Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
I’d agree with that. I see a drop off around 15-18. Good chance there’s at least 1-2 of the top-18 (my top-18 anyway) still available at 19 but almost certainly not at 25. So agree. I wouldn’t look to move back unless every player in that tier is gone by the time pick 19 comes up.
And also agree, if anything, I’d look to possibly move up. We don’t have the typical draft capital for it (5th rounder’s not going to do it) but we could add a mid tier prospect potentially…if there’s a team willing to move down.
But in the event they move down though, a guy I’d like is Carter Amico. Big, physical 6’5” RD. Missed most of the season due to injury though. But will be playing for BU next season. Defensive first guy. He’s a boom/bust guy simply because he missed most of his draft year so scouts couldn’t really evaluate him but if he booms then we’re talking about a more physical Parayko.
Pretty much agree with both of you on the drop-off and moving down. We need quality.
Regarding Amico, I'm pretty much DONE with drafting kids with knee injuries, an to be honest I'm not liking him as a first rounder as IMO he hasn't demonstrated 1st round hockey IQ yet.
Finally, that's a tough list... Logan all the way down to 26th, ouch...
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
I’d agree with that. I see a drop off around 15-18. Good chance there’s at least 1-2 of the top-18 (my top-18 anyway) still available at 19 but almost certainly not at 25. So agree. I wouldn’t look to move back unless every player in that tier is gone by the time pick 19 comes up.
And also agree, if anything, I’d look to possibly move up. We don’t have the typical draft capital for it (5th rounder’s not going to do it) but we could add a mid tier prospect potentially…if there’s a team willing to move down.
But in the event they move down though, a guy I’d like is Carter Amico. Big, physical 6’5” RD. Missed most of the season due to injury though. But will be playing for BU next season. Defensive first guy. He’s a boom/bust guy simply because he missed most of his draft year so scouts couldn’t really evaluate him but if he booms then we’re talking about a more physical Parayko.
Interesting, if he had been healthy this year & had a good season, where would you have slotted him?
No idea really. He got injured in November so only played 17 games this season (4 in the USHL and 13 college exhibitions/international friendlies). I watched one of those games and was focusing on some of the NTDP forwards. Amico wasn’t really on my radar then. And the NTDP team was a mess the first month or two of the season before they came together a bit. So he was only there for the chaos part. So scouts don’t have a lot to go on.
Hockey Pete wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 19:29 pmPretty much agree with both of you on the drop-off and moving down. We need quality.
Regarding Amico, I'm pretty much DONE with drafting kids with knee injuries, an to be honest I'm not liking him as a first rounder as IMO he hasn't demonstrated 1st round hockey IQ yet.
Finally, that's a tough list... Logan all the way down to 26th, ouch...
Have a little Jiricek PTSD huh? Me too. There’s a reason why I haven’t mentioned Amico before. For one, he’s projected to go in the 2nd and we don’t have a pick in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th. But also because of the knee injury. I’d be very surprised if the Blues picked another kid with a knee injury in back to back years. But I wouldn’t downright put him on my DND list. He’s worth a shot at some point. Fair point on the hockey sense. I just don’t know much about the player so I don’t have much of an opinion of him myself. But I know a lot of the NTDP games are on their website so maybe I’ll watch a few before the draft. In the end though, he’s very unlikely to be a Blues draftee as he’s not really a viable option at 19 and unless they acquire a pick somewhere, he’ll be long gone before they pick again in Round 5.
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 18:12 pm
They aren’t moving up unless they likely deal a player or prospect. Every draft has a “drop off” in talent. Will take a few years but there will be mid round picks that are high value players, maybe even a few All Stars from this draft.
Yeah, they’d need to trade one of their prospects. No way would they trade any of their top 5-6 guys but if there’s a guy they really like that’s dropping, I could see them being willing to sacrifice someone like Stancl, Burns, Pekarcik in the right situation.
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
When you get time, I would love to see your top 20.
1 Schaefer
2 Misa
3 Hagens
4 Martone
5 Desnoyers
6 Frondell
7 Eklund
8 O'Brien
9 McQueen
10 Smith
11 Mrtka
12 Martin
13 Hensler
14 Brustewicz
15 Bear
16 Cootes
17 Reschny
18 Carboneau
19 Kindel
20 Aitcheson
21 Spence
22 Gastrin
23 Nesbitt
24 Bouwmedienne
25 Murtagh
26 Lakovich
27 Reid
28 Ryabkin
29 Nestrasil
30 Ihs-Wozniak
31 Zonnon
32 Potter
(no, I didn't forget Fiddler; I just don't have him with a 1st round grade)
Personally, I'm not really interested in anyone past Spence.
