NHL Network ranks Blues Prospect Pool as 4th best

[STL fan in MN]

https://www.nhl.com/nhl-network/topic/n ... 934546112

[John Cocktoastin]

Sharks/Blackhawks should be up there the way they've been tanking/playing. The Blues should not.

Testament to our scouting department and draft room. One of the best.

[Hockey Pete]

I don't disagree with this assessment, but there's a bit of the "eye-of-the-beholder" with regards to how you gauge the talent. I will say that while the Blues don't have a lot of high-end talent in the prospect pool, I find it hard to find another organization that has more NHL capable players in their pool (we have a LOT of middle-six/2nd-3rd pairing players who are showing projection to the NHL).

The last four drafts we've drafted extremely well in rounds 3 and 4.

[theograce]

I don't disagree with this assessment, but there's a bit of the "eye-of-the-beholder" with regards to how you gauge the talent. I will say that while the Blues don't have a lot of high-end talent in the prospect pool, I find it hard to find another organization that has more NHL capable players in their pool (we have a LOT of middle-six/2nd-3rd pairing players who are showing projection to the NHL).

The last four drafts we've drafted extremely well in rounds 3 and 4.

Hoping we get another Oshie or Perron out of it. Not a guy who plays like them necessarily, but a guy who turns out to be a total impact player in multiple ways

[dhsux]

The drafts of recent have been incredible with their evaluations. I would call it masterful.

It's a big reason I am so excited about the Mailloux trade...these guys are picking up talent reads that are turning into something and I suspect it's been applied to evaluating Mailloux's potential as well.

And btw i heard on the radio that in a recent athletic redraft LM came out at 20 on their board.

Bolduc slipped to 18.

[STL fan in MN]

I don't disagree with this assessment, but there's a bit of the "eye-of-the-beholder" with regards to how you gauge the talent. I will say that while the Blues don't have a lot of high-end talent in the prospect pool, I find it hard to find another organization that has more NHL capable players in their pool (we have a LOT of middle-six/2nd-3rd pairing players who are showing projection to the NHL).

The last four drafts we've drafted extremely well in rounds 3 and 4.

Agreed. I’m not sure I’d have then as high as 4th as we don’t have a guy that projects as a superstar but we have arguably the best depth in the league in terms of our prospect pool. But totally agree it’s all very “eye of the beholder” as they’re all rankings based on how someone or a group of someones feel players will eventually develop into.

[MikoTython]

For the Blues, drafting in the middle for the past 3-4 years, to be within spitting distance of the bottom-dwellers in terms of draft quality is rather amazing(ly excellent performance).

On another tangent, these folks rating Blues 6th in the Central are clearly out to lunch. THG has it about exactly right - they'll be 3-5, almost certainly a lock for the Play-Offs. It's a very solid roster, the latter half of last season was the proof of the pudding, whether people chose to notice or otherwise.

Someone made an excellent point - all the moaning about losing Bolduc misses the fact that w/ Snuggs coming into the league and immediately establishing himself as a top-6 winger, we acquire a promising RHD with little actual impact to the roster. It is another aspect of what comes from drafting/developing quality prospects - they can man your roster, they can be traded for same.

On top, w/ the addition of Suter, the 2/3C situation just got a lot stronger. These were not earth-shaking, hugely costing acquisitions, they were tuck-pointing for an already solid wall. If our PP & PK units just come up to NHL snuff, this team should easily crack 100 points.

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

I thought the Flyers would be up in the top 10.

[StlFanInVA]

For the Blues, drafting in the middle for the past 3-4 years, to be within spitting distance of the bottom-dwellers in terms of draft quality is rather amazing(ly excellent performance).

On another tangent, these folks rating Blues 6th in the Central are clearly out to lunch. THG has it about exactly right - they'll be 3-5, almost certainly a lock for the Play-Offs. It's a very solid roster, the latter half of last season was the proof of the pudding, whether people chose to notice or otherwise.

Someone made an excellent point - all the moaning about losing Bolduc misses the fact that w/ Snuggs coming into the league and immediately establishing himself as a top-6 winger, we acquire a promising RHD with little actual impact to the roster. It is another aspect of what comes from drafting/developing quality prospects - they can man your roster, they can be traded for same.

On top, w/ the addition of Suter, the 2/3C situation just got a lot stronger. These were not earth-shaking, hugely costing acquisitions, they were tuck-pointing for an already solid wall. If our PP & PK units just come up to NHL snuff, this team should easily crack 100 points.

Agreed, a lot of the rankings seem to evaluate the team by the individuals so discount the Blues for a lack of top end talent but fail to take into account the effect of coaching and culture.

[dhsux]

For the Blues, drafting in the middle for the past 3-4 years, to be within spitting distance of the bottom-dwellers in terms of draft quality is rather amazing(ly excellent performance).

On another tangent, these folks rating Blues 6th in the Central are clearly out to lunch. THG has it about exactly right - they'll be 3-5, almost certainly a lock for the Play-Offs. It's a very solid roster, the latter half of last season was the proof of the pudding, whether people chose to notice or otherwise.

Someone made an excellent point - all the moaning about losing Bolduc misses the fact that w/ Snuggs coming into the league and immediately establishing himself as a top-6 winger, we acquire a promising RHD with little actual impact to the roster. It is another aspect of what comes from drafting/developing quality prospects - they can man your roster, they can be traded for same.

