Looking fot info on Prospects

[Rollie Fingers]

Is anyone familiar with some draft guys from last year? Namely, Colin Ralph, Lucas Fischer, Ondrej Kos, and Adam Jecho. How did these guys do this past year and will any of them go to Springfield next year? Sometimes our Forum friends are very much in the know.

[Emma bleeds blue]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

[STL fan in MN]

None of these 4 will be in Springfield next year. I supposed Kos could but I see no reason why he would. I assume he’ll stay in the Finnish Liiga next season.

Ralph transferred from St. Cloud State to Michigan State. Should be a good move for him to be a top player at a top program. I expect him to play 1-2 more years of college hockey before turning pro.

Fischer was excellent in the OHL. His offensive game really developed this year. Finished the season with the T-birds once bis season in Sarnia was over but mostly just to get his feet wet. Played 3 games and then just practiced with them to finish out the season. He’s still only 18 so he’ll have to go back to Sarnia next season. He should be in Springfield for the 2026-27 season though. Was one of the youngest players in last year’s draft. Born one week later and he would’ve gone in this year’s draft and I bet he’d go late 1st. Good year for him.

Jecho had a solid season for the Oil Kings in the WHL and for Czechia in the WJC. Strengths: size, skating, his shot. Weaknesses: hockey sense, playmaking, other skills. Possible bottom-6 grinder type eventually. Has one more year of Jrs left so should be in Springfield for the 2026-27 season.

Kos - put up minimal points in Finland’s top pro league. Not great. BUT, playing in Finland’s top pro league at age 18 is an accomplishment all in itself. That’s good. I didn’t really watch him much though and he was a bit player in the WJC so I don’t have a huge opinion on him. But seems like a player that plays a smart game but w/o a lot of offensive pop. So maybe a bottom-6 guy eventually.

Guys you didn’t ask about but should’ve:

Tomas Mrsic - one of the top scorers in the WHL. Very skilled, has a rocket of a shot. But also plays a perimeter game, is small and lacks intangibles. Also has a history of concussions and his season ended when he got kicked in the face with a skate. Word is he got cut and suffered another concussion from that play. Here it is:
https://www.reddit.com/r/WHLHockey/comm ... post_body

Matvei Korotky. Now here’s a guy to keep an eye on. Tore up Russian Jrs and earned a promotion to the KHL. 9 pts in 30 games for SKA but they limited his ice time quite a bit. SKA is known to be very cautious and slow with teenagers. They have to absolutely earn their ice time and he did. Scored more and more at the end of the season. Once SKA’s KHL season was over, he was returned to their Jr team. They’re in the playoffs now. 12 pts in 9 games to lead the team. Was just voted best player in the semifinals of the jr league playoffs. Championship series starts on Monday I think. Very skilled player. Could be a late round gem. I’ll be interested to see how well he progresses next season.

[STL fan in MN]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

Unless you want to count Tucker or Kessel, any immediate help is more likely to occur via free agency or trade.

Lindstein will be in Springfield next season. Very high hockey sense with him so I could see him getting some games in with the Blues but he’ll only be 20. Parayko was 22 when he first set foot in the NHL. I think Lindstein will be good but it takes time with these guys. I expect him to play pretty to much exclusively for Springfield next season.

Jiricek was in and out of the lineup this season with injuries. He really needs to add some beef so he’s not so prone to injuries IMO. His skill is evident but he was hit or miss from a defensive standpoint. His Jr team, Brantford, was just ok. They should be better next season. My hope is he’s able to add some muscle this summer, be very good in the OHL next season and then be ready to turn pro with Springfield the following season.

Quinton Burns just finished up his jr career as captain of the Frontenacs. Good two-way ability in Jrs but as a pro I expect him to be more of a defensive d-man. Begins his pro career with Springfield next season. Gold size at 6’2” and he’s absolutely nasty to play against. Prone to taking some bad penalties but makes solid outlets. Don’t see him being much of a difference maker but see him ending up somewhere in the range of a #4-7 d-man, most likely a 3rd pairing caliber guy. Picture on him will be clearer in a year once he’s had a year in Springfield.