Edit- I've been looking at late round goalies more than anything lately. And there are some legitimately jumbo sized goalies that might be available with our 5/6 rounders. Mans Goos(yes, that's really his name) in particular looks like he could be legit. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/867379/mans-goos
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
When you get time, I would love to see your top 20.
1 Schaefer
2 Misa
3 Hagens
4 Martone
5 Desnoyers
6 Frondell
7 Eklund
8 O'Brien
9 McQueen
10 Smith
11 Mrtka
12 Martin
13 Hensler
14 Brustewicz
15 Bear
16 Cootes
17 Reschny
18 Carboneau
19 Kindel
20 Aitcheson
21 Spence
22 Gastrin
23 Nesbitt
24 Bouwmedienne
25 Murtagh
26 Lakovich
27 Reid
28 Ryabkin
29 Nestrasil
30 Ihs-Wozniak
31 Zonnon
32 Potter
(no, I didn't forget Fiddler; I just don't have him with a 1st round grade)
Personally, I'm not really interested in anyone past Spence.
Edit- I've been looking at late round goalies more than anything lately. And there are some legitimately jumbo sized goalies that might be available with our 5/6 rounders. Mans Goos(yes, that's really his name) in particular looks like he could be legit. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/867379/mans-goos
Thank you so much for taking the time. I will keep this list for draft day.
MN, I would like to see your top 18, and where you think there is a drop in talent. {when you have the time}
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
When you get time, I would love to see your top 20.
1 Schaefer
2 Misa
3 Hagens
4 Martone
5 Desnoyers
6 Frondell
7 Eklund
8 O'Brien
9 McQueen
10 Smith
11 Mrtka
12 Martin
13 Hensler
14 Brustewicz
15 Bear
16 Cootes
17 Reschny
18 Carboneau
19 Kindel
20 Aitcheson
21 Spence
22 Gastrin
23 Nesbitt
24 Bouwmedienne
25 Murtagh
26 Lakovich
27 Reid
28 Ryabkin
29 Nestrasil
30 Ihs-Wozniak
31 Zonnon
32 Potter
(no, I didn't forget Fiddler; I just don't have him with a 1st round grade)
Personally, I'm not really interested in anyone past Spence.
Edit- I've been looking at late round goalies more than anything lately. And there are some legitimately jumbo sized goalies that might be available with our 5/6 rounders. Mans Goos(yes, that's really his name) in particular looks like he could be legit. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/867379/mans-goos
Thank you so much for taking the time. I will keep this list for draft day.
MN, I would like to see your top 18, and where you think there is a drop in talent. {when you have the time}
We have no chance at anyone in my top-8. I’d like to get someone in that 9-20 group though. I guess my drop off tier came at 20 more than 18 but I’d be thrilled with most of those guys. I’d be fine with anyone in the 21-24 range as I like them too…but may grumble if someone high in my 9-20 range is still there and the Blues pass them up. I don’t really want anyone after that. Not at 19 anyway.
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Harry S Deals wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:06 am
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Well I have him at 13 so clearly I like him but I think there’s a decent chance he ends up being moved to the wing. Some of these centers are surefire centers and others have characteristics that tend to push them to the wing. Or at least make it make likely.
He’s listed at 6’0” but I bet he comes in a little under that at the Combine this week. I’ll guess 5’11.5”. Good player but more of a middle-6 C that could be a winger. But at least he shoots right so even if he does get shifted to the wing at least it wouldn’t be another left-shooting LW, which we have a ton of already.
I’d like to see the Blues move up 2-3 spots to increase their chances of landing a player they want. Either way even as 19 they should still land a quality player.
Bluesfan1978 wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:59 am
I’d like to see the Blues move up 2-3 spots to increase their chances of landing a player they want. Either way even as 19 they should still land a quality player.
Apparently Montreal is willing to move one of their picks (16 or 17). that rumor is out there.
Harry S Deals wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:06 am
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Well I have him at 13 so clearly I like him but I think there’s a decent chance he ends up being moved to the wing. Some of these centers are surefire centers and others have characteristics that tend to push them to the wing. Or at least make it make likely.
He’s listed at 6’0” but I bet he comes in a little under that at the Combine this week. I’ll guess 5’11.5”. Good player but more of a middle-6 C that could be a winger. But at least he shoots right so even if he does get shifted to the wing at least it wouldn’t be another left-shooting LW, which we have a ton of already.
