Pronman’s draft ranking

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

That’s where we disagree. I think most of the Dmen being discussed are more likely Top 4 and not cornerstones. If they were, they would be in the discussion for the top 2 picks, but most mocks don’t have them there. I think Malhotra might be BPA, but it’s close. Therefore, I’m going with possibly the BPA and a position of need. After Thomas and Dvo, we have nothing at C in the system. And I’m still not sold on Dvo being top 6 with his poor skating. Would prefer to see Thomas/Malhotra/Dvo than Thomas/Dvo/???

And Carels will be a good player. Not sure he’ll be elite or a cornerstone.

And I should clarify. BPA in picks 3-8, not overall when I’m discussing Malhotra.

[tfriede2]

[quote="Pierre McGuire" post_id=13277989 time=<a href="tel:1773698860">1773698860</a> user_id=338193]
[quote=TruBlueFan_1970 post_id=13277972 time=<a href="tel:1773697096">1773697096</a> user_id=338307]
[quote="Hockey Pete" post_id=13277904 time=<a href="tel:1773688337">1773688337</a> user_id=338489]
Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.
[/quote]

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.
[/quote]

That’s where we disagree. I think most of the Dmen being discussed are more likely Top 4 and not cornerstones. If they were, they would be in the discussion for the top 2 picks, but most mocks don’t have them there. I think Malhotra might be BPA, but it’s close. Therefore, I’m going with possibly the BPA and a position of need. After Thomas and Dvo, we have nothing at C in the system. And I’m still not sold on Dvo being top 6 with his poor skating. Would prefer to see Thomas/Malhotra/Dvo than Thomas/Dvo/???

And Carels will be a good player. Not sure he’ll be elite or a cornerstone.

And I should clarify. BPA in picks 3-8, not overall when I’m discussing Malhotra.
[/quote]

Korotky is a wildcard in our system at center - he’s got top 6 potential and looking like a more than 50/50 shot at being top 9.

Edit: weird quoting, not sure what happened there

[Hockey Pete]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

[a smell of green grass]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

As badly as we need a Center, if the Maholtra's ceiling is 2C, and the RHD draftee is a likely 1st pair, then we have to take the RHD.

Or you can take Carels and set the left side of your defense for the next decade with Carels eventually becoming your cornerstone dman

Are you factoring in the resale value? It seems like teams can charge a ransom for C's and RHD's--even mediocre ones--at a future trade deadline. I guess if Carels is another Quinn Hughes, then all would be fine too.

[juan good eye]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

That’s where we disagree. I think most of the Dmen being discussed are more likely Top 4 and not cornerstones. If they were, they would be in the discussion for the top 2 picks, but most mocks don’t have them there. I think Malhotra might be BPA, but it’s close. Therefore, I’m going with possibly the BPA and a position of need. After Thomas and Dvo, we have nothing at C in the system. And I’m still not sold on Dvo being top 6 with his poor skating. Would prefer to see Thomas/Malhotra/Dvo than Thomas/Dvo/???

And Carels will be a good player. Not sure he’ll be elite or a cornerstone.

And I should clarify. BPA in picks 3-8, not overall when I’m discussing Malhotra.

Yessir

I posted a week or two ago about taking Maholtra. At worst he should be a very solid 2-way center, Jonathan Toews lite who in a couple seasons would make the Blues C depth awesome and playoff ready. He is my guy assuming the top 2 McKenna and Stenberg will be gone.

regarding D Keaton Verhoeff sounds like the most well-rounded option (petro anyone?) but the payoff wont come for a few more seasons. if doing a full rebuild then maybe to this route.

[BleedingBleu]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

[Pierre McGuire]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

Verhoeff will be a decent player…to me he’s EJ. I wouldn’t be upset if we end with him but I think Rudolph is gonna end up being the better player. I’d rather have Rudolph for sure but at this point I would prefer Verhoeff over Reid.

[Hockey Pete]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

Verhoeff will be a decent player…to me he’s EJ. I wouldn’t be upset if we end with him but I think Rudolph is gonna end up being the better player. I’d rather have Rudolph for sure but at this point I would prefer Verhoeff over Reid.

Reid and Verhoeff scare me, as both have that dreaded "average defender" tag in their scouting reports, and I've seen Verhoeff live twice, and while his offensive awareness is off the charts, I've seen him struggle with his four-way pivot (losing a step in speed transitioning to backward skating). Both of them give me Bokk/Scott Jackson flashbacks (they had the exact same tags).

