JURAJ PEKARČÍK – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 02 May 2026 22:00:59 +0000

Adam Jiricek

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024

Despite what appeared to be meaningful progress during the 2024–25 season, the St. Louis Blues are now clearly transitioning into a new era. By moving on from established veterans such as Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, the organization has begun to retool its roster while stockpiling future assets. At the trade deadline, the Blues acquired two additional first-round picks, giving them a total of three in the 2026 NHL Draft. That haul is part of what is expected to be a substantial draft class, with St. Louis currently holding 12 selections in total. It’s quite the contrast compared to their limited three-pick class in 2025. With the team sitting near the bottom of the standings, their own 2026 first-round pick is projected to land near the top of the draft and potentially within the top five.

Those incoming assets will complement a prospect pool already supported by several promising players. While the Blues’ 2025 draft class was small, it produced a notable offensive talent in Justin Carbonneau (38th), who continues to pile up goals in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old co-led the league with 51 goals this season and has scored 97 goals across his last two campaigns. Translation: it’s probably time for him to transition to the professional ranks. In the OHL, the organization’s top-ranked prospect, Adam Jiříček, continues to trend upward. After completing his second full season, the defenseman finished fourth in scoring among OHL blueliners and is expected to play a key role in what could be a deep playoff run for the Brantford Bulldogs. In Springfield, prospects such as Otto Stenberg (63rd) and Theo Lindstein (83rd) continue to track toward their push for NHL opportunities. They join an emerging young core in St. Louis that already includes Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorský, and Logan Mailloux on the back end.

With a growing group of young NHL contributors and a significant influx of draft capital on the way, the Blues may be positioned for a quicker turnaround than expected.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
StL	1	Adam Jiricek	D	19	6-2/180	Brantford (OHL)	55	19	40	59	33
StL	2	Justin Carbonneau	RW	19	6-2/205	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	60	51	29	80	64
StL	3	Otto Stenberg	C	21	5-11/180	Springfield (AHL)	36	4	13	17	6
StL	3	Otto Stenberg	C	21	5-11/180	St. Louis (NHL)	32	3	7	10	5
StL	4	Theo Lindstein	D	21	6-0/180	Springfield (AHL)	59	6	8	14	18
StL	4	Theo Lindstein	D	21	6-0/180	St. Louis (NHL)	17	2	2	4	6
StL	5	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	20	6-2/185	Springfield (AHL)	69	11	24	35	10
StL	6	Dmitri Buchelnikov	LW	22	5-10/170	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	44	14	11	25	10
StL	7	Lukas Fischer	D	19	6-3/180	Sar-Soo (OHL)	65	8	36	44	88
StL	8	Love Harenstam	G	19	6-2/195	Sodertalje (Allsvenskan)	32	14	18	1.81	0.920
StL	9	Jack Finley	C	23	6-6/215	TB-StL (NHL)	44	2	3	5	38
StL	9	Jack Finley	C	23	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	3	1	2	3	0
StL	10	Colin Ralph	D	20	6-4/225	Michigan State (NCAA)	37	1	10	11	29
StL	10	Colin Ralph	D	20	6-4/225	Springfield (AHL)	6	0	2	2	0
StL	11	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	22	6-0/195	Springfield (AHL)	64	20	24	44	10
StL	11	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	22	6-0/195	St. Louis (NHL)	5	0	0	0	0
StL	12	Matvei Korotky	C	20	6-1/200	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	43	14	13	27	8
StL	13	Dylan Peterson	RW	24	6-4/200	Springfield (AHL)	57	12	12	24	85
StL	14	Jakub Stancl	LW	21	6-3/200	Springfield (AHL)	60	9	10	19	14
StL	15	Adam Jecho	C	20	6-5/200	Edmonton (WHL)	47	10	26	36	20

Adam Jiricek, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

What a bounce back year it’s been for Jiricek after a disappointing injury riddled first season in the OHL with Brantford last year. Not only has Jiricek emerged as one of the OHL’s top defenders on one of the OHL’s top teams, but he was outstanding at the World Junior Championships. Jiricek was named the tournament’s top defender and helped Czechia earn a silver medal. He has become a standout at both ends and has really picked up confidence as an offensive defender. Defensively, he can be a suffocating physical presence and who clears the net front and rarely loses a battle below the goal line. He’s also got an active stick and is a terrific shot blocker. Offensively, he has a big point shot and his skating has improved, allowing him to have a positive impact on the transition game. Given the improvements that he has made this year, Jiricek’s projection has changed for the better. As a well-rounded defender with strong physical tools, he could end up being a first pairing, minute eater for the Blues in the near future.
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Justin Carbonneau enjoyed a dominant regular season once again, piling up 51 goals and 29 assists for 80 points in 60 games, tied for the lead in the QMJHL—and the entire CHL—in goals. He’s been the driving force behind a Blainville-Boisbriand Armada squad that has battled injuries yet remains among the league’s contenders. While his overall production mirrors last year, he’s become even more of a scorer this season with almost twice as many goals as assists. Carbonneau remains a pure, natural offensive talent. He attacks fiercely off the rush, recovers pucks effectively and supports breakouts with poise and confidence. His quick hands in tight, unmatched escapability and diverse shooting arsenal—whether a curl-and-drag snapshot or a booming one-timer—make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. Dynamic and creative, he manipulates defenders in small spaces and finds teammates through layers. However, his game still features some familiar flaws. He can force plays, drift from optimal positioning at both ends and lose coverage defensively. His skating also still lacks high-end explosiveness. Projection-wise, Carbonneau profiles as a dynamic top six NHL scorer and power-play weapon if he refines his habits and rounds out his two-way game.
Otto Stenberg, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Stenberg’s first full season in North America has gone swimmingly, with Stenberg earning a significant look from the Blues thanks to his strong play with Springfield of the AHL. Stenberg’s high energy approach and high IQ make him a strong two-way player who can provide a lot of versatility to his future coaches. He works hard to earn touches and as he improves his conditioning further, he’s going to be even more successful playing through traffic and getting to the net at the NHL level. He’s not necessarily likely to be a primary play driver; his skill set lends more to being a strong complementary piece, however, he does project as a future middle six piece for the Blues who can play in any situation. Given his strong play for the Blues in a limited look this year, you can probably expect him to earn a permanent roster spot next season when the Blues have a few veteran players coming off the books, or as they enter into a rebuild and clear room via trade.
Theo Lindstein, D, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

A Blues first rounder in 2023, Lindstein is currently playing in his first season in North America after several years in the Brynas program in Sweden. He’s a high IQ, two-way defensive prospect who can make quick decisions with the puck and aid his team’s transition game. His play in the AHL has had its ups and downs and has shown that Lindstein might be a few years from being a potential asset for the Blues. He needs to carve an identity as a player. While he’s an intelligent stick-on-puck defender, he needs to get stronger to win positional battles at the pro level in North America; there needs to be a focus on improving physically. Additionally, his offensive game has never truly improved to the point where you would expect Lindstein to become a prominent point producer from the back end. So that means the key for Lindstein is continuing to improve those physical tools so that he could eventually be a solid and dependable #4-6 defender for the Blues in the future.
Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

After a breakout season last year with Moncton, that saw Pekarcik capture a QMJHL championship, expectations were sky high for him as he entered his first professional season this year. However, it’s been a bit of a grind for Pekarcik as he has struggled to make a consistent offensive impact. While he’s only been receiving third line ice time, he has been getting regular powerplay time, so a lack of opportunity can’t be blamed as the culprit. Pekarcik is a strong supporting winger who can use his size to win battles down low and get to the net. He excels as a playmaker because of good vision and offensive zone awareness, in addition to being hard to separate from the puck. The key for him is continuing to find consistency in his play away from the puck and physical play to help him develop into a solid two-way menace. Next year should see Pekarcik take a leap offensively at the AHL level, putting him on track to eventually develop into a quality third line winger and powerplay option for the Blues.
Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Buchelnikov had his breakout season last year playing on one of the worst teams in the KHL, flashing his offensive instincts and scoring abilities. Now playing for CSKA, the production remained as he was producing well before taking a couple months off to recover from a surgery and scoring in his first game back. Buchenlikov's game is centered around his speed and offensive prowess. He pushes the pace, putting pressure on the forecheck and using his speed in transition or to attack loose pucks. In the offensive end, he's a dual threat, with the ability to throw high danger passes to the slot or utilize his strong shot, especially on the man advantage. An intelligent player off the puck in the offensive zone, finding open areas of the ice to attack and put himself in dangerous areas. To find success in North America he must improve on the gritty areas of the game. He struggles under pressure, is ineffective along the boards and is uninvolved defensively. If he comes overseas at the end of his contract, time in the AHL would be beneficial to refine these areas and his path to being a high pace third line scoring option can come to fruition.
Lukas Fischer, D, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