See, I don't understand what problem we'd be drafting Cootes to solve. If he's not going to be a high end 2C or high end 3C I just don't get why we want a 5'11.5 player who does not dominate games. Where do we need him in the future? We are overloaded with talent on the wings and there are better wingers available at 19.
For me if we're going to gamble on a small player at center let's go with Cullen Potter who can make plays at speed as well as any player in the draft. Otherwise let's go for a Philip Danault type future 3C. Not that there necessarily is one of those but Cootes is not a Danault so I just don't get it why we'd want Cootes.
Harry S Deals wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:06 am
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Well I have him at 13 so clearly I like him but I think there’s a decent chance he ends up being moved to the wing. Some of these centers are surefire centers and others have characteristics that tend to push them to the wing. Or at least make it make likely.
He’s listed at 6’0” but I bet he comes in a little under that at the Combine this week. I’ll guess 5’11.5”. Good player but more of a middle-6 C that could be a winger. But at least he shoots right so even if he does get shifted to the wing at least it wouldn’t be another left-shooting LW, which we have a ton of already.
See, I don't understand what problem we'd be drafting Cootes to solve. If he's not going to be a high end 2C or high end 3C I just don't get why we want a 5'11.5 player who does not dominate games. Where do we need him in the future? We are overloaded with talent on the wings and there are better wingers available at 19.
For me if we're going to gamble on a small player at center let's go with Cullen Potter who can make plays at speed as well as any player in the draft. Otherwise let's go for a Philip Danault type future 3C. Not that there necessarily is one of those but Cootes is not a Danault so I just don't get it why we'd want Cootes.
Future RW is definitely an area of need IMO. But I still see a decent chance he’s able to stay at C. I know you disagree and that’s fine. I like Cootes a bit more than you. But overall, I think a gold chunk of it is simply the quality of this draft. Cootes is a player I’d expect to normally rank around 20 or at least late teens. But this draft is a bit shallower. But yeah, I see him as a likely middle-6 forward eventually.
Harry S Deals wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:06 am
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Well I have him at 13 so clearly I like him but I think there’s a decent chance he ends up being moved to the wing. Some of these centers are surefire centers and others have characteristics that tend to push them to the wing. Or at least make it make likely.
He’s listed at 6’0” but I bet he comes in a little under that at the Combine this week. I’ll guess 5’11.5”. Good player but more of a middle-6 C that could be a winger. But at least he shoots right so even if he does get shifted to the wing at least it wouldn’t be another left-shooting LW, which we have a ton of already.
See, I don't understand what problem we'd be drafting Cootes to solve. If he's not going to be a high end 2C or high end 3C I just don't get why we want a 5'11.5 player who does not dominate games. Where do we need him in the future? We are overloaded with talent on the wings and there are better wingers available at 19.
For me if we're going to gamble on a small player at center let's go with Cullen Potter who can make plays at speed as well as any player in the draft. Otherwise let's go for a Philip Danault type future 3C. Not that there necessarily is one of those but Cootes is not a Danault so I just don't get it why we'd want Cootes.
Future RW is definitely an area of need IMO. But I still see a decent chance he’s able to stay at C. I know you disagree and that’s fine. I like Cootes a bit more than you. But overall, I think a gold chunk of it is simply the quality of this draft. Cootes is a player I’d expect to normally rank around 20 or at least late teens. But this draft is a bit shallower. But yeah, I see him as a likely middle-6 forward eventually.
Tell me about your comfort level with him defensively. I see him as needing to have a plus defensive game to justify the pick
Harry S Deals wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025 11:06 am
Given the Blues continue need for Centers in the organization how does every one feel about Braeden Cootes? Seems like on paper to be a Blues kinda guy?
Well I have him at 13 so clearly I like him but I think there’s a decent chance he ends up being moved to the wing. Some of these centers are surefire centers and others have characteristics that tend to push them to the wing. Or at least make it make likely.
He’s listed at 6’0” but I bet he comes in a little under that at the Combine this week. I’ll guess 5’11.5”. Good player but more of a middle-6 C that could be a winger. But at least he shoots right so even if he does get shifted to the wing at least it wouldn’t be another left-shooting LW, which we have a ton of already.
See, I don't understand what problem we'd be drafting Cootes to solve. If he's not going to be a high end 2C or high end 3C I just don't get why we want a 5'11.5 player who does not dominate games. Where do we need him in the future? We are overloaded with talent on the wings and there are better wingers available at 19.
For me if we're going to gamble on a small player at center let's go with Cullen Potter who can make plays at speed as well as any player in the draft. Otherwise let's go for a Philip Danault type future 3C. Not that there necessarily is one of those but Cootes is not a Danault so I just don't get it why we'd want Cootes.