[a smell of green grass]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

When Army says "the retool is over", he is not referring to the actual retool. He and we all know that Dvorsky, Lindstein, and Stenberg are not close to prime time NHL ready.

Army just doesn't want to ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RE-WHATEVER. He wants us all to believe that there is nothing to see here, folks.
Army wants to ANSWER TO ONE THING GOING FORWARD... "Are we 5% better in the regular season?", and guess what, we won't know that till March of next year. This is Army's way of not having to answer any questions about the RE-WHATEVER.

Everyone should be massively irritated about this.

[DawgDad]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

When Army says "the retool is over", he is not referring to the actual retool. He and we all know that Dvorsky, Lindstein, and Stenberg are not close to prime time NHL ready.

Army just doesn't want to ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RE-WHATEVER. He wants us all to believe that there is nothing to see here, folks.
Army wants to ANSWER TO ONE THING GOING FORWARD... "Are we 5% better in the regular season?", and guess what, we won't know that till March of next year. This is Army's way of not having to answer any questions about the RE-WHATEVER.

Everyone should be massively irritated about this.

Not in the least. But then, I comprehended what he was saying. Allow me to help:

There is a populated roster at the NHL level. Veterans and prospects will have to earn ice time. A couple of top prospects will get some "leash" (tolerance of mistakes) in their first pass at the NHL, but the leash is getting shorter.

The Blues will not be converting assets to picks for the sake of stockpiling picks.

The Blues will keep an eye on the trade and FA markets for moves that could improve the team.

Yes, Army expects a focus on internal and self-improvement, the "next 5%". Don't get hung up on the number or details, he expects everyone in the organization to work their butts off to get better results on the ice, particularly a stronger start out of camp.

I really don't know how much clearer Army could be.

[a smell of green grass]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

When Army says "the retool is over", he is not referring to the actual retool. He and we all know that Dvorsky, Lindstein, and Stenberg are not close to prime time NHL ready.

Army just doesn't want to ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RE-WHATEVER. He wants us all to believe that there is nothing to see here, folks.
Army wants to ANSWER TO ONE THING GOING FORWARD... "Are we 5% better in the regular season?", and guess what, we won't know that till March of next year. This is Army's way of not having to answer any questions about the RE-WHATEVER.

Everyone should be massively irritated about this.

Not in the least. But then, I comprehended what he was saying. Allow me to help:

There is a populated roster at the NHL level. Veterans and prospects will have to earn ice time. A couple of top prospects will get some "leash" (tolerance of mistakes) in their first pass at the NHL, but the leash is getting shorter.

The Blues will not be converting assets to picks for the sake of stockpiling picks.

The Blues will keep an eye on the trade and FA markets for moves that could improve the team.

Yes, Army expects a focus on internal and self-improvement, the "next 5%". Don't get hung up on the number or details, he expects everyone in the organization to work their butts off to get better results on the ice, particularly a stronger start out of camp.

I really don't know how much clearer Army could be.

I've watched the extreme makeover shows, and I know how they work. They show you the before and after, and they show you step by step what changes were made.

Are you saying that Army is not going to answer any questions about the re-tool/re-makeover going forward--CAUSE ITS OVER? And that you are content with that? Are you saying that I should just forget about the progress of Dvorsky/Stenberg/Lindstein because the the re-tool is over, and we just need to focus on improving by 5%?

[DawgDad]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

When Army says "the retool is over", he is not referring to the actual retool. He and we all know that Dvorsky, Lindstein, and Stenberg are not close to prime time NHL ready.

Army just doesn't want to ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RE-WHATEVER. He wants us all to believe that there is nothing to see here, folks.
Army wants to ANSWER TO ONE THING GOING FORWARD... "Are we 5% better in the regular season?", and guess what, we won't know that till March of next year. This is Army's way of not having to answer any questions about the RE-WHATEVER.