When Fischer was drafted by the Blues in 2024, the second rounder was seen as a major long-term project. He had the physical tools, but he was still learning how to utilize them to be a consistently impactful two-way defender. The question was, what kind of defenseman would Fischer, the son of former Detroit Red Wing Jiri Fischer, be? As he approaches the end of his OHL eligibility, we now have a better idea of that. Splitting the year between Sarnia and the Soo Greyhounds, Fischer has become a standout defensively, using his huge frame to become a physical workhorse. He can still impact the game offensively with his big point shot and galloping strides, however, there’s now a clear path to the NHL for Fischer as a defensive stalwart not unlike his father. Next year, as he enters the pro ranks, it will be interesting to see how Fischer’s offensive game translates. That will give the Blues a better indication of his ultimate upside as an NHL player.
Love Härenstam, G, Södertälje SK (Allsvenskan)

Härenstam, a sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, is proving to be a strong value selection. His season has marked steady progress, particularly with Södertälje SK, where he has posted a 1.81 GAA and .920 save percentage in 32 games while taking on greater responsibility against structured professional competition. He looks increasingly composed under pressure, showing improved puck tracking through traffic and more controlled rebound management, especially in net front scrambles. He also impressed at the WJC, playing a key role in Sweden’s gold medal run. Härenstam handled high-pressure situations well, staying poised and square to shooters, maintaining control in busy defensive situations. Technically, structure remains his foundation. He relies on positioning and reads rather than unnecessary movement, though added strength and explosiveness remain important developmental areas, particularly when dealing with heavy traffic. Long term, Härenstam projects most realistically as an AHL starter or a top goaltender in Europe’s major professional leagues. In a best-case scenario, continued development could open a path toward an NHL backup role, though long-term outcomes for goaltenders remain highly variable.
Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

When the Tampa Bay Lightning put Finley on waivers in early February, making him available to other organizations for free, it presented an opportunity for the Blues that simply made too much sense for them to pass up. St. Louis was already looking to make their NHL roster younger, so why not take a chance on a player who was born and raised in the market while his dad, Jeff, was playing for the team? Jack's role with the Bolts was as a physical, checking-line center at the bottom of the lineup, and that won't change in his new surroundings, at least not immediately. The hope is that he will continue to grow and improve in that role, so that he can eventually take on more difficult assignments and carry a heavier workload. He's no slouch when he has the puck in the offensive zone either, so he might be able to contribute some secondary scoring as well. Finley is signed for two more years at the league's minimum salary, which is terrific value under the salary cap.
Colin Ralph, D, Michigan State University (NCAA) (Currently with Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL)

Ralph has added a level of defensive stability that the Spartans have desperately needed this season. Transferring from St. Cloud State, he has brought his 6-foot-4 frame, his skating speed and mobility to kill plays. Ralph is highly intelligent and mature in the defensive zone, possessing an active stick and a great ability to retrieve the puck to try to flip the ice. He’s been even more effective defending the rush, forcing any and all pressure wide and to the wall. Ralph even has improved his physicality, laying the body with more efficiency this season. He has not taken enormous offensive strides but his puck carrying skills have gotten a lot better. He will likely need one more year at Michigan State before he can be a true contributor to the Blues lineup but he looks like he will eventually get to a place where he is relied upon in some heavy minutes in the NHL. With continued positive development, Ralph could end up being a reliable #4-5 who can anchor a penalty killing unit.
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

A skilled and intelligent playmaker, Kaskimaki needs to carve out an identity to be a permanent fixture on the Blues in the future. He likely needs another year in the AHL to help him find consistency and establish a future role. Best case scenario sees him eventually develop into a middle six player for the Blues.
Matvei Korotky, C, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

As a seventh-round pick there is good reason to be excited about this player, but there are still areas of his game that need to come a long way before he's NHL ready. The skating needs to take a big step, as does his overall involvement and motor. He's not exceptionally skilled so to stick in a bottom six role one day, his intensity, pressure, pace and physicality must develop over the next few years in the KHL.
Dylan Peterson, RW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

When the Blues drafted Peterson, there was never significant thought that he would become a top six player. However, his frame and skating combination, in addition to his physical approach make him an ideal bottom six NHL player.
Jakub Stancl, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

There was definitely an adjustment period for the first year pro this year, but he’s improved nearly every month in Springfield. The big winger is on track to develop into a middle six piece.
Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

A lack of consistency continues to plague Jecho’s game. He can have a profound impact on the game because of his size and skill, but he still needs a lot of work.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #10

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:19:28 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 23: St. Louis Blues center Dalibor Dvorsky (54) skates with the puck during a regular season game where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Nashville Predators on Saturday March 23, 2025, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MO (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 10th (May 2025 - 12th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024

The St. Louis Blues are hitting their stride, driven by a budding core of Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Jake Neighbours, and Pavel Buchnevich.

Off the ice, GM Doug Armstrong scored big last summer with offer-sheet acquisitions Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, both of whom have stepped into key roles to round out that core. On the blue line, Logan Mailloux joins the mix following a one-for-one swap that sent Zachary Bolduc the other way.

In the pipeline, Jimmy Snuggerud headlines the class of emerging talent. A 2025 Hobey Baker finalist, he signed late in the 2024-25 season after captaining the University of Minnesota, where he racked up 66 goals and 135 points in 119 games. Dalibor Dvorsky, the 2023 first rounder, dazzled in his AHL rookie season with Springfield and earned multiple NHL call-ups. Both are poised to compete for full-time spots in 2025-26.

Further down the depth chart, 2024 fourth-round steal Tomas Mrsic exploded for 90 points with WHL Prince Albert, ranking 10th league-wide in scoring. Otto Stenberg also impressed, transitioning seamlessly from Europe to the AHL.

The 2025 draft was more about quality than quantity, with St. Louis making just three selections but landing Justin Carbonneau 19th overall—a high-upside addition to their ranks.

Under new head coach Jim Montgomery, the Blues are transitioning from playoff hopeful to legitimate contender.

St. Louis Blues Top-15 Prospects

1 - Jimmy Snuggerud

Jimmy Snuggerud, a 2022 first-round pick, has been a force at the University of Minnesota over the past three seasons. He was a driver for the Golden Gophers’ offence and even wore the “C” as captain last year. Snuggerud ended up being a Hobey Baker Award finalist after putting up 51 points last season before signing his entry-level deal with the Blues. He is a big winger with a dangerous shot, has playmaking ability, lots of skill, and a competitive streak. He could stand to get a bit faster, but that isn’t something that will prevent him from being a successful NHLer, considering his other tools. Snuggerud made an impact with the Blues last spring after joining the team and likely will be a key forward for St. Louis as a rookie this season. He should slot into the top six for the foreseeable future, as well as becoming a likely fixture on the power play.

2 - Dalibor Dvorsky

Historically, Dvorsky’s 19-year-old season in the AHL compares well to some other quality NHL players who spent an “underage” year as a pro in North America. Guys like Martin Necas, Shane Wright, Jack Roslovic, and Jiri Kluich recently performed similarly to Dvorsky from a production perspective. The big forward’s ability to attack the middle of the ice and rifle pucks from the slot and right flank has been noticeable. He’s been especially dangerous on the power play. It’s also promising that he played center pretty much all season long. After making strides as a two-way player in the OHL, Dvorsky’s play away from the puck lacked detail this past year as a pro. He also struggled at the faceoff circle. If he wants to stick down the middle, both of these areas will need to continue to improve as a professional. Dvorsky’s projection as a potential perennial 30/30 guy for the Blues has not changed and with a solid offseason, he could make a push for a full-time role next year.

3 - Logan Mailloux

Logan Mailloux has put together two very strong pro seasons with the Laval Rocket, and he should be in the mix to make the full-time jump to the St. Louis Blues this season after an offseason trade. With Mailloux, there’s no doubt that his game revolves around his intelligence. He can run a pro power play, and he has a deceptive release from the point that can beat goalies clean. He also has good size and physicality to his game, which is very important in a hopeful top four NHL defender. There are moments when Mailloux still struggles on the defensive side of the puck, but he has made considerable progress in this area and looks ready for the NHL. As long as Mailloux continues to build on what he has shown so far at the pro level, it won’t be long until we see him become a full-time top four NHL defender who can run a power play.

4 - Justin Carbonneau

Justin Carbonneau was drafted 19th overall in 2025 by the St. Louis Blues, a pick many view as a potential steal. He led the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada this season with 89 points in 62 games, ranking second in QMJHL scoring and tying for the league lead with 46 goals. After NCAA rumours surfaced, Carbonneau announced his return for a final QMJHL season. Stylistically, Carbonneau is one of the most exciting prospects in the NHL. He can completely take over games with his tools. Carbonneau is also one of the physically strongest players for his age, his stride is ridiculously powerful, his puck skills are through the roof, and his shot is also among the best in his age group. Even his playmaking vision has improved tenfold throughout the year, making him an elite all-around offensive threat. That said, Carbonneau will thrive when he is given a lot of space to operate. However, he can struggle and be frustrated against the best competition. Additionally, in the playoffs, Carbonneau was only able to score three points in five games. If he can show a consistent effort and success rate, Carbonneau can still be regarded as a big steal.

