Athletics first mock draft

[Bubble4427]

From Scott Wheeler who talks to team scouts and members of the media in the various markets.
Based on what he is hearing:

1. Leafs - McKenna
2. Sharks - Reid
3. Nucks - Malholtra
4. Hawks - Stenberg
5. Rangers - Verhoff
6. Flames - Carels
7. Kraken - Rudolph
8. Jets - Lawrence
9. Panthers - Smits
10. Preds - Bjorck
11. Blues- Belchetz

15. Blues - Suvanto
31.Blues - Bleyl

I like Belchetz...but if the Blues want to move up...its going to hurt. Wheeler said that the 31st (Bleyl) is somewhat of a reach and it could be anyone....

[STL fan in MN]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

[Bubble4427]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

I like Cullen too.
if we take Belchetz or Cullen at #11, the other won't be around at 15.
At this point though, I think Tony Feltran has proven that he knows what he's doing and he sees talent and potential that no one else does..so I'm sure it'll work out. If the Blues move up....or down, I'm sure that it's because that is what he is telling Army/Steen to do.

[STL fan in MN]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

I like Cullen too.
if we take Belchetz or Cullen at #11, the other won't be around at 15.
At this point though, I think Tony Feltran has proven that he knows what he's doing and he sees talent and potential that no one else does..so I'm sure it'll work out. If the Blues move up....or down, I'm sure that it's because that is what he is telling Army/Steen to do.

I also have a lot of trust in Feltrin. Quiet but pragmatic guy. Only 5 years in charge of a draft under his belt so not a ton of history to go on but those 5 drafts all look solid so far.

I had a good convo with him last summer. As I parted he said something along the lines of “tbh, I’m surprised you even know who I am. You probably want to talk to those 2 guys instead.” as he gestured to Tkachuk and Mellanby. I then told him that naw, I was more interested in meeting the guy that runs the draft and he chuckled.

[billybaseball]

Belchetz is a missing link in our forward group. Legit power forward that has a great scoring touch. LW is definitely a need too.

[MandatoryDenial]

From Scott Wheeler who talks to team scouts and members of the media in the various markets.
Based on what he is hearing:

1. Leafs - McKenna
2. Sharks - Reid
3. Nucks - Malholtra
4. Hawks - Stenberg
5. Rangers - Verhoff
6. Flames - Carels
7. Kraken - Rudolph
8. Jets - Lawrence
9. Panthers - Smits
10. Preds - Bjorck
11. Blues- Belchetz

15. Blues - Suvanto
31.Blues - Bleyl

I like Belchetz...but if the Blues want to move up...its going to hurt. Wheeler said that the 31st (Bleyl) is somewhat of a reach and it could be anyone....

As far as stand pat scenarios go i would be really happy with this. I just think there is little chance that it would shake out this way.

[dhsux]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

Might be mistaken but has Belchetz slipped? I thought Pierre and others were big on him?

[Pierre McGuire]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

Might be mistaken but has Belchetz slipped? I thought Pierre and others were big on him?

Slipped…nah. He was always in that 10-16 range for me. He could be a real force it’s just gonna take some time.

[TBone]

Belchetz is a missing link in our forward group. Legit power forward that has a great scoring touch. LW is definitely a need too.

Having never seen him, his scouting reports look like the type of player I would like the Blues to add.

------------------------------

belchetz scouting report

Ethan Belchetz is a top-tier power forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft . Standing at 6'5" and weighing 228 lbs, he is widely regarded as a "unicorn" due to his rare combination of massive size and refined offensive skill.

Scouting Highlights

Physical Dominance: He uses his pro-ready frame to "bully" opponents, dominate puck battles along the boards, and protect the puck effectively in high-danger areas.

Skill Set: Unlike many large prospects, he possesses quick hands and deceptive playmaking ability. He excels at "net-front" play, retrieving loose pucks, and delivering accurate passes under pressure.

Shooting: He has a "booming shot" with a dangerous release that forces defenders to respect his scoring threat, often opening up lanes for his teammates.

Defensive Reliability: Scouts note he is one of the better defensive wingers in junior hockey, using his massive reach to shut down plays and backcheck effectively [1].

Areas for Improvement

Skating: While he has flashes of agility, his skating is not yet refined. He can struggle with consistency in separation speed and leverage during physical contact ].

Processing Speed: Some reports suggest his mental processing can occasionally lag behind the pace of the game, leading to turnovers under intense pressure.

Position: Left Wing
Size: 6'5", 227 lbs

NHL Player Comparisons

Brady Tkachuk, Juraj Slafkovský

Belchetz recently led the Windsor Spitfires with 22 goals and was a key contributor for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Despite missing the OHL postseason with a broken clavicle, he remains a central figure in the race for a top selection in 2026.