Everyone should be massively irritated about this.

Not in the least. But then, I comprehended what he was saying. Allow me to help:

There is a populated roster at the NHL level. Veterans and prospects will have to earn ice time. A couple of top prospects will get some "leash" (tolerance of mistakes) in their first pass at the NHL, but the leash is getting shorter.

The Blues will not be converting assets to picks for the sake of stockpiling picks.

The Blues will keep an eye on the trade and FA markets for moves that could improve the team.

Yes, Army expects a focus on internal and self-improvement, the "next 5%". Don't get hung up on the number or details, he expects everyone in the organization to work their butts off to get better results on the ice, particularly a stronger start out of camp.

I really don't know how much clearer Army could be.

I've watched the extreme makeover shows, and I know how they work. They show you the before and after, and they show you step by step what changes were made.

Are you saying that Army is not going to answer any questions about the re-tool/re-makeover going forward--CAUSE ITS OVER? And that you are content with that? Are you saying that I should just forget about the progress of Dvorsky/Stenberg/Lindstein because the the re-tool is over, and we just need to focus on improving by 5%?

Why don't you LISTEN to the press conference and stop taking snippets out of context?

Also, do some math. Simple math. 5% is 4-5 more points, up to 100-101. That's not an end-goal, that's what he sees as a natural next step without a seismic shift. That's where he believes this roster should be without substantial positive changes, talent infusions, such as the three this past season (which said was normally about 5 years worth).

Yes, I'm content with that. Hoping for more, hoping they don't take a step back.

[SameOldBlues]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

[STL fan in MN]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

Top-4. Like a #3 or #4 most likely. But projections at age 18 can be murky. We’ll know more over the next year or two. But he took a big step this year. 6’3” and very solid both offensively and defensively. Also captain of his team at 18. Over all the 19 and 20 yr olds on the team. That says something too.

[Emma bleeds blue]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

Unless you want to count Tucker or Kessel, any immediate help is more likely to occur via free agency or trade.

Lindstein will be in Springfield next season. Very high hockey sense with him so I could see him getting some games in with the Blues but he’ll only be 20. Parayko was 22 when he first set foot in the NHL. I think Lindstein will be good but it takes time with these guys. I expect him to play pretty to much exclusively for Springfield next season.

Jiricek was in and out of the lineup this season with injuries. He really needs to add some beef so he’s not so prone to injuries IMO. His skill is evident but he was hit or miss from a defensive standpoint. His Jr team, Brantford, was just ok. They should be better next season. My hope is he’s able to add some muscle this summer, be very good in the OHL next season and then be ready to turn pro with Springfield the following season.

Quinton Burns just finished up his jr career as captain of the Frontenacs. Good two-way ability in Jrs but as a pro I expect him to be more of a defensive d-man. Begins his pro career with Springfield next season. Gold size at 6’2” and he’s absolutely nasty to play against. Prone to taking some bad penalties but makes solid outlets. Don’t see him being much of a difference maker but see him ending up somewhere in the range of a #4-7 d-man, most likely a 3rd pairing caliber guy. Picture on him will be clearer in a year once he’s had a year in Springfield.

Thank you for sharing your prospect knowledge! Kind of makes me think that the Blues need to try and keep Fowler around (assuming he holds up) and hope that Faulk can be a serviceable D-man for the remainder of his contract. (If the Blues don't go outside the org for solutions either)

[Emma bleeds blue]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

Top-4. Like a #3 or #4 most likely. But projections at age 18 can be murky. We’ll know more over the next year or two. But he took a big step this year. 6’3” and very solid both offensively and defensively. Also captain of his team at 18. Over all the 19 and 20 yr olds on the team. That says something too.

I really hope some of these bigger d-men pan out. You can't coach size or speed.

[STL fan in MN]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

Top-4. Like a #3 or #4 most likely. But projections at age 18 can be murky. We’ll know more over the next year or two. But he took a big step this year. 6’3” and very solid both offensively and defensively. Also captain of his team at 18. Over all the 19 and 20 yr olds on the team. That says something too.