On top, w/ the addition of Suter, the 2/3C situation just got a lot stronger. These were not earth-shaking, hugely costing acquisitions, they were tuck-pointing for an already solid wall. If our PP & PK units just come up to NHL snuff, this team should easily crack 100 points.

Great post dude.

But I will say, the impact of losing Zach will likely be judged on the impact of gaining Logan.

[dr0zombie]

For the Blues, drafting in the middle for the past 3-4 years, to be within spitting distance of the bottom-dwellers in terms of draft quality is rather amazing(ly excellent performance).

On another tangent, these folks rating Blues 6th in the Central are clearly out to lunch. THG has it about exactly right - they'll be 3-5, almost certainly a lock for the Play-Offs. It's a very solid roster, the latter half of last season was the proof of the pudding, whether people chose to notice or otherwise.

Someone made an excellent point - all the moaning about losing Bolduc misses the fact that w/ Snuggs coming into the league and immediately establishing himself as a top-6 winger, we acquire a promising RHD with little actual impact to the roster. It is another aspect of what comes from drafting/developing quality prospects - they can man your roster, they can be traded for same.

On top, w/ the addition of Suter, the 2/3C situation just got a lot stronger. These were not earth-shaking, hugely costing acquisitions, they were tuck-pointing for an already solid wall. If our PP & PK units just come up to NHL snuff, this team should easily crack 100 points.

Spot on. The Blues scouting is really excelling is at finding good players who fit their mold for growth and work ethic. It is great to see all these players who will be maturing to this roster in the next 2+ years. With Thomas, Kyrou, and Parayko they have a great core to lead them for the next 5+. Really exciting time to watch this team.

[Hockey Pete]

For the Blues, drafting in the middle for the past 3-4 years, to be within spitting distance of the bottom-dwellers in terms of draft quality is rather amazing(ly excellent performance).

On another tangent, these folks rating Blues 6th in the Central are clearly out to lunch. THG has it about exactly right - they'll be 3-5, almost certainly a lock for the Play-Offs. It's a very solid roster, the latter half of last season was the proof of the pudding, whether people chose to notice or otherwise.

Someone made an excellent point - all the moaning about losing Bolduc misses the fact that w/ Snuggs coming into the league and immediately establishing himself as a top-6 winger, we acquire a promising RHD with little actual impact to the roster. It is another aspect of what comes from drafting/developing quality prospects - they can man your roster, they can be traded for same.

On top, w/ the addition of Suter, the 2/3C situation just got a lot stronger. These were not earth-shaking, hugely costing acquisitions, they were tuck-pointing for an already solid wall. If our PP & PK units just come up to NHL snuff, this team should easily crack 100 points.

Spot on. The Blues scouting is really excelling is at finding good players who fit their mold for growth and work ethic. It is great to see all these players who will be maturing to this roster in the next 2+ years. With Thomas, Kyrou, and Parayko they have a great core to lead them for the next 5+. Really exciting time to watch this team.

There's something to be said about that... Doug has a bit of a rep in scouting circles in that he can go off script a bit to find that player with what they call the "Blue" factor. The modern poster child for that shtick is Jake Neighbours.

Post-draft 2020 a lot of pundits gave the Blues some grief over that pick, as kids like Perreault, Brisson, Greig, etc.. were still on the board. But people in the hockey world took one look and said "that kid has the making to be a Blue"... nuff said.

I hope Steener keeps that determination of having an identity for his team, and continues to draft in that mold.

[a smell of green grass]

The longer it takes for a prospect to make an NHL squad, the LESS OF AN IMPACT they will bring.

Do we have anyone very close to a roster spot? Nope. Not a single one.

I'm glad that someone thinks we are as high as #4, but I don't believe it. I wish I had a count of the number of forwards who were drafted in 2023 or later, and who are already playing in the NHL. I'm sure that it would be sickening to see.

The prospect showcase is just one more test failed. I am thoroughly PO'd and disgusted.

[callitwhatyouwant]

its pretty clear that the blues have the most "NHL level" prospects. They might even have the number 1 of that group. The question is if they have a 100 point guy, or a Parayko. I think they have the parayko. they took the gamble last year. he is that guy. the question is can he be a 10+ year guy.

When it comes to offense, we are going to be trading away assets like fire the next 2 years. we have everything the league wants. middle 6 talent.

[a smell of green grass]

its pretty clear that the blues have the most "NHL level" prospects. They might even have the number 1 of that group. The question is if they have a 100 point guy, or a Parayko. I think they have the parayko. they took the gamble last year. he is that guy. the question is can he be a 10+ year guy.

When it comes to offense, we are going to be trading away assets like fire the next 2 years. we have everything the league wants. middle 6 talent.

I personally can't wait for Bolduc 2.0 and 3.0 and 4.0. The club will be in such great shape after we exchange our best middle-6 talent for the other team's weakest Center, essentiaily "Logan Mailloux at the Center Position". Watch for Prospect Centers caught misbehaving off-ice over the next year. That's our guy.

[a smell of green grass]

And I almost forgot the most important thing...

When you attend the prospect camps with your kid, be sure to let him/her know to not get too attached. They are looking at trade bait. Nothing more. They are being shipped off soon for what Army couldn't find in the draft for the team.