5 - Adam Jiricek

Simply put, Jiricek just didn’t play a whole lot last year. He got a late start to this season as he rehabbed his knee injury, then re-injured the same knee shortly after joining Brantford. However, he remained fairly healthy after returning from the World Juniors and helped Brantford capture first in the Eastern Conference. Watching Jiricek this past year, it was obvious that he was a player working his way back from a serious injury; he is still gaining confidence in his ability to be a playmaker with the puck. However, he was highly effective as a defensive player, showing good instincts and applying a physical approach to taking away time and space. Even if the offensive game never develops, there’s a clear path to the NHL for him as a stay-at-home type who can anchor a penalty killing unit. Given how little Jiricek has played, sending him back to the OHL for another season next year might just be best for his development, to help foster progression in his offensive game.

6 - Theo Lindstein

Lindstein came so close to both an SHL championship with Brynas and a gold medal at the WJC but lost out on both. No knock against the mobile, all-situations defenceman. He’s been nothing but rock-steady on the blueline at all levels he’s played at this season. He plays with a ton of poise and awareness in the defensive zone. He’s a tactical passer and effective puck mover who likes to jump up on the rush when he can. He’s got a pretty good rip from the point, but his offensive game doesn’t project to anything special. He's got an average frame, but he’s got an impactful physical game. While Lindstein is a jack-of-all-trades, he’s also a master of none. He’s steadily improved since his draft year, so there’s a chance he outperforms this, but Lindstein projects to be a bottom pair defenceman at the NHL level, and a really solid one at that. He’ll spend next season with AHL Springfield and will likely need some seasoning there before snagging an NHL roster spot.

7 - Otto Stenberg

Stenberg signed his ELC in January following another stellar WJC performance, but his lack of production in the SHL has been mystifying to say the least. However, Blues fans should keep the faith with him. In his half season of AHL play, Stenberg has adjusted to the pace and physicality remarkably quickly. His playmaking ability and puck handling skills have looked quite good on smaller ice and should get better with more reps. Despite struggling with inconsistency in the past, something is really clicking for him in Springfield. Stenberg could still be that middle six offensive winger that St Louis was hoping for when they drafted him, but he needs to really prove it next season. A solid full year in the AHL could see him earn a few games in the NHL, with the potential for securing a full-time role in his age 21 season.

8 - Juraj Pekarcik

Juraj Pekarcik, drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, joined the QMJHL for his DY+1 season after splitting time between Slovakia’s U20 and pro levels. Pekarcik was four days away from being a 2024 prospect, making him one of the youngest players of his draft class. This last season, Pekarcik has been a key element to the Moncton Wildcats’ historical run. In 53 games, Pekarcik put up 67 points, which ranks him second on his team, only behind top prospect Caleb Desnoyers. In the playoffs, he scored 21 points in 19 games, placing him fifth in the QMJHL playoff scoring race. The Slovak’s greatest asset is his playmaking and on-ice awareness. Despite moving between three leagues in three seasons, he has shown impressive chemistry with any linemates given. While not being a main offensive driver at the junior level, Pekarcik still showcases a high level of puck control and brings a well-rounded game. Pecarcik is able to consistently find teammates with his passes across the ice and always attempts to use his smart positioning to create passing lanes for his teammates. Additionally, his pace and defensive effort make him a promising candidate for a future bottom six NHL role with the Blues.

9 - Lukas Fischer

Fischer’s breakout season in the OHL had to be very encouraging to the Blues. He finished the season fifth among OHL blueliners with 15 goals, thanks in part to his heavy point shot. He can really rifle the puck thanks to his growing frame. Fischer also uses his size well in the defensive end to play a physically smothering brand of hockey, at times looking like his father, former Red Wing Jiri Fischer. As you might expect, considering he played for an inconsistent Sarnia club, his decision making at both ends does need further refinement. However, he has the upside to be a difference maker at both ends; the true scope of his upside remains a bit of a mystery because he’s still gaining confidence and growing into his frame. The Blues knew he was a project pick in the second round and that remains the case. However, with patience, he could end up being a great find.

10 - Quinton Burns

Burns emerged as a defensive leader in the OHL this year, operating as captain of the much-improved Kingston Frontenacs. He improved his offensive production, was among the OHL’s leaders in ice time, and further cemented his status as one of the league’s toughest defenders to match up against. His size, mobility, and physical approach make him a really tough player for opposing forwards to escape the clutches of. Not only does he defend well in transition by being aggressive with his gaps, but he’s also suffocating in tight spaces. At the next level, offence isn’t going to be his calling card, but it was great to see his decision making and breakouts become cleaner and more consistent. He’ll turn pro next year and could be the kind of defensive defender who moves quickly through the system. The Blues will learn more when he steps foot in the AHL, although he should adapt quickly to the pro game.

11 - Colten Ellis

After one full season in the AHL, Ellis proved he belongs after multiple years at the ECHL level. With Binnington locked as the starter and Hofer the backup, there isn’t room for Ellis on the roster unless an injury happens ahead of him. Ellis will be the Thunderbirds' go-to goalie for the upcoming season.

12 - Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

In a transition season, Kaskimaki had a pretty good season in the AHL with 34 points in 63 games. He’s a good shooter and finished the season with 10 power-play points. Kaskimaki’s largest issue comes with his ability in the defensive end. He was a feature on the penalty kill and only a -6, however. Kaskimaki will likely occupy a top six role for Springfield as he gets used to the North American game on both ends of the ice.

13 - Zach Dean

Last season was riddled with injuries for Zach Dean, who only played in 11 games and registered four points. Dean’s point scoring hasn’t quite developed like the Blues had hoped, and the injuries won’t help that. If he can stay healthy and generate more offence, Dean has middle six upside. If he can’t, he will likely be a high-energy fourth liner at best, but most likely an AHL regular.

14 - Colin Ralph

After a solid season with St. Cloud State in the NCAA, Ralph will transfer to Michigan State for the upcoming season. Ralph’s game is 100% defence. He utilizes his long reach and smooth skating to close gaps quickly and disrupt the play. On a Spartans team with NHL talent in front and behind him, Ralph won’t need to do anything more than play his game. He should prove to be a shutdown defenceman on a team pushing for a National Championship.

15 - Jakub Stancl

In his D+2 year, Stancl moved over from the Swedish leagues to the WHL, where he scored a point per game. He then played 10 games with Springfield, where he registered one point. Stancl plays a physically mature game but lacks the defensive presence of mind at the pro level right now. He’ll continue with Springfield this season, where he should be utilized in a bottom six role unless his scoring ramps up.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #12 St. Louis Blues – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:49:01 +0000

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St. Louis 25 Prospects

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Kyle Watson — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:24:28 +0000

OTTAWA - It wasn't a day fans had marked on their calendar.

The prospect of watching the Germans and Latvians duke it out for a spot in the quarterfinal and Team Slovakia face lowly Kazakhstan did not entice many — neither match was well attended.

World Juniors enthusiasts who showed up or tuned in on TV were rewarded with arguably the most exciting day of action thus far.

Captain Dalibor Dvorsky scored twice and set up two more goals to give the Slovaks a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame of Monday's opening contest. In the game's dying minutes, Team Kazakhstan managed to score twice while killing a major penalty to force overtime.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Maxim Strbak played the saviour in overtime, slipping the puck through Vladimir Nikitin's five-hole on the breakaway and helping his team avoid total collapse:

SLOVAKIA HANGS ON!

Maxim Strbak scores in overtime to win 5-4 over Kazakhstan. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/e9zO6ftAJd

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The win clinched third spot in Group B for Team Slovakia, earning them a place in the quarterfinals for the third-straight tournament.

Latvia-Germany was even more hectic.

The Germans needed a win in regulation to have a chance of playing in the quarterfinals. With the game tied 2-2 with 2:51 remaining, their head coach Tobias Abstreiter decided to pull the goalie on an offensive zone draw to give his team a 6to 4 man advantage.

The move immediately backfired:

GERMANY PULLS THEIR GOALIE TO GO FOR THE WIN AND IT INSTANTLY BACKFIRES

3-2 LATIVA! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JoDUhhKK34

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Just 20 seconds later, with Germany's net still vacant, 2025 NHL Draft prospect David Lewandowski's one-timer sailed over the shoulder of Linards Feldbergs to serve up the day's second helping of 3-on-3 sudden death.

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko, who played shootout hero against Canada, showed off his lightning-quick release in overtime to give Team Latvia their third quarterfinals berth in four years:

LATVIA WINS IT IN OVERTIME

Who else but Eriks Mateiko, the OT hero! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/UnukGxpWaz

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound forward has spearheaded the Latvian attack at the World Juniors: he possesses an impressive blend of skill and snarl that's emblematic of his team's approach.

