World Juniors Prospects

[southernblues]

I would like to get McKenna,Ivar Stenberg or Viggo Bjorck

[Cajanek-Spielmacher]

It is time for another Berglund in St. Louis or you do not know Jack!!

[Pierre McGuire]

It is time for another Berglund in St. Louis or you do not know Jack!!

Hes a Flyers prospect

[hockey jedi]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

Yea, it will be interesting to see where the Blues go. It's an interesting phenomenon that we are always winning 1 goal games and getting blown out the others. Army had an interesting statement the other day. The underlying metrics still point to the team playing solid hockey (downgraded from good) and for the past month they are getting what would otherwise be categorized as solid results. But as he stated, it's more of an eye test year. I think this sums up how he feels. If you can't consistently compete every day, then you don't get to fall back on the metrics eventually breaking thru. Last year, you could somewhat understand that a hot streak was coming because games where the Blues would lose they were still ultra competitive.

This year, we aren't that bad, but that goal differential (mostly from the first 2 weeks) spells WOOF. But if the team decided to have a 10 game stretch where they averaged over 3 goals a game, who knows what would happen. But even in our back to back wins last week, the 2nd game required a goalie game and we couldn't push it to 3 with the empty net situation.

The best thing that is happening right now is that young guys are getting legit time. This could be a bonus when guys get healthy, or it could create another set of problems. You would assume when guys get healthy the roster gets enhanced. But maybe it's the opposite where the guys who are learning to play "solid" hockey are disrupted. You would hope that's not the case as the guys coming back are Hollywood, Suter, Bjug, and Walker. All guys who skate hard.

[DawgDad]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

Yea, it will be interesting to see where the Blues go. It's an interesting phenomenon that we are always winning 1 goal games and getting blown out the others. Army had an interesting statement the other day. The underlying metrics still point to the team playing solid hockey (downgraded from good) and for the past month they are getting what would otherwise be categorized as solid results. But as he stated, it's more of an eye test year. I think this sums up how he feels. If you can't consistently compete every day, then you don't get to fall back on the metrics eventually breaking thru. Last year, you could somewhat understand that a hot streak was coming because games where the Blues would lose they were still ultra competitive.

This year, we aren't that bad, but that goal differential (mostly from the first 2 weeks) spells WOOF. But if the team decided to have a 10 game stretch where they averaged over 3 goals a game, who knows what would happen. But even in our back to back wins last week, the 2nd game required a goalie game and we couldn't push it to 3 with the empty net situation.

The best thing that is happening right now is that young guys are getting legit time. This could be a bonus when guys get healthy, or it could create another set of problems. You would assume when guys get healthy the roster gets enhanced. But maybe it's the opposite where the guys who are learning to play "solid" hockey are disrupted. You would hope that's not the case as the guys coming back are Hollywood, Suter, Bjug, and Walker. All guys who skate hard.

Really, you think a team committed to a youth transition is going to bungle itself out of positive developments in the transition? Count the games Dvorsky is getting, Snuggerud, and now how they are deploying Stenberg. These guys are the future, the Blues have a host of today/yesterday players they can prune. And they will, when necessary.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

Yea, it will be interesting to see where the Blues go. It's an interesting phenomenon that we are always winning 1 goal games and getting blown out the others. Army had an interesting statement the other day. The underlying metrics still point to the team playing solid hockey (downgraded from good) and for the past month they are getting what would otherwise be categorized as solid results. But as he stated, it's more of an eye test year. I think this sums up how he feels. If you can't consistently compete every day, then you don't get to fall back on the metrics eventually breaking thru. Last year, you could somewhat understand that a hot streak was coming because games where the Blues would lose they were still ultra competitive.

This year, we aren't that bad, but that goal differential (mostly from the first 2 weeks) spells WOOF. But if the team decided to have a 10 game stretch where they averaged over 3 goals a game, who knows what would happen. But even in our back to back wins last week, the 2nd game required a goalie game and we couldn't push it to 3 with the empty net situation.

The best thing that is happening right now is that young guys are getting legit time. This could be a bonus when guys get healthy, or it could create another set of problems. You would assume when guys get healthy the roster gets enhanced. But maybe it's the opposite where the guys who are learning to play "solid" hockey are disrupted. You would hope that's not the case as the guys coming back are Hollywood, Suter, Bjug, and Walker. All guys who skate hard.