I really hope some of these bigger d-men pan out. You can't coach size or speed.

Yeah, skill is good but skill + size is better. Lindstein is only 6’0” but the rest resemble the trees that dominated our blue line in 2019. Lindstein, Fischer and Jiricek are plus skaters too.

Another guy I haven’t even mentioned is Arseni Koromyslov. Big, mean and plays top-4 minutes in the KHL. Doesn’t put up many points but he’s very solid defensively. If he ever comes over, he’s another one that’s in a similar tier as Ralph and Burns.

[Bluesfan1978]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

Top-4. Like a #3 or #4 most likely. But projections at age 18 can be murky. We’ll know more over the next year or two. But he took a big step this year. 6’3” and very solid both offensively and defensively. Also captain of his team at 18. Over all the 19 and 20 yr olds on the team. That says something too.

I really hope some of these bigger d-men pan out. You can't coach size or speed.

Yeah, skill is good but skill + size is better. Lindstein is only 6’0” but the rest resemble the trees that dominated our blue line in 2019. Lindstein, Fischer and Jiricek are plus skaters too.

Another guy I haven’t even mentioned is Arseni Koromyslov. Big, mean and plays top-4 minutes in the KHL. Doesn’t put up many points but he’s very solid defensively. If he ever comes over, he’s another one that’s in a similar tier as Ralph and Burns.

I think I read that Kotomyslov’s contract was up after this year.
I’d like to hear what the Blues think of how him and Korotky’s games might project now. Korotky may have 3C upside and if Kotomyslov could play 3rd pair mins that totally changes the Blues prospect depth.

[STL fan in MN]

STL fan in MN: The more I see/hear you and others rave about Fischer, the more excited I get about him. But clear something up for me please, so I can set my expectations accordingly…

If he reaches his top potential, would you say he has a legitimate shot at being…

1. A #1 Dman?
2. A top pairing Dman?
3. A Top 4 Dman?

Thanks, Ill hang up and listen while my expectations glisten.

Top-4. Like a #3 or #4 most likely. But projections at age 18 can be murky. We’ll know more over the next year or two. But he took a big step this year. 6’3” and very solid both offensively and defensively. Also captain of his team at 18. Over all the 19 and 20 yr olds on the team. That says something too.

I really hope some of these bigger d-men pan out. You can't coach size or speed.

Yeah, skill is good but skill + size is better. Lindstein is only 6’0” but the rest resemble the trees that dominated our blue line in 2019. Lindstein, Fischer and Jiricek are plus skaters too.

Another guy I haven’t even mentioned is Arseni Koromyslov. Big, mean and plays top-4 minutes in the KHL. Doesn’t put up many points but he’s very solid defensively. If he ever comes over, he’s another one that’s in a similar tier as Ralph and Burns.

I think I read that Kotomyslov’s contract was up after this year.
I’d like to hear what the Blues think of how him and Korotky’s games might project now. Korotky may have 3C upside and if Kotomyslov could play 3rd pair mins that totally changes the Blues prospect depth.

He’s needed up signing an extension. I think it’s for only 1 more year but not sure.

And unless he comes over for Prospects Camp, I doubt anyone will ask about him. Same with Korotky.

[Nublues69]

I don't have any knowledge, but second your question - especially around the defensive prospects. I'm not fully convinced the retool is over until the Blues graduate some younger defensive prospects to the NHL.

When Army says "the retool is over", he is not referring to the actual retool. He and we all know that Dvorsky, Lindstein, and Stenberg are not close to prime time NHL ready.

Army just doesn't want to ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RE-WHATEVER. He wants us all to believe that there is nothing to see here, folks.
Army wants to ANSWER TO ONE THING GOING FORWARD... "Are we 5% better in the regular season?", and guess what, we won't know that till March of next year. This is Army's way of not having to answer any questions about the RE-WHATEVER.

Everyone should be massively irritated about this.

hey dummy dvorsky will be here next year. he makes team out of camp.