There won't be enough ice in all of Ottawa to meet the needs of this Latvian team by the time the World Juniors are over, because of all the bruises caused by all these blocked shots

Those kids are hurting, but they wouldn't have it any other way: they're on to the quarterfinals

— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) December 30, 2024

When the Germans took a 2-0 lead midway through the second period, Mateiko rallied his team together by scoring under a minute later.

All goaltender Linus Viellard could do was pray it hit him:

LATVIA RESPONDS!

Eriks Mateiko responds 32 seconds after Germany's second goal to make it 2-1. WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/RiQ2EVzceQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

"We found a way," said Mateiko, after the game. "That probably wasn't our best game; Germany played well."

"But it's really fun to win in this tournament, I can tell you that!" he added with a smile.

It was a milestone victory for the nation: the only time they've ever won two games in the round-robin.

"It's really big for Latvia," said Linards Feldbergs.

"We are a small country, but we can do big things like we did today and [the] game against Canada."

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

On day two, we discussed how Slovakia needed more from Dalibor Dvosrky in his fourth World Juniors appearance. Yesterday's contest was the first time in the tournament he displayed the talent that convinced the St. Louis Blues to select him 10th overall in 2023.

Dvorsky is a terrific finisher, particularly in the thick of traffic in front of the net. He scored twice down low before dropping jaws with his setup for linemate Juraj Pekarcik:

Just before time expires in the 1st period, Slovakia makes it 3-0! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/GejwISETT6

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Providing another helper for Pekarcik to make it 4-1 before the Kazakhstani comeback, Dvorsky finished with two goals and two assists.

Pekarcik, who plays for Moncton in the QMJHL, was also drafted by the Blues in 2023: 76th overall. The 19-year-old was named player of the game with an identical stat line of two goals and two assists.

This is the second tournament in which the St. Louis prospects have been deployed on a line together: their chemistry could prove pivotal for the team's success. Slovakia will take on the winner of today's matchup between Switzerland and Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals, with the loser facing Germany in the relegation round.

Parting notes

Truly one of the craziest finishes to a group in recent history:

So, for WJ's tomorrow:

-winner of wins Group A

-if that game goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-if goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-but if loses in regulation, and or wins in regulation, will finish 3rd and play the loser of …

— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) December 31, 2024

16-year-old forward Olivers Murnieks (Sioux City, USHL) had his best game of the tournament. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect set up the Latvians' first two goals before scoring an empty netter. He was a plus-three with three shots on goal.
Julius Sumpf (Moncton, QMJHL) continues to set the pace for Team Germany: the 19-year-old had two assists yesterday, taking his tournament totals to one goal and four points
There is currently a four-way tie for the top scorer in the event: Hradec Vojtech (Mladá Boleslav, Czech Extraliga), Axel Sandin-Pelikka (Skellefteå, SHL), Jakub Stancl (Kelowna, WHL), and Dalibor Dvorsky (Springfield, AHL) each have seven points
Only two goaltenders have played 100% of their team's minutes in the tournament so far: Latvia's Linards Felbergs (Sherbrooke, QMJHL) and Finland's Petteri "Showtime" Rimpinen (Kiekko-Espoo, Liiga).

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Slovakia

Matej Deraj — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:00:54 +0000

Slovakia had a strong team last year, featuring eleven drafted players, including three first-rounders: Dalibor Dvorský, Samuel Honzek, and Filip Mešár. Despite their potential, their medal ambitions fell short after a quarterfinal overtime loss to Finland. This year, Ivan Feneš’ squad is aiming for redemption, but advancing past the quarterfinals could be a serious challenge.

Slovakia’s top player is undoubtedly the returning Dalibor Dvorský. The Blues prospect (#10 in the 2023 NHL Draft) is having an excellent season with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL, where he is one of the team’s best players. His first NHL call-up seems imminent, but first, he will take part in his fifth (!) World Juniors, counting the cancelled 2022 tournament that was rescheduled and played again later in the summer.

The 2005 Slovak birth year group lacks the star power of the previous year but still boasts valuable experience, with key returnees like Dvorský, defenseman Maxim Štrbák or forward Juraj Pekarčík. Younger draft-eligible players, such as forwards Tomáš Pobežal and Ján Chovan, or a puck-moving defenceman Luka Radivojevič, who already made his WJC debut last year, add fresh talent and energy to the roster.

Slovakia will compete in a group with Sweden, Czechia, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan. A top-two finish in the group would definitely improve their chances of reaching the semifinals. While Slovakia hasn’t advanced to the final four at the U20 level since winning bronze in 2015, they’ve had recent success at the U18 level, finishing 4th in both 2023 and 2024. Many players from those U18 squads are on the current roster, bringing valuable experience to the World Juniors stage.

Ultimately, Slovakia’s medal hopes rest heavily on Dvorský’s performance. If he delivers a standout tournament and receives strong secondary scoring support from the rest of the forwards, as well as reliable goaltending, Slovakia could make a surprising run to the final four. The team’s depth, talent, and defensive structure are strengths, but a true No. 1 goalie will be crucial. The round-robin game against Czechia could be a good test of which team is better positioned to contend for a medal.

Key Players

Dalibor Dvorský, C

Dvorský is one of the best players of the whole tournament and he should be the undisputed leader of the Slovak team. He's having a great season in the AHL and Slovakia will definitely benefit from having him on the roster. Dvorský is a talented shooter who can really rip the puck, he has great offensive skills and plays a decent two-way game as a centre. He's playing at his 5^th World Juniors (including the cancelled 2022 tournament), but it hasn't always been sure if the Blues let him go. Thankfully for Slovakia, he will appear in Ottawa to help his team have a successful tournament.

Maxim Štrbák, D

Štrbák is also going to play at his 5^th U20 tournament, which has never happened before. The Sabres prospect was already a true #1 defenceman for Slovakia last year due to Šimon Nemec´s absence and is looking forward to reprising that role this year. Štrbák is a two-way defenceman with a solid frame and compete level who defends well. He does have some offence to his game, which is evident when playing for Team Slovakia, but he's not a typical powerplay quarterback and will likely give up that position to Luka Radivojevič. Štrbák should, however, play the most minutes on the team.

Juraj Pekarčík, LW/RW

Pekarčík is a 3^rd round pick from the 2023 draft, he was selected by the same team as Dvorský (the Blues). He's the expected linemate of the Slovak star as they played together at the U18 World Championship and did extremely well. Pekarčík is a great playmaker, he´s mobile and has a decent size. He works hard and goes to the net. His play makes him a great complementary winger. He should be able to help with scoring points and playing a lot of minutes.

Luka Radivojevič, D

Radivojevič stunned the world at the last U20 tournament, where he dressed for Slovakia as a 16-year-old and didn't look out of pace at all. He even scored his first goal and got some looks on the powerplay. A year later, Radivojevič should be the PP1 quarterback and get the offensive zone starts. He is a smaller defenceman with great mobility and offensive creativity, he uses his stick well and likes to play with the puck on his stick. Radivojevič had previously been hyped to be selected in the teens of the upcoming draft, which might not be the case anymore, due to his early season struggles. However, should he play a great tournament, his stock would likely go up.

Tomáš Pobežal, C/W

Pobežal is an exciting young forward, he missed last year´s tournament due to injury, but he's ready for his first World Juniors appearance now. Pobežal is having a great draft year in Slovak top-tier league, scoring twelve goals in twenty-six games. The scoring pace is unusual for a first-year draft-eligible player in a challenging pro league; only Marián Hossa and Marián Gáborík managed to score more goals in their DY. Pobežal is a versatile forward with a high compete level who's always trying to be engaged, either in creating chances and getting to dangerous spots in offence, or finishing checks and taunting opponents to get under their skin. An exciting player to watch.

Samuel Urban, G

The athletic goalie went undrafted for two years, not even a great performance at the U18 World Championship could help him to get selected. Urban played a huge role in Slovakia´s success at that tournament and now he'll need to be on top of his game again to help his team achieve a successful result. Urban is the projected starter; he's played a ton of games in the USHL and has always been a reliable option for this Slovak group at the international level. He´s a bit smaller (6´1”), but an extremely athletic goalie who has the tools to bring a great performance.

Adam Cedzo, RW

Cedzo was the third guy on the elite Slovak line which helped the team tremendously to reach the semifinals at the 2023 U18 World Championship. He is a skilled forward with silky hands but a strong wrister, making him a huge powerplay threat to give Slovakia another option other than just passing to Dvorský all the time. Cedzo has played in a second-tier Czech league for the past two years. He’s a smaller forward, but competes hard and helps his team to win.

Jakub Chromiak, D

Chromiak had struggled for the past two years in the OHL, but he's been having a much better season this year with the Kitchener Rangers. He is a two-way defenceman who has always shown his offensive abilities but wasn't able to progress as much as expected. He should be an important defenceman for Slovakia, if they are able to fit him on a power play, it should be even better. Chromiak has a decent shot and other offensive qualities, such as vision and passing.