I'm also a Rudolph fan, as he's probably the smartest/polished defender in the entire class. His skating is well above average as is his offensive ability, which IMO could be much higher once he's taught to use it more. After WJC I'm also very high on Smits, as he was mean, nasty and could flat out skate for a 6'3" 206lb kid.

Regarding Malhotra, he's a better skating Backes or could be the next Patrice Bergeron. The kid has 81pts in 64gms and is a +34 skating the toughest minutes against the top lines in the OHL night in and night out. IMO he's the glue type of center that wins you close games and will always be the center on the ice for the final change when you have to shut-down the McDavid's of the world. His FLOOR is 3rd line center in the NHL, but on most nights he'll have the highest ice-time at center.

[SameOldBlues]

Ive resigned myself to the most likely outcome that the Bluess will continue to blow up their previous top 3 draft position, and will now be pickin between 5 and 10, so Im hopin beyond hope that they’re somehow able to snag Carson Carels after spending all year watchin a couple of games, lots of clips, and lots of reading up on him. He’s a beast, even if he looks a little on the smallish side to me when I watch em. He’s stocky tho, and has the character, personality, and most importantly..the high end attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes to win, and you can never have enough of them types.

BRING HIM TO THE BLUES!

[Pierre McGuire]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

Verhoeff will be a decent player…to me he’s EJ. I wouldn’t be upset if we end with him but I think Rudolph is gonna end up being the better player. I’d rather have Rudolph for sure but at this point I would prefer Verhoeff over Reid.

Reid and Verhoeff scare me, as both have that dreaded "average defender" tag in their scouting reports, and I've seen Verhoeff live twice, and while his offensive awareness is off the charts, I've seen him struggle with his four-way pivot (losing a step in speed transitioning to backward skating). Both of them give me Bokk/Scott Jackson flashbacks (they had the exact same tags).

I'm also a Rudolph fan, as he's probably the smartest/polished defender in the entire class. His skating is well above average as is his offensive ability, which IMO could be much higher once he's taught to use it more. After WJC I'm also very high on Smits, as he was mean, nasty and could flat out skate for a 6'3" 206lb kid.

Regarding Malhotra, he's a better skating Backes or could be the next Patrice Bergeron. The kid has 81pts in 64gms and is a +34 skating the toughest minutes against the top lines in the OHL night in and night out. IMO he's the glue type of center that wins you close games and will always be the center on the ice for the final change when you have to shut-down the McDavid's of the world. His FLOOR is 3rd line center in the NHL, but on most nights he'll have the highest ice-time at center.

Yeah that’s why I have Carels, Rudolph, Verhoeff, Smits, and Reid ranked in that order. Carels would solidify our left side and Rudolph for some reason is being overlooked and he shouldn’t be. Some GM going to capitalize on about 8 other GM’s mistakes when it comes to Rudolph
Im all in for the 2026 tank and getting a real shot at drafting DuPont in 2027.

[Pierre McGuire]

Ive resigned myself to the most likely outcome that the Bluess will continue to blow up their previous top 3 draft position, and will now be pickin between 5 and 10, so Im hopin beyond hope that they’re somehow able to snag Carson Carels after spending all year watchin a couple of games, lots of clips, and lots of reading up on him. He’s a beast, even if he looks a little on the smallish side to me when I watch em. He’s stocky tho, and has the character, personality, and most importantly..the high end attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes to win, and you can never have enough of them types.

BRING HIM TO THE BLUES!

Carels is definitely not small and he’s farm boy strong and he’s in an NHL lineup as soon as October 2027, maybe even October 2026 depending on who drafts him.

[a smell of green grass]

I heard a funny story about Maholtra in the Thomas interview. The kid wants to know the first name of every ref in the NHL to ensure that he gets the most favorable faceoff drops.

Kid is already acting like a vet, and it shows that he is listening to his Dad. I loved hearing this.

[SameOldBlues]

Ive resigned myself to the most likely outcome that the Bluess will continue to blow up their previous top 3 draft position, and will now be pickin between 5 and 10, so Im hopin beyond hope that they’re somehow able to snag Carson Carels after spending all year watchin a couple of games, lots of clips, and lots of reading up on him. He’s a beast, even if he looks a little on the smallish side to me when I watch em. He’s stocky tho, and has the character, personality, and most importantly..the high end attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes to win, and you can never have enough of them types.