Really, you think a team committed to a youth transition is going to bungle itself out of positive developments in the transition? Count the games Dvorsky is getting, Snuggerud, and now how they are deploying Stenberg. These guys are the future, the Blues have a host of today/yesterday players they can prune. And they will, when necessary.

But who are those guys? We haven't really seen a ton of positive from Bjug, but he's on a 2 year. Suter is on a 2 year and he has been good. Walker just got extended he has another 2. Hollywood is certainly in the long term plans. So then you look at the current guys skating. Joseph has been a bright spot when in the lineup and he's on his last year. Fabbri would probably get pruned. Berggren was supposed to be a filler and he's outplaying Kyrou.

Like the logical choices are Joseph, Fabbri, and Berggren. But I'd argue Joseph and Berggren are playing better than Walker, Bjug, Kyrou, Torpedo, Sunny. I think this get's messy unless they can make a trade.

[DawgDad]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

Yea, it will be interesting to see where the Blues go. It's an interesting phenomenon that we are always winning 1 goal games and getting blown out the others. Army had an interesting statement the other day. The underlying metrics still point to the team playing solid hockey (downgraded from good) and for the past month they are getting what would otherwise be categorized as solid results. But as he stated, it's more of an eye test year. I think this sums up how he feels. If you can't consistently compete every day, then you don't get to fall back on the metrics eventually breaking thru. Last year, you could somewhat understand that a hot streak was coming because games where the Blues would lose they were still ultra competitive.

This year, we aren't that bad, but that goal differential (mostly from the first 2 weeks) spells WOOF. But if the team decided to have a 10 game stretch where they averaged over 3 goals a game, who knows what would happen. But even in our back to back wins last week, the 2nd game required a goalie game and we couldn't push it to 3 with the empty net situation.

The best thing that is happening right now is that young guys are getting legit time. This could be a bonus when guys get healthy, or it could create another set of problems. You would assume when guys get healthy the roster gets enhanced. But maybe it's the opposite where the guys who are learning to play "solid" hockey are disrupted. You would hope that's not the case as the guys coming back are Hollywood, Suter, Bjug, and Walker. All guys who skate hard.

Really, you think a team committed to a youth transition is going to bungle itself out of positive developments in the transition? Count the games Dvorsky is getting, Snuggerud, and now how they are deploying Stenberg. These guys are the future, the Blues have a host of today/yesterday players they can prune. And they will, when necessary.

But who are those guys? We haven't really seen a ton of positive from Bjug, but he's on a 2 year. Suter is on a 2 year and he has been good. Walker just got extended he has another 2. Hollywood is certainly in the long term plans. So then you look at the current guys skating. Joseph has been a bright spot when in the lineup and he's on his last year. Fabbri would probably get pruned. Berggren was supposed to be a filler and he's outplaying Kyrou.

Like the logical choices are Joseph, Fabbri, and Berggren. But I'd argue Joseph and Berggren are playing better than Walker, Bjug, Kyrou, Torpedo, Sunny. I think this get's messy unless they can make a trade.

This isn't that hard. They will likely carry 14 forwards. If everyone if healthy at the same time (ha!) they need to cut three. The candidates fighting for the roster spots barring trades appear to be:
Toropchenko
Joseph
Sundqvist
Stenberg
Breggren
Bjugstad
Walker
Fabbri

As of now, I'd say the bottom three are in jeopardy. That could change. One of Sunny or Bjugstad needs to stay for center depth. Other positive attributes are age, PK, line/role versatility.

[blackinkbiz]

I would like to get McKenna,Ivar Stenberg or Viggo Bjorck

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

Still can't believe the Blues took Johnson #1 overall. Granted, wasn't a ton of firepower in that draft but to select a guy who was no more than an average Dman. He never put up more than 30-something points at ANY level from the age of 14+ if I'm not mistaken. Bleh...

[Pierre McGuire]

I would like to get McKenna,Ivar Stenberg or Viggo Bjorck

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

Still can't believe the Blues took Johnson #1 overall. Granted, wasn't a ton of firepower in that draft but to select a guy who was no more than an average Dman. He never put up more than 30-something points at ANY level from the age of 14+ if I'm not mistaken. Bleh...

He’s been entrenched in the #1 spot for 2026 since he was 15….all that’s left is to point out flaws. In terms of hockey sense and decision making on the ice, nobody in this draft can touch him in that area. As for all the pundits saying it’s wide open now, that’s just so they have something to talk about for the next 6 months. The reality is though, he’s not a generational talent but he’s closer to that level than everybody else in the draft. Jets, Canucks, Flames and Blackhawks all likely take him if they end up with the first pick.