Samuel Barcík, D

Barcík has been a pleasant surprise in the Slovak top-tier league, playing well on one of the best teams in the league and even running a powerplay at some point. He's more of a defensive defenceman; he's strong, uses his body well and throws hits. He does have a booming shot and some offence to his game as well. Barcík has been a member of the Slovak junior teams in the past, but he's going to play at his first World Juniors.

Daniel Jenčko, LW/C

Jenčko has been playing well in the NCAA at UMass, scoring seven points in nine games as a freshman in college. He spent two years in Sweden prior to moving to the US, first to the USHL and now he's in the NCAA. He´s a speedy forward with a decent playmaking game and vision. Jenčko has some two-way qualities to his game as well, although he's been playing more at the wing. He should be able to provide some secondary scoring.

Sleeper Player

Ján Chovan, RW/C

Chovan is an intriguing player for the 2025 NHL Draft. He´s big, strong and extremely well-rounded – able to play centre and wing, on the power play and penalty kill, boasting decent two-way skills. There are not many exciting draft eligibles playing in Finland this year, but Chovan is definitely among them. He's one of the youngest players on the Slovak squad and the draft eligibles tend to have a longer adjusting period, especially to the pace, at their first World Juniors. However, this is a great opportunity for Chovan to show his game at a bigger stage and display his skill.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #14

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 13:00:34 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 14th (Previous Rank - 15th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Drew Bannister Hired: December 2023

The St. Louis Blues shook up the hockey world in mid-August, making waves by successfully executing two offer sheets that landed them two key Edmonton Oilers graduates, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. These additions bolster an immediate core that includes Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko, Scott Perunovich, and Justin Faulk. These moves provide a clear signal that the Blues are committed to accelerating their retooling process, rather than waiting for a slow cook.

Unfortunately, despite carrying a few notable names for the future, the Blues’ prospect pool lacks immediate impact players. Among the few notable prospects currently marinating on the farm team are Zachary Bolduc (102nd), Zach Dean (123rd), Michael Buchinger (ranked 214th) and Tanner Dickinson, all of whom are continuing their development and could become NHL contributors within the next few seasons.

One of the most exciting young prospects in the system is Dalibor Dvorsky (37th), who transitioned to the OHL and lit up the league with 88 points in just 52 games with the Sudbury Wolves. Additionally, Adam Jecho (265th), Lukas Fischer (292nd) and Juraj Pekarcik (297th) will continue their development within the CHL.

Jimmy Snuggerud (66th), regarded as the organization’s premier sharpshooter, will return for his junior year with the Minnesota Gophers. Over 79 games, Snuggerud has posted 84 points, just above a point-per-game clip. The hope is that Snuggerud will make the leap to the NHL by the season’s end. Additionally, the Blues have some exciting pieces developing overseas, including recent draft picks Adam Jiricek (90th), Theo Lindstein (114th), and Otto Stenberg (121st).

After missing the playoffs in back-to-back season, the Blues have taken a turn in the opposite direction and to make matters worse, they have ridden themselves of most of their future picks with no second, third or fourth round picks at next year's draft table. While they may not be tracking as strong contenders right now, the Blues’ prospect depth carries a few underrated and talented names, offering the potential for a slightly smoother landing.

St. Louis Blues Top-15 Prospects

1. Dalibor Dvorsky

Drafted 10th overall in 2023, Dalibor Dvorsky's season was a story of adaptation. A brief stint in the SHL with IK Oskarshamn proved challenging, highlighting the struggle for ice time in a men’s league. However, the move to the OHL's Sudbury Wolves was a breath of fresh air. He exploded offensively, putting up a dominant 88 points in 52 games. His blend of size, skill, and skating translated well against his peers. While the offensive outburst is impressive, questions remain. Can Dvorsky replicate this production against tougher competition? There are also whispers about inconsistency in his game. Despite the point totals, there’s a need to see a more well-rounded effort at both ends of the ice. Overall, last season showcased his high offensive ceiling. He will likely spend next year in the AHL, where he'll face a steeper challenge. How he adjusts will determine if his scoring prowess can translate to the pro game.

2. Jimmy Snuggerud

Drafted 23rd overall by the Blues in 2023, Jimmy Snuggerud opted to stay in the NCAA for his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota. The decision paid off. He emerged as a top line forward, leading the Golden Gophers with 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 39 games. He showcased a well-rounded skillset, combining impressive skating with a knack for finding the net. Not just a scorer, though. He displayed a strong work ethic and a willingness to battle for pucks along the walls. That performance earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honours. While there is a need to improve his decision-making at times, the overall development suggests he's on the right track to becoming a valuable NHL contributor. Having NHL bloodlines and the knowledge gained from a couple of years with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program have been huge factors in the steep upward trajectory of his growth, and he is only just getting started.

3. Adam Jiricek

Adam Jiricek entered the 2024 draft season as one of the most highly anticipated prospects, following an impressive track record in the Czech U17 and U20 leagues. The younger brother of David Jiricek, is known for his exceptional skating and showcased his skills at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, playing significant minutes and impressing scouts. However, his season proved challenging. Jiricek struggled to find offensive opportunities in his pro role, leading to a dip in confidence and performance. After brief stints in the U20 league and the 5-Nations Tournament, he suffered a concussion and a season-ending injury at the World Junior Championship. Despite these setbacks, Jiricek remains a first-round talent. His skating, defensive prowess, and offensive skills make him a promising future NHL defenceman. With time to develop and a strong all-around game, he’s well-positioned for success once he fully recovers and matures.

4. Zach Bolduc

Zach Bolduc, the 17th overall pick in 2021, enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Living up to his talented, opportunistic scorer label, he notched 25 points in 50 games, earning a call-up to the big club where he spent another 25 games. His hand-eye coordination and ability to finish around the net were on full display. However, questions about consistency remain. While flashes of brilliance were common, stretches of disappearing acts persisted. His decision-making also needs refinement, as evidenced by occasional turnovers. Despite these areas for improvement, the offensive explosion is undeniable. The Blues have a potential top six winger on their hands but unlocking his full potential hinges on developing a more well-rounded game. This season will be crucial in determining if Bolduc can translate his scoring prowess to the NHL level permanently.

5. Theo Lindstein

Theo Lindstein, the Blues' first-round pick (29th overall) in 2023, spent most of his season in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan with Brynas IF. He had a solid year in terms of playing time – Lindstein logged a solid 49 games. However, the offensive production some craved wasn't quite there (four goals, 11 assists). His calling card remains his defensive acumen. His positioning and ability to shut down attackers stand out as strengths. But the offensive side of his game, once viewed as a potential strength, appears raw. Consistency with his puck skills and decision-making is lacking. While the lack of points might raise eyebrows, it's important to remember Lindstein is just 19. This stint was a chance to adapt to the pro game, and defensively, he seems to have done that well. The question for the Blues is can he develop his offensive tools and become a more well-rounded defenceman? The answer will determine his NHL timeline.

6. Otto Stenberg

Drafted 25th overall by the Blues in 2023, Otto Stenberg's season was a mixed bag. He split his time between three leagues, showcasing his versatility but raising questions about his long-term fit. In the SHL with Frölunda HC, his production was modest (six points in 31 games). However, he impressed at the World Junior Championships (WJC), contributing nine points in seven games. A loan stint with BIK Karlskoga in Sweden's second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan yielded nine points in nine games. Stenberg's calling card remains his well-rounded skillset. He boasts excellent skating, a strong shot, and solid hockey IQ. However, he’ll need to show that he can translate that into more consistent offensive production, particularly at the pro level. The Blues haven't signed him yet, and his future landing spot remains uncertain. But his flashes of brilliance suggest he has the tools to be a valuable asset, assuming he can put it all together.

7. Zach Dean

Zach Dean's first pro season with the Blues organization was a bumpy ride. Acquired from Vegas, Dean struggled to translate his dominant QMJHL scoring (70 points in 50 games) to the AHL. His point production in Springfield (nine goals, five assists in 49 games) was underwhelming. Some of this can be attributed to adjusting to a new team and tougher competition, but Dean's inconsistency was a recurring theme. There were flashes of his offensive brilliance – a highlight-reel goal here, smart playmaking there – but stretches of invisibility plagued his performance. Questions about Dean's defensive awareness also remain. While known for his physicality, his defensive positioning needs more work. The Blues likely view him as a long-term project, but Dean will need to find more consistency and improve his defensive play to earn an NHL call-up. Last season was a learning experience, but next year will be crucial in determining his NHL potential.