Future RW is definitely an area of need IMO. But I still see a decent chance he’s able to stay at C. I know you disagree and that’s fine. I like Cootes a bit more than you. But overall, I think a gold chunk of it is simply the quality of this draft. Cootes is a player I’d expect to normally rank around 20 or at least late teens. But this draft is a bit shallower. But yeah, I see him as a likely middle-6 forward eventually.
Tell me about your comfort level with him defensively. I see him as needing to have a plus defensive game to justify the pick
I see it as average. Par for a teenagers. Why do you feel it needs to be a strength to pick him at 19?
Pierre McGuire wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025 12:21 pm
Also Matthew Gard is a player I’d love to acquire another pick and have a chance to get. They have him at 62 on that list…could go higher and definitely could fall to the 3rd round.
So, Pierre, I'll ask you this & others can discuss as well. Based on the mock drafts & scout rankings & your own thoughts, do you see a scenario where the Blues would be comfortable to drop down several spots to pick up a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I'm not sure the value system on draft spots, but could you see the Blues dropping down 6 to 11 spots (drafting 25 - 30) to gain that extra pick. I know it depends on the team willing to move up & their offer & these two factors:
1.) Are there enough skilled players to be had 25-30 that are comparable to your 19th pick or does the talent level really drop off at 20-25?
2.) You mentioned one player in particular, but are there several that catch your attention to the point of saying, "really wish the Blues had their 2nd and/or 3rd round picks?
Thoughts, especially interested in those who follow amateur hockey & this year's draft.
Unless somebody is willing to pay a ridiculous price for it, I'm not interested in moving down. If anything, I'd be looking to move up(although I'm not overly inclined to do that, either). Our pipeline is loaded with depth pieces. We need quality FAR more than we need quantity right now.
Yes, the talent level really drops off around pick #20. I would be REALLY uncomfortable going any lower than 21 or 22, and you probably aren't getting anything to make it worthwhile to move down 2 or 3 spots.
When you get time, I would love to see your top 20.
1 Schaefer
2 Misa
3 Hagens
4 Martone
5 Desnoyers
6 Frondell
7 Eklund
8 O'Brien
9 McQueen
10 Smith
11 Mrtka
12 Martin
13 Hensler
14 Brustewicz
15 Bear
16 Cootes
17 Reschny
18 Carboneau
19 Kindel
20 Aitcheson
21 Spence
22 Gastrin
23 Nesbitt
24 Bouwmedienne
25 Murtagh
26 Lakovich
27 Reid
28 Ryabkin
29 Nestrasil
30 Ihs-Wozniak
31 Zonnon
32 Potter
(no, I didn't forget Fiddler; I just don't have him with a 1st round grade)
Personally, I'm not really interested in anyone past Spence.
Edit- I've been looking at late round goalies more than anything lately. And there are some legitimately jumbo sized goalies that might be available with our 5/6 rounders. Mans Goos(yes, that's really his name) in particular looks like he could be legit. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/867379/mans-goos
Thank you so much for taking the time. I will keep this list for draft day.
MN, I would like to see your top 18, and where you think there is a drop in talent. {when you have the time}
We have no chance at anyone in my top-8. I’d like to get someone in that 9-20 group though. I guess my drop off tier came at 20 more than 18 but I’d be thrilled with most of those guys. I’d be fine with anyone in the 21-24 range as I like them too…but may grumble if someone high in my 9-20 range is still there and the Blues pass them up. I don’t really want anyone after that. Not at 19 anyway.
Both are pretty good lists, although I'm not as high on Brzustewicz as you two.
If I had to bet my Harley, the Blues have a tendency to draft someone a little outside the box of conventional wisdom (BPA) in these late teen/20 picks. Thomas (projected late 1st), Neighbors (projected early 2nd) and Snuggerud (projected late 1st early 2nd) are examples of that, and to the Blues credit, there are few teams that put as much into player analysis as we do.
Me too. There’s a reason why I haven’t mentioned Amico before. For one, he’s projected to go in the 2nd and we don’t have a pick in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th. But also because of the knee injury. I’d be very surprised if the Blues picked another kid with a knee injury in back to back years. But I wouldn’t downright put him on my DND list. He’s worth a shot at some point. Fair point on the hockey sense. I just don’t know much about the player so I don’t have much of an opinion of him myself. But I know a lot of the NTDP games are on their website so maybe I’ll watch a few before the draft. In the end though, he’s very unlikely to be a Blues draftee as he’s not really a viable option at 19 and unless they acquire a pick somewhere, he’ll be long gone before they pick again in Round 5.