BRING HIM TO THE BLUES!

Carels is definitely not small and he’s farm boy strong and he’s in an NHL lineup as soon as October 2027, maybe even October 2026 depending on who drafts him.

What do you think of Scott Wheeler as a prospect evaluator? He has Ryan Lin at #6 in his latest rankings, ahead of Carels even. Please tell me he sucks, cause his write up on CC below wasnt all that glowing…

Carels is a summer birthday who played 24 minutes per game as a 16-year-old in Prince George last season and is now averaging 28 this year, driving play at five-on-five and contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. He also ran PP2 for Canada Red at U17s behind Landon DuPont and killed penalties for Canada at the Hlinka. His play in the fall in the WHL and at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge (where I thought he and Lin were Team CHL’s strongest D) earned him an invite to play for Canada at the World Juniors as an underager. After a strong camp with Canada, he became a depth guy in the tournament but was fine on the whole (it wasn’t positive, but I didn’t think it was negative either). Though he’s probably not going to be a PP1 guy at the next level, his production has seen a major uptick this season (and as the season has progressed) and he looks like a PP2 guy at minimum. He was also the Player of the Game at the WHL Prospects Game, where he registered four assists.

Carels is an all-around defenseman who plays the game firmly and directly in all three zones and on both sides of the puck. His game is more about instinct than being super cerebral, and he can be a little sloppy at times with his stick placement/closeouts/decisions on the puck, but he's quite toolsy and looks like a pro in a lot of ways. He’s got a big, hard slap shot that makes him a threat to score. He sees the play well as a passer and can break it out. He’s a strong skater who can push pucks down ice and also open up and use his edges. He can defend physically (there’s a meanness to his game, even) and cuts off a lot of plays with his timing early when he's at his best. He's firm, with a wide gait, though he'll occasionally get beaten one-on-one laterally. He’s not a dynamic individual playmaker, but he can move and carry pucks down ice, has skill and skating, walks the line well, can beat the first layer and can hammer it. His development will be more about cleaning things up (stick play, keeping his feet moving offensively) than his actual tools. He's solid, and NHL scouts are high on him as a future top-four D who plays winning hockey, even if he has a little less NHL offense than the names ahead of him here. He’ll be a big part of Team Canada at next year’s World Juniors and will be a top-10 pick.

[Hockey Pete]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

Verhoeff will be a decent player…to me he’s EJ. I wouldn’t be upset if we end with him but I think Rudolph is gonna end up being the better player. I’d rather have Rudolph for sure but at this point I would prefer Verhoeff over Reid.

Reid and Verhoeff scare me, as both have that dreaded "average defender" tag in their scouting reports, and I've seen Verhoeff live twice, and while his offensive awareness is off the charts, I've seen him struggle with his four-way pivot (losing a step in speed transitioning to backward skating). Both of them give me Bokk/Scott Jackson flashbacks (they had the exact same tags).

I'm also a Rudolph fan, as he's probably the smartest/polished defender in the entire class. His skating is well above average as is his offensive ability, which IMO could be much higher once he's taught to use it more. After WJC I'm also very high on Smits, as he was mean, nasty and could flat out skate for a 6'3" 206lb kid.

Regarding Malhotra, he's a better skating Backes or could be the next Patrice Bergeron. The kid has 81pts in 64gms and is a +34 skating the toughest minutes against the top lines in the OHL night in and night out. IMO he's the glue type of center that wins you close games and will always be the center on the ice for the final change when you have to shut-down the McDavid's of the world. His FLOOR is 3rd line center in the NHL, but on most nights he'll have the highest ice-time at center.

Yeah that’s why I have Carels, Rudolph, Verhoeff, Smits, and Reid ranked in that order. Carels would solidify our left side and Rudolph for some reason is being overlooked and he shouldn’t be. Some GM going to capitalize on about 8 other GM’s mistakes when it comes to Rudolph
Im all in for the 2026 tank and getting a real shot at drafting DuPont in 2027.

Carels and Rudolph are neck and neck on my list with Smits very close. I have a good KHL friend who lives in Prague, and he's extremely high on Smits, saying he's now starting to lead his Liiga team in ice-time. Not bad for a teenager.