8. Michael Buchinger

Michael Buchinger is a smooth-skating defenceman with a strong two-way game. Standing at 6-foot-0 and 185 pounds, he combines mobility with intelligence, making him a reliable presence on both ends of the ice. Buchinger’s skating is fluid, allowing him to transition quickly from defence to offence and join the rush when needed. He has excellent puck-moving abilities, often making crisp, accurate passes to start breakouts or sustain pressure in the offensive zone. Defensively, Buchinger is sound in his positioning and uses his stick effectively to disrupt plays. He’s not overly physical but doesn’t shy away from contact, effectively using his body to win battles and protect his net. His hockey IQ is notable, often making smart decisions under pressure and reading the play well. While he could benefit from adding more strength, Buchinger’s overall skill set projects him as a dependable, top four defenceman with the ability to contribute in all situations.

9. Adam Jecho

Jecho is a player who can both dazzle and frustrate, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect. At his best, the 6-fot-5 forward combines impressive skating, puck handling, and shooting ability, showing an elite skill set that makes him a standout. His size allows him to dominate opponents, and when he's fully engaged, he can be a game-changer. However, Jecho's inconsistency is a significant concern. His effort level often fluctuates, with too many shifts where he seems disengaged. His puck control and decision-making also vary greatly, leading to costly turnovers when he's not at his best. While these issues could be attributed to inexperience or a challenging season with a struggling Oil Kings team, they raise questions about his reliability. Despite the potential for frustration, Jecho’s raw talent makes him an intriguing project. If the Blues can address his inconsistency, he has the tools to develop into a standout player.

10. Lukas Fischer

Being a key defender on a struggling team can magnify a player's weaknesses while masking their strengths. Lukas Fischer, son of former NHLer Jiri Fischer and current Red Wings Director of Player Development, managed this challenge well in his draft year. As one of the youngest prospects in the draft, Fischer, who may reach 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, displayed significant potential as a two-way defender despite being raw. His mobility is solid for the currently 6-foot-3 defenceman, with good top speed and quickness, though his defensive footwork can be inconsistent, sometimes leaving him vulnerable to faster opponents. Fischer's physical play is also marked by inconsistency, and he can be too passive in key situations. However, he shows flashes of physical dominance, which could become more consistent as he matures. Offensively, he contributes in transition and from the point, suggesting potential growth with more experience and better teammates. Despite some uncertainties, Fischer's physical tools and NHL lineage make him an intriguing prospect.

11. Juraj Pekarcik

Juraj Pekarcik is a dynamic, physical winger with a blend of speed, skill, and aggression. His quick feet and strong frame excel in puck battles, while his heavy, accurate shot generates scoring chances. Pekarcik’s vision and anticipation create opportunities for teammates, and his relentless forechecking disrupts opponents. With continued development, he could emerge as a top six forward and key contributor for the Blues, making him an exciting prospect.

12. Colin Ralph

In his second season at Shattuck St. Mary’s, defenceman Ralph excels with his physical tools and effective use of size. His fluid skating, agility, and reach make him tough to beat off the rush. While he plays a simple offensive game and needs improvement in breakouts, his potential as a solid number four defenceman and penalty kill anchor is evident.

13. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki is a highly skilled forward with impressive offensive instincts and a sharp hockey IQ. His ability to create scoring opportunities through precise passing and sharp shooting stands out. While his defensive play and consistency need refinement, Kaskimaki’s playmaking ability and offensive potential make him a promising prospect with significant NHL upside.

14. Quinton Burns

Quinton Burns is a robust defenceman known for his physicality and defensive reliability. His strong positioning and active stick make him effective in his own zone, while his hard shot and offensive zone awareness add value. Though his skating could improve, Burns’ solid defensive game and potential as a two-way player offer promising NHL upside.

15. Tanner Dickinson

Tanner Dickinson has faced setbacks, including a cancelled OHL season and a broken femur, but has shown promise since his return. Splitting time between the ECHL and AHL, Dickinson displays excellent playmaking, quick hands, and agility. His defensive skills and offensive potential suggest he could become a top six forward and power-play asset for the Blues.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:00:23 +0000

General manager Doug Armstrong has been running the show since 2010 and has won a Stanley Cup, a Conference title, three Division titles and has 10 playoff appearances. But for the first time since he took over, the St. Louis Blues have failed to make the playoffs for two straight seasons. Over those two years, the team has undergone a ‘retool’. Last season, the Blues moved on from Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Ivan Barbashev, and this season seemed unsure of the direction it was going. The organization did not make any big deals but fired head coach Craig Berube and put Drew Bannister in his spot. On paper, the team is strong with Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Torey Krug, Colton Parayko, and Jordan Binnington all locked up for the next three-plus seasons. It also has some excellent recent graduates in Joel Hofer, Jake Neighbours, Nikita Alexandrov, and Scott Perunovich. Realistically, this team should be able to put it together around this group, potentially with some younger pieces to fit with Kyrou and Thomas.

There may be help coming as well. The Blues have a very strong, potentially underrated, prospect group, headlined by a trio of first-round picks in 2023 with 10th-overall pick Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Theo Lindstein. The team also have promising first-rounders in Jimmy Snuggerud and Zachary Bolduc. While it’s been fairly quiet on the trade front, getting another first-round prospect in Zach Dean from the Barbashev trade will likely look very good in a few years. Plus, the Blues have not only kept all of their picks in the first five rounds for the next three years, but they’ve added a second and third-round pick this year. Coming off two disappointing seasons, expect some moves this offseason to rattle the cage.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Dalibor Dvorsky	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	`23(10th)	52	45	43	88	17
2	Jimmy Snuggerud	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(23rd)	39	21	13	34	42
3	Zachary Bolduc	LW	21	6-1/175	Springfield (AHL)	`21(17th)	50	8	17	25	24
					St. Louis (NHL)	`21(17th)	25	5	4	9	6
4	Theo Lindstein	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	`23(29th)	49	4	11	15	4
5	Otto Stenberg	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	`23(25th)	31	3	3	6	8
6	Zach Dean	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	T(VGK-2/23)	49	9	5	14	24
					St. Louis (NHL)	T(VGK-2/23)	9	0	0	0	6
7	Michael Buchinger	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	`22(88th)	52	10	37	47	37
8	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	18	6-2/185	Dubuque (USHL)	`23(76th)	43	9	50	59	22
9	Vadim Zherenko	G	23	6-2/175	Springfield (AHL)	`19(208th)	29	12	14	3.49	0.904
10	Tanner Dickinson	C	22	6-0/155	Orlando (ECHL)	`20(119th)	45	8	18	26	12
11	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	20	6-0/195	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	`22(73rd)	48	10	7	17	14
12	Quinton Burns	D	19	6-1/180	Kingston (OHL)	`23(74th)	58	6	29	35	120
13	Leo Loof	D	22	6-1/180	Springfield (AHL)	`20(88th)	58	0	7	7	27
14	Dylan Peterson	RW	22	6-4/200	Boston University (HE)	`20(86th)	35	8	12	20	73
15	Colten Ellis	G	23	6-1/190	Orlando (ECHL)	`19(93rd)	21	12	5	2.45	0.923

1. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Drafted 10th overall in 2023, Dalibor Dvorsky's season was a story of adaptation. A brief stint in the SHL with IK Oskarshamn proved challenging, highlighting the struggle for ice time in a men’s league. However, the move to the OHL's Sudbury Wolves was a breath of fresh air. He exploded offensively, putting up a dominant 88 points in 52 games. His blend of size, skill, and skating translated well against his peers. While the offensive outburst is impressive, questions remain. Can Dvorsky replicate this production against tougher competition? There are also whispers about inconsistency in his game. Despite the point totals, there’s a need to see a more well-rounded effort at both ends of the ice. Overall, this season showcased his high offensive ceiling. He will likely spend next year in the AHL, where he'll face a steeper challenge. How he adjusts will determine if his scoring prowess can translate to the pro game.

2. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Drafted 23rd overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, Jimmy Snuggerud opted to stay in the NCAA for his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota. The decision paid off. He emerged as a top line forward, leading the Golden Gophers with 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 39 games. He showcased a well-rounded skillset, combining impressive skating with a knack for finding the net. Not just a scorer, though. He displayed a strong work ethic and a willingness to battle for pucks along the walls. That performance earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honours. While there is a need to improve his decision-making at times, the overall development suggests he's on the right track to becoming a valuable NHL contributor. Having NHL bloodlines and the knowledge gained from a couple of years with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program have been huge factors in the steep upwards trajectory of his growth, and he is only just getting started.

3. Zach Bolduc, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Zach Bolduc, the 17th overall pick in 2021, enjoyed a strong rookie season with the St. Louis Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Living up to his talented, opportunistic scorer label, he notched 25 points in 50 games, earning a call up to the big club where he spent another 25 games. His hand-eye coordination and ability to finish around the net were on full display. However, questions about consistency remain. While flashes of brilliance were common, stretches of disappearing acts persisted. His decision-making also needs refinement, as evidenced by occasional turnovers. Despite these areas for improvement, the offensive explosion is undeniable. The Blues have a potential top-six winger on their hands but unlocking his full potential hinges on developing a more well-rounded game. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining if Bolduc can translate his scoring prowess to the NHL level permanently.

