-up to the big club where he spent another 25 games. His hand-eye coordination and ability to finish around the net were on full display. However, questions about consistency remain. While flashes of brilliance were common, stretches of disappearing acts persisted. His decision-making also needs refinement, as evidenced by occasional turnovers. Despite these areas for improvement, the offensive explosion is undeniable. The Blues have a potential top six winger on their hands but unlocking his full potential hinges on developing a more well-rounded game. This season will be crucial in determining if Bolduc can translate his scoring prowess to the NHL level permanently.
5. Theo Lindstein
Theo Lindstein, the Blues' first-round pick (29th overall) in 2023, spent most of his season in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan with Brynas IF. He had a solid year in terms of playing time – Lindstein logged a solid 49 games. However, the offensive production some craved wasn't quite there (four goals, 11 assists). His calling card remains his defensive acumen. His positioning and ability to shut down attackers stand out as strengths. But the offensive side of his game, once viewed as a potential strength, appears raw. Consistency with his puck skills and decision-making is lacking. While the lack of points might raise eyebrows, it's important to remember Lindstein is just 19. This stint was a chance to adapt to the pro game, and defensively, he seems to have done that well. The question for the Blues is can he develop his offensive tools and become a more well-rounded defenceman? The answer will determine his NHL timeline.
6. Otto Stenberg
Drafted 25th overall by the Blues in 2023, Otto Stenberg's season was a mixed bag. He split his time between three leagues, showcasing his versatility but raising questions about his long-term fit. In the SHL with Frölunda HC, his production was modest (six points in 31 games). However, he impressed at the World Junior Championships (WJC), contributing nine points in seven games. A loan stint with BIK Karlskoga in Sweden's second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan yielded nine points in nine games. Stenberg's calling card remains his well-rounded skillset. He boasts excellent skating, a strong shot, and solid hockey IQ. However, he’ll need to show that he can translate that into more consistent offensive production, particularly at the pro level. The Blues haven't signed him yet, and his future landing spot remains uncertain. But his flashes of brilliance suggest he has the tools to be a valuable asset, assuming he can put it all together.
7. Zach Dean
Zach Dean's first pro season with the Blues organization was a bumpy ride. Acquired from Vegas, Dean struggled to translate his dominant QMJHL scoring (70 points in 50 games) to the AHL. His point production in Springfield (nine goals, five assists in 49 games) was underwhelming. Some of this can be attributed to adjusting to a new team and tougher competition, but Dean's inconsistency was a recurring theme. There were flashes of his offensive brilliance – a highlight-reel goal here, smart playmaking there – but stretches of invisibility plagued his performance. Questions about Dean's defensive awareness also remain. While known for his physicality, his defensive positioning needs more work. The Blues likely view him as a long-term project, but Dean will need to find more consistency and improve his defensive play to earn an NHL call-up. Last season was a learning experience, but next year will be crucial in determining his NHL potential.
8. Michael Buchinger
Michael Buchinger is a smooth-skating defenceman with a strong two-way game. Standing at 6-foot-0 and 185 pounds, he combines mobility with intelligence, making him a reliable presence on both ends of the ice. Buchinger’s skating is fluid, allowing him to transition quickly from defence to offence and join the rush when needed. He has excellent puck-moving abilities, often making crisp, accurate passes to start breakouts or sustain pressure in the offensive zone. Defensively, Buchinger is sound in his positioning and uses his stick effectively to disrupt plays. He’s not overly physical but doesn’t shy away from contact, effectively using his body to win battles and protect his net. His hockey IQ is notable, often making smart decisions under pressure and reading the play well. While he could benefit from adding more strength, Buchinger’s overall skill set projects him as a dependable, top four defenceman with the ability to contribute in all situations.
9. Adam Jecho
Jecho is a player who can both dazzle and frustrate, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect. At his best, the 6-fot-5 forward combines impressive skating, puck handling, and shooting ability, showing an elite skill set that makes him a standout. His size allows him to dominate opponents, and when he's fully engaged, he can be a game-changer. However, Jecho's inconsistency is a significant concern. His effort level often fluctuates, with too many shifts where he seems disengaged. His puck control and decision-making also vary greatly, leading to costly turnovers when he's not at his best. While these issues could be attributed to inexperience or a challenging season with a struggling Oil Kings team, they raise questions about his reliability. Despite the potential for frustration, Jecho’s raw talent makes him an intriguing project. If the Blues can address his inconsistency, he has the tools to develop into a standout player.
10. Lukas Fischer
Being a key defender on a struggling team can magnify a player's weaknesses while masking their strengths. Lukas Fischer, son of former NHLer Jiri Fischer and current Red Wings Director of Player Development, managed this challenge well in his draft year. As one of the youngest prospects in the draft, Fischer, who may reach 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, displayed significant potential as a two-way defender despite being raw. His mobility is solid for the currently 6-foot-3 defenceman, with good top speed and quickness, though his defensive footwork can be inconsistent, sometimes leaving him vulnerable to faster opponents. Fischer's physical play is also marked by inconsistency, and he can be too passive in key situations. However, he shows flashes of physical dominance, which could become more consistent as he matures. Offensively, he contributes in transition and from the point, suggesting potential growth with more experience and better teammates. Despite some uncertainties, Fischer's physical tools and NHL lineage make him an intriguing prospect.
11. Juraj Pekarcik
Juraj Pekarcik is a dynamic, physical winger with a blend of speed, skill, and aggression. His quick feet and strong frame excel in puck battles, while his heavy, accurate shot generates scoring chances. Pekarcik’s vision and anticipation create opportunities for teammates, and his relentless forechecking disrupts opponents. With continued development, he could emerge as a top six forward and key contributor for the Blues, making him an exciting prospect.
12. Colin Ralph
In his second season at Shattuck St. Mary’s, defenceman Ralph excels with his physical tools and effective use of size. His fluid skating, agility, and reach make him tough to beat off the rush. While he plays a simple offensive game and needs improvement in breakouts, his potential as a solid number four defenceman and penalty kill anchor is evident.
13. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki is a highly skilled forward with impressive offensive instincts and a sharp hockey IQ. His ability to create scoring opportunities through precise passing and sharp shooting stands out. While his defensive play and consistency need refinement, Kaskimaki’s playmaking ability and offensive potential make him a promising prospect with significant NHL upside.
14. Quinton Burns
Quinton Burns is a robust defenceman known for his physicality and defensive reliability. His strong positioning and active stick make him effective in his own zone, while his hard shot and offensive zone awareness add value. Though his skating could improve, Burns’ solid defensive game and potential as a two-way player offer promising NHL upside.
15. Tanner Dickinson
Tanner Dickinson has faced setbacks, including a cancelled OHL season and a broken femur, but has shown promise since his return. Splitting time between the ECHL and AHL, Dickinson displays excellent playmaking, quick hands, and agility. His defensive skills and offensive potential suggest he could become a top six forward and power-play asset for the Blues.