Ethan Belchetz’s game is frequently compared to some of the league’s most physically dominant power forwards. The following comparisons are widely used by scouts and Belchetz himself:

Top Comparisons

Brady Tkachuk (OTT): This is the most common comparison, endorsed by scouts and Belchetz himself. Both players are high-volume shooters who use their massive frames to "bully" opponents, win net-front battles, and dominate the boards.

Jamie Benn (DAL): USA Today highlights Benn as a close comparable due to Belchetz's "old-school" toughness, heavy shot, and ability to contribute significantly while playing a physical, grinding game.

Juraj Slafkovský (MTL): Scouts see flashes of Slafkovský’s dynamism in his play, particularly in how he uses his 6'5" frame to shield the puck while simultaneously utilizing soft hands to make plays in tight spaces.

Mikko Rantanen (COL): Belchetz models his game after Rantanen, specifically focusing on the Colorado star’s ability to combine elite skill and playmaking with a large physical presence.

Stylistic & Statistical Comparables

James van Riemsdyk: Used as a projection of his offensive generation, relying on positioning and touch near the crease rather than pure foot speed.

Valeri Nichushkin: ESPN's statistical model identifies Nichushkin as a comparable based on Belchetz's defensive reliability and puck-retrieval metrics.

Michael Rasmussen: Some analysts point to Rasmussen as a similar type of "huge" skater who excels at using size to protect pucks, though Belchetz is considered to have higher offensive upside.

[Frank Barone]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

I like Cullen too.
if we take Belchetz or Cullen at #11, the other won't be around at 15.
At this point though, I think Tony Feltran has proven that he knows what he's doing and he sees talent and potential that no one else does..so I'm sure it'll work out. If the Blues move up....or down, I'm sure that it's because that is what he is telling Army/Steen to do.

I also have a lot of trust in Feltrin. Quiet but pragmatic guy. Only 5 years in charge of a draft under his belt so not a ton of history to go on but those 5 drafts all look solid so far.

I had a good convo with him last summer. As I parted he said something along the lines of “tbh, I’m surprised you even know who I am. You probably want to talk to those 2 guys instead.” as he gestured to Tkachuk and Mellanby. I then told him that naw, I was more interested in meeting the guy that runs the draft and he chuckled.

I'd rather talk to a guy like Feltrin as well. You can learn more from a guy who's in the thick of things and actually responsible. I'd say his track record is very good even if it is a somewhat limited sample size.

[STL fan in MN]

I’d likely be very happy with Bleyl at 31 but yeah, it’s near impossible to predict a player that deep into the draft as the there’s 30 butterfly effects that’ll take place before that pick and there will be a good 15-20+ players that could all be considered the BPA in that range. There’s usually very little difference between picks 25-45.

Id be pretty darn disappointed leaving with both Belchetz and Suvanto though. I don’t have either in my top-15 so I’d see it as absolutely leaving value on the table if we used picks 11 and 15 on them. The main reason I really wouldn’t like it though is bc both have a little below average skating ability. The Blues have drafted quite a few guys lately whose main weakness is their skating. If we ever want to be able to keep up with some of these other teams, we’re going to need some plus skaters.

Wheelers top-10 is my nightmare scenario as those are the exact 10 I see as the top of this class and then I see a decent drop off in talent. If that nightmare scenario played out, and we were unable to move up, I’d probably just draft Cullen at 11…but wouldn’t feel super happy about it.

Might be mistaken but has Belchetz slipped? I thought Pierre and others were big on him?

Maybe slipped a little but not really. He’s big and skilled but there’s also valid concerns about his skating, hockey sense and effort level.

I can see the potential but there’s certainly risk there. I have him a bit lower than most.

[diehardbluesfan1]

Belshetz seems like a grown man dominating via kids. This bothers me.

He is done growing and the others aren’t.

Am I wrong here? I’m sure he is great and competitive but this bothers me.

[Bluesfan1978]

Belshetz seems like a grown man dominating via kids. This bothers me.

He is done growing and the others aren’t.

Am I wrong here? I’m sure he is great and competitive but this bothers me.

That’s why is a factor they try to determine. How much are they physically developed? They asked Carbo’s trainer that last year as well.

[Pierre McGuire]

Belshetz seems like a grown man dominating via kids. This bothers me.

He is done growing and the others aren’t.

Am I wrong here? I’m sure he is great and competitive but this bothers me.

That shouldn’t bother you. He can only play against who he plays against. It will translate well to the NHL as well.

[Bluesfan1978]

Belshetz seems like a grown man dominating via kids. This bothers me.

He is done growing and the others aren’t.

Am I wrong here? I’m sure he is great and competitive but this bothers me.

That shouldn’t bother you. He can only play against who he plays against. It will translate well to the NHL as well.

They also look at how long they were that size and if they’ve had long to grow into their bodies

[HighStick]

I'll be shocked if Belchetz is available at 11. I'd take Savanto at 15 too.