4. Theo Lindstein, D, Brynas IF (SHL)

Theo Lindstein, the Blues' first round pick (29th overall) in 2023, spent most of his season in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan with Brynas IF. He had a solid year in terms of playing time – Lindstein logged a solid 49 games. However, the offensive production some craved wasn't quite there (four goals, 11 assists). Lindstein's calling card remains his defensive acumen. His positioning and ability to shut down attackers stand out as strengths. But the offensive side of his game, once viewed as a potential strength, appears raw. Consistency with his puck skills and decision-making is lacking. While the lack of points might raise eyebrows, it's important to remember Lindstein is just 19. This stint was a chance to adapt to the pro game, and defensively, he seems to have done that well. The question for the Blues: can he develop his offensive tools and become a more well-rounded defenseman? The answer will determine his NHL timeline.

5. Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda HC (SHL)

Drafted 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, Otto Stenberg's season was a mixed bag. He split his time between three leagues, showcasing his versatility but raising questions about his long-term fit. In the SHL with Frölunda HC, his production was modest (six points in 31 games). However, he impressed at the World Junior Championships (WJC), contributing nine points in seven games. A loan stint with BIK Karlskoga in Sweden's second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan yielded nine points in nine games. Stenberg's calling card remains his well-rounded skillset. He boasts excellent skating, a strong shot, and solid hockey IQ. However, he’ll need to show that he can translate that into more consistent offensive production, particularly at the pro level. The Blues haven't signed him yet, and his future landing spot remains uncertain. But his flashes of brilliance suggest he has the tools to be a valuable asset, assuming he can put it all together.

6. Zach Dean, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Zach Dean's first pro season with the St. Louis Blues organization was a bumpy ride. Acquired from Vegas, Dean struggled to translate his dominant QMJHL scoring (70 points in 50 games) to the AHL. His point production in Springfield (nine goals, five assists in 49 games) was underwhelming. Some of this can be attributed to adjusting to a new team and tougher competition, but Dean's inconsistency was a recurring theme. There were flashes of his offensive brilliance – a highlight-reel goal here, a smart playmaking there – but stretches of invisibility plagued his performance. Questions about Dean's defensive awareness also remain. While known for his physicality, his defensive positioning needs refinement. The Blues likely view him as a long-term project, but Dean will need to find more consistency and improve his defensive play to earn an NHL call-up. This season was a learning experience, but next year will be crucial in determining his NHL potential.

7. Michael Buchinger, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Buchinger's third season in the OHL offered glimpses of his offensive potential, but consistency remains a question mark, especially as he took a step back in terms of production. Drafted 88th overall by St. Louis in 2022, the 19-year-old defenseman spent his season with the Guelph Storm. His skating and puck-moving ability were evident, and the alternate captain racked up 47 points in 52 games - 20 points shy of his previous season total. The offensive flashes are encouraging, but there is some concern about how his defensive decision-making will look at the pro level. Can he translate his offensive production while tightening up in his own zone? The answer will determine how quickly Buchinger reaches the NHL. For now, he's a boom-or-bust prospect with a high ceiling, but development is crucial.

8. Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

Juraj Pekarcik is a dynamic and physical winger with a tantalizing combination of speed, skill, and aggression. He excels in puck battles, using his quick feet and strong frame to outmuscle opponents and generate scoring chances. Pekarcik's shot is heavy and accurate, and his vision and anticipation allow him to find open teammates and create opportunities. He's also a relentless forechecker, using his speed and physicality to harass defenders and force turnovers. What might stand out the most is his intelligence though, consistently finding himself in the right place at the right time and making solid decisions with the puck. With continued development, Pekarcik has the potential to become a top-six forward and a key contributor on the St. Louis Blues' top lines. His upside as a high-scoring, physical winger makes him an exciting prospect for the Blues.

9. Vadim Zherenko, G, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Seventh-round pick Vadim Zherenko's 2023-24 season offered glimpses of his potential but lacked consistency. After a strong showing at the St. Louis Blues' prospect camp, Zherenko spent the entire year with their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. His numbers (12 wins, 13 losses, .904 save percentage) paint an inconsistent picture. There were flashes of brilliance – highlight-reel saves and stretches of dominant play. However, lapses in focus and rebound control proved costly at times. While his raw talent is undeniable, Zherenko needs to tighten up his game to challenge for the starting role in the AHL next season. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining his NHL timeline. Can he develop the consistency needed to be a reliable pro netminder? Blues fans will be watching closely.

10. Tanner Dickinson, C, Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL)

Tanner Dickinson has had numerous impacts on his development including the cancelled OHL season due to COVID-19 and then he missed the entire 2022-23 season due to a broken femur. He returned this season and is now working to get his career on track, spending 2023-24 split between the ECHL and AHL. He is a skilled and savvy center with a well-rounded game. He excels as a playmaker, using his exceptional vision and anticipation to find open teammates and create scoring chances. Dickinson's quick hands and accurate shot make him a threat from the slot, and his speed and agility allow him to navigate through traffic with ease. He's also a responsible defender, using his active stick and positioning to disrupt opponents' cycles. With continued development, Dickinson has the potential to become a top-six forward and a key contributor on the St. Louis Blues' power play. His upside as a playmaking center with a scoring touch makes him an exciting prospect in the Blues' pipeline.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

NHL PROSPECTS/2024 NHL DRAFT: BELL – 20 Prospect Points – CHL/NCAA agreement, Michkov, Celebrini, Iginla and more

Josh Bell — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:37:00 +0000

Welcome to 20 Prospect Points, a bi-weekly column where I dive into the trending news surrounding prospects - drafted and draft-eligible - from around the globe.

This edition dives into the latest news around the potential CHL and NCAA agreement, the latest update from the IIHF regarding Russia and Belarus, the incredible seasons from Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini, and much more.

Scouting/Prospect News

#1 Very briefly, it seemed like the entire North American development model was about to change. News came out that the NCAA was considering a major policy change that would allow CHL players to be eligible for American college hockey. The next step here is to go to a vote of the NCAA’s coaches - where it looks like the idea will be shot down, but nothing is certain as of yet. The coaches will be meeting in May to discuss this, so we’ll need to be patient for a decision here.

#2 We won’t, however, need to wait for an IIHF decision on Russia and Belarus’ eligibility in international events. The IIHF recently released a statement that they will uphold the current ban on Russian and Belarussian teams from participating in international events for the 2024-25 season. This will be reviewed again next year, but the two countries remain on the sidelines for international competition.

Drafted Prospects

#3 Philadelphia Flyers’ top prospect Matvei Michkov continues to impress in the KHL this season, breaking the D+1 record for points in the KHL with 37. Eeli Tolvanen previously held the mark with 36 points. With the Flyers’ recently parting ways with another top prospect in Cutter Gauthier, you can bet they’re excited with how their 2023 draft pick has been progressing.

#4 Another Russian prospect that has captured attention is Shakir Mukhamadullin, who played his first three NHL games with the San Jose Sharks recently. Mukhamadullin is currently having a strong first full season in North America with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Game. He played well in his first NHL stint, even picking up his first NHL assist, but the AHL is the right place for him for now to continue developing his game.

#5 There may not be a hotter prospect over the past two weeks than the Seattle Kraken’s David Goyette. The Sudbury Wolves star is currently riding an eight-game point streak where he’s racked up 17 points (five goals, 12 assists). The 61st overall pick in 2022 is now up to 84 points (31 goals, 53 assists) in 50 games, on pace for a staggering 114 points. He currently sits atop the OHL leaderboard in points, tied with 2024 re-entry Anthony Romani. But we’ll get to him.

#6 Another Kraken prospect worth noting is over in Finland, goaltender Niklas Kokko. The netminder recently transferred to the Pelicans from Karpat in the Liiga, and the move has been a positive development. After repping a .906 save percentage (SV%) and a 2-5-0 record with Karpat, he’s already gone 3-0-1 with a .933 SV% thanks to two shutouts with the Pelicans. Expect him to finish the season strong on his new team.

#7 Sticking to a Finnish prospect, Nashville Predators’ Jesse Kiiskinen stood out at the recent U19 Five Nations Tournament. He had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) through four games played, leading the event. This was right after a big game in the U20 SM sarja where he had a five-point night. Outside of that one game, he’s spent his season in the Liiga with the Pelicans.

#8 In the USHL, 2023 NHL Draftee Juraj Pekarcik of the Dubuque Fighting Saints has been commanding attention. The St. Louis Blues’ prospect is currently playing in his first season in North America and has collected 39 points (seven goals, 32 assists) in just 27 games. That includes a recent five-point explosion against the Chicago Steel. As he gets more and more comfortable in North America, look for him to continue to turn heads.

#9 In the last few editions of this column, I always have Yegor Sidorov right on the edge of being included. It’s now time. The Anaheim Ducks prospect has been on fire in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades, already potting 70 points (42 goals. 28 assists) in 51 games. He’s on pace for 90 points so far. The Blades are in the midst of a very strong year, and Sidorov is a core piece of that group, sitting second on the team in points and second in the league in goals.