[kimzey59]

Forget a lottery pick. We aren't that bad.

We're half way through the season and we've consistently held onto the #4 or 5 pick all season(and we've actually played MORE games than most of the League). Until we go on an extended run; I'm not convinced that we're going to claw our way up the standings. I have to see it to believe it at this point. We have yet to win even 3 games in a row.

3-6 is an excellent place to end up this year(Lawrence, Belchetz, Verhoeff, Reid).

[kimzey59]

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

McKenna's been so far above his peers for so long that he got bored and fell into some bad habits.
Combine that with Ivar doing ridiculous record breaking things for his age across the pond and "there's doubt" regarding McKenna.

That said; "engaged" McKenna just dropped 2 points per game at the WJC. The skill is undeniable and any GM that passes on him could very easily end up looking like an idiot. GM's get fired for making that kind of decision.

That said; the one GM I could see taking the risk of passing on McKenna is Army. Between the Stenberg connection and Army being "gone" anyway after this Draft, I could see him making that gamble.

[blues2112]

I would like to get McKenna,Ivar Stenberg or Viggo Bjorck

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

Still can't believe the Blues took Johnson #1 overall. Granted, wasn't a ton of firepower in that draft but to select a guy who was no more than an average Dman. He never put up more than 30-something points at ANY level from the age of 14+ if I'm not mistaken. Bleh...

He’s been entrenched in the #1 spot for 2026 since he was 15….all that’s left is to point out flaws. In terms of hockey sense and decision making on the ice, nobody in this draft can touch him in that area. As for all the pundits saying it’s wide open now, that’s just so they have something to talk about for the next 6 months. The reality is though, he’s not a generational talent but he’s closer to that level than everybody else in the draft. Jets, Canucks, Flames and Blackhawks all likely take him if they end up with the first pick.

HOF.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

This isn't that hard. They will likely carry 14 forwards. If everyone if healthy at the same time (ha!) they need to cut three. The candidates fighting for the roster spots barring trades appear to be:
Toropchenko
Joseph
Sundqvist
Stenberg
Breggren
Bjugstad
Walker
Fabbri

As of now, I'd say the bottom three are in jeopardy. That could change. One of Sunny or Bjugstad needs to stay for center depth. Other positive attributes are age, PK, line/role versatility.

Interestingly enough, I’m guessing they don’t have to make any decisions until after the Olympics, which is also very close to the trade deadline. Blues last game before the break is Feb 4th. Holloway and Suter aren’t set to return until around Jan 27th. And Walker is around Feb 26th. Do they just Holloway/Suter out for the additional 4-5 games and let them get an extra 3-4 weeks to heal?? Does it come down to how close they are to a WC spot as to whether they return before the break? The Blues will have 3 games post break before the trade deadline. The timing of the injuries will be interesting to watch.

[BleedingBleu]

I would like to get McKenna,Ivar Stenberg or Viggo Bjorck

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

Still can't believe the Blues took Johnson #1 overall. Granted, wasn't a ton of firepower in that draft but to select a guy who was no more than an average Dman. He never put up more than 30-something points at ANY level from the age of 14+ if I'm not mistaken. Bleh...

Anything to go viral…



If you look closely at Erik Johnson's career, you’ll see he missed a ton of games. He probably would have justified that selection were it not for that dumb, off-ice incident at the beginning of his career

[BleedingBleu]

FWIW, apparently, according to Rivers and many other scouts around the pond, McKenna's no longer the lock for #1 he once was, which, according to some, was supposed to be a "generational talent." Starting to sound like a Kyrou 2.0, or even worse (gulp) Yakupov.

Of course, many say that about the prospective #1 every year.

McKenna's been so far above his peers for so long that he got bored and fell into some bad habits.
Combine that with Ivar doing ridiculous record breaking things for his age across the pond and "there's doubt" regarding McKenna.

That said; "engaged" McKenna just dropped 2 points per game at the WJC. The skill is undeniable and any GM that passes on him could very easily end up looking like an idiot. GM's get fired for making that kind of decision.

That said; the one GM I could see taking the risk of passing on McKenna is Army. Between the Stenberg connection and Army being "gone" anyway after this Draft, I could see him making that gamble.

I’d say the biggest factor working against him is his position, LW. For some reason, I actually thought he was a defenseman for the longest time, and became somewhat deflated when I had to double-check his player profile.

Dreams of Bobby Orr danced in my mind.