[Hockey Pete]

Ive resigned myself to the most likely outcome that the Bluess will continue to blow up their previous top 3 draft position, and will now be pickin between 5 and 10, so Im hopin beyond hope that they’re somehow able to snag Carson Carels after spending all year watchin a couple of games, lots of clips, and lots of reading up on him. He’s a beast, even if he looks a little on the smallish side to me when I watch em. He’s stocky tho, and has the character, personality, and most importantly..the high end attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes to win, and you can never have enough of them types.

BRING HIM TO THE BLUES!

Carels is definitely not small and he’s farm boy strong and he’s in an NHL lineup as soon as October 2027, maybe even October 2026 depending on who drafts him.

IMO the more interesting pick will be that Detroit pick... A LOT of intriguing middle 1st kids in the mix. Need to find STL/MN and pick his brain, that cat is great at forecasting later Blues 1st rounders.

[SameOldBlues]

Second, I was hoping and praying that Malhotra would be there for us when we pick, as that kid has both the skill and drive to thrive in the NHL. If he was a soldier, I'd make him a Ranger... The good thing is that there's some really darn good defenders that will be sitting there, as well as a forward or two for us to grab.

I'm with you. If we are 3-8 in the draft, I want Malhotra more than any of the defensemen rated in the top 10. I have a sneaky feeling that Malhotra will go 3rd overall.

I still think the centers are overrated in this draft. We drafting for need or BPA? Feel like all of the dman in that range fall into the BPA over Malhotra. Just not sold that Malhotra is anything more than a 2nd line center in the NHL and that’s likely his ceiling. Don’t know where he fits in the organization at this point.

There are some solid defenders, but I'm getting a bit superstitious with us when it comes to the Blues picking defenders in the 1st round. Sure Petro worked out great, but there's a bit of a drop-off after that. I could argue that EJ was the only other top pairing defender we've drafted in the 1st in the last 30 years. Sure Jackman had a productive career, but I would never consider him a top pairing defender.

Centers and wingers are a different story.

Anyways, hoping Jiricek or even Lindy (could be a solid #2) breaks that trend for us.

I get the sense around here that it’s popular to ignore what Keaton Verhoff is and what he’s doing.

6’-4,” 212 lbs, 20 points in 33 Games at NDST. 45 points in 63 WHL Games the previous year. He’s consistently ranked in the Top 5 of most lists, with Craig Button being the only one to place him outside of the Top 4 at #6

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

No one here is hyping him, and it’s not just the seduction of McKenna nor Stenberg… I actually get the sense many around here would rather trade down from #3 if both McKenna & Stenberg went 1 & 2 to not draft Verhoff.

Verhoeff will be a decent player…to me he’s EJ. I wouldn’t be upset if we end with him but I think Rudolph is gonna end up being the better player. I’d rather have Rudolph for sure but at this point I would prefer Verhoeff over Reid.

Reid and Verhoeff scare me, as both have that dreaded "average defender" tag in their scouting reports, and I've seen Verhoeff live twice, and while his offensive awareness is off the charts, I've seen him struggle with his four-way pivot (losing a step in speed transitioning to backward skating). Both of them give me Bokk/Scott Jackson flashbacks (they had the exact same tags).

I'm also a Rudolph fan, as he's probably the smartest/polished defender in the entire class. His skating is well above average as is his offensive ability, which IMO could be much higher once he's taught to use it more. After WJC I'm also very high on Smits, as he was mean, nasty and could flat out skate for a 6'3" 206lb kid.

Regarding Malhotra, he's a better skating Backes or could be the next Patrice Bergeron. The kid has 81pts in 64gms and is a +34 skating the toughest minutes against the top lines in the OHL night in and night out. IMO he's the glue type of center that wins you close games and will always be the center on the ice for the final change when you have to shut-down the McDavid's of the world. His FLOOR is 3rd line center in the NHL, but on most nights he'll have the highest ice-time at center.

Yeah that’s why I have Carels, Rudolph, Verhoeff, Smits, and Reid ranked in that order. Carels would solidify our left side and Rudolph for some reason is being overlooked and he shouldn’t be. Some GM going to capitalize on about 8 other GM’s mistakes when it comes to Rudolph
Im all in for the 2026 tank and getting a real shot at drafting DuPont in 2027.

Carels and Rudolph are neck and neck on my list with Smits very close. I have a good KHL friend who lives in Prague, and he's extremely high on Smits, saying he's now starting to lead his Liiga team in ice-time. Not bad for a teenager.

Is Smits physical at all? I cant really get a solid answer from what all ive read, and have only seen a couple clips of his play