#10 Back in the USHL, if there’s a candidate for most improved among drafted prospects, you might need to take a look at Zam Plante. The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect finished last season with 33 points. This season, he’s already up to 50 (19 goals, 31 assists) and is on pace for 79. He’s currently second in the league in points, and eighth in points per game (1.39). He’s committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for next season and will be an intriguing freshman to keep tabs on.

#11 It’s been quite the season for Dallas Stars goaltending prospect Maxim Mayorov. Playing with Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL, he’s gone 10-1-1 with an impressive .931 SV% and four shutouts to date. He’s been splitting the crease with Penguins prospect Sergei Murashov who’s been equally as impressive with a record of 19-4-2, a .930 SV%, and an equal four shutouts. This is a goaltending battle that Loko Yaroslavl must be extremely happy about.

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#12 Macklin Celebrini continues to absolutely dominate the NCAA and impress scouts. At this point, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t have him as their number-one prospect in the 2024 class. If you do, chances are they are looking for some clicks. The future NHL game-changer is currently LEADING the NCAA in goals (23) and sits third in points (42) while being the youngest player in the nation. His 1.62 points per game are third all-time for a U18 player in the NCAA. The hype is real.

#13 At this point, I may be contractually obligated to mention Ivan Demidov in these columns. The Russian star is now up to a 17-game streak in the MHL with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, where he’s racked up a massive 44 points. That’s an average of 2.6 points per game. Overall, he has 1.96 points per game this season, the most from a U19 player in the MHL ever (minimum five games). It’s even higher than Nikita Kucherov (1.87) - both through 23 games.

#14 From EP Rinkside’s Cam Robinson:(in their) draft-eligible seasons:

Jarome Iginla: 33 goals in 72 WHL games
Tij Iginla: 35 goals in 46 WHL games

That’s worth a mention in this list! The younger Iginla is not going to be able to avoid the comparison to his pops throughout his career, but he’s off to an excellent start by outscoring his dad to this point in his career. He’s up to 63 points this season and shows no signs of slowing down.

#15 Konsta Helenius has been a prospect that public scouts seemed to have soured on, but he’s been extremely impressive and quite consistent in the Liiga this season. He’s up to 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 41 Liiga games so far this season. His point total is already fifth all-time for a U18 player, and his 0.76 points per game are sixth (minimum three games played). He’s on pace for 39 points, which would put him third all-time for a U18 player in the league. That seems good.

#16 A prospect that seems to be the quiet star in the top-10 of this class, no draft-eligible prospect has as many points as Berkly Catton over the past two weeks, with his 11 (seven goals, four assists) in six games. That brings his total to 82 (38 goals, 44 assists) in just 49 games - a 114-point pace. He’s a player that should be stirring some more conversation as a target for your team and likely will down the stretch.

#17 The first of three players from the recent 2024 U18 Five Nations Tournament, American Teddy Stiga kicks it off as the tournament leader in points. While his team fell to Sweden in the final, he stood out throughout the event, with nine points (three goals, six assists) in the event’s four games. Stiga has been a player who has improved throughout the season and looks like a second rounder at this point.

#18 While Stiga led the tournament in points, the star of the event was likely Swedish defender and team captain Leo Sahlin Wallenius. He tied for the team lead in points with seven (one goal, six assists) in four games. His ability to move the puck around in the offensive zone, especially on the power play, was particularly on display in the event, as was his fluid movement.

#19 The final player I’ll mention from the event is Finland’s Joona Saarelainen. A bit of an unknown prospect in this class, Saarelainen loves to don the blue and white. He tied for the tournament lead in goals (six) and has been a regular fixture for the Finns on international ice, already dressing for the Word Under-17 Challenge, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (twice, once as captain), and numerous other events. He’s very much a player to add to your list if you haven’t seen him already.

#20 Last but not least, we’re going to look at an overager for the 2024 NHL Draft, Anthony Romani. Romani is currently tied with Goyette for the points lead in the OHL, with 84 points (44 goals, 40 assists) for the North Bay Battalion. This includes 11 points (six goals, five assists) in his last four games. In the conversation for overagers to hear their name called in this class, Romani is one to discuss.

2024 WORLD JUNIORS CHAMPIONSHIP – December 29th, 2024 Game Recaps

Adam Tate — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 15:15:15 +0000

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - DECEMBER 29: Juraj Pekarcik #19 of Slovakia celebrates his first period goal against Norway with teammates, Dalibor Dvorsky #15, Alex Ciernik #22, Milan Pisoja #3 and Luka Radivojevic #11 in Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship at Frolundaborg on December 29, 2023 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/IIHF)

Slovakia 8, Norway 4

With a day off yesterday after beating Switzerland 3-0, Slovakia came into today’s game ready to play. From the drop of the puck, it was clear that they had a speed and skill advantage over Norway. Slovakia was down early with Norway’s Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scoring just over three minutes into the first period. They tied the game up about 10 minutes later with Samuel Honzek evening the score with a power play goal. Juraj Pekarcik would score for Slovakia less than a minute later and they would never look back. They broke the game open in the second period with five goals. Dalibor Dvorsky had a very strong game with four points (two goals and two assists). The aforementioned Brandsegg-Nygard (2024 NHL Draft eligible) had a three-point game (2 goals and one assist) and was Norway’s Player of the Game. Norway would need both their goaltenders in this game. They didn’t dress Markus Stensrud, choosing to save him for tomorrow’s game against Switzerland, as that could be a relegation game.

Finland 4, Latvia 0

Finland needed a better result today after having lost to Germany on Wednesday to avoid any potential relegation scenarios. They got the job done in a must-win game against Latvia. Finland’s Captain, Jere Lassila factored in on all of their goals with a goal and three assists. He wasn’t going to let Finland continue to slide down the standings in Group A. Konsta Helenius, the hyped 2024 NHL Draft eligible player, had another quiet game, only hitting the scoresheet with a penalty in the third period. Latvia’s scoring struggles continued this game and they haven’t scored in any of their three games in the tournament so far. Even combining their two drafted players, forwards Dans Locmelis and Sandis Vilmanis, they still struggled to find consistent offense. Their goaltender, Deivs Rolovs, was the Player of the Game for Latvia despite giving up four goals as he stopped 39 of 43 shots. Without Rolovs, this game would’ve been much worse for Latvia.

USA 4, Czechia 3 (Shootout Win)

The closest game in terms of score today, USA edged Czechia in a shootout to win their game 4-3. Isaac Howard would start the scoring with the first goal of the game, and he ended the game with the Shootout winner in the 7th round. The goals were equal in each period but the play was not. USA had the run of play in the 1st, outshooting Czechia 15-5 and looking more dangerous overall, including a couple of good shorthanded chances. The game favored Czechia more in the 2nd period as they held the shot advantage (12-9) and had the only power play of the period. The 3rd and overtime settled nothing, though USA had the most chances in OT, so the game went to a shootout. USA must win their game against Slovakia in order to win Group B as they only collect 2 points for the win today.

Sweden 2, Canada 0

This was the marquee matchup of the day and it did not disappoint. Sweden and Canada played an intense back and forth game with both teams wanting to show the fans in attendance that they were the best team in Group A. Both goaltenders, Hugo Havelid for Sweden, and Mathis Rousseau for Canada, made tremendous high danger saves. The forward groups showed a lot of skill and speed. The defence for both teams were tenacious and hard hitting. It was the kind of game you hope to see from this tournament.

Swedish defenceman Tom Willander opened the scoring in the second period with a nice rush up the ice and used a Canadian defenceman as a screen to score. Noah Ostlund would score on a rebound from a Jonathan Lekkerimaki shot from the blue line. Canada would have a couple of power play opportunities after those goals, but Havelid shut the door. Rousseau played his best game for Canada so far with some outstanding saves. Sweden has yet to be scored on in the tournament through three games.

Three Stars of the Day

#1 - Dalibor Dvorsky - Forward - Slovakia

The 10th overall selection by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft finally factored into Slovakia’s scoring with four points today (2 goals, 2 assists). He was a play driver for his line and pushed Norway to their limit. His first goal to make it 3-1 was a rush to the net on the power play where he turned the defenceman and made a move across the crease to open up the goaltender. His second goal was a rush down the middle of the ice with a nice wrist shot after he crossed Norway’s blue line, using the defenceman as a screen. Anytime Dvorsky was on the ice he was beating Norway with speed and strength, and they had no answer for him.

Honorable Mention goes to Servac Petrovsky who also had a four-point game and is now leading the tournament in scoring.

#2 - Jere Lassila - Forward - Finland

The Finnish Captain had his best day in international play to this point in his career today. Factoring in on all four of Finland’s goals in a must-win situation to avoid having to deal with relegation is the best way to lead by example. He would not let Finland lose today. His goal opened the scoring of the game and came on the power play. He was positioned in front of the net and banged home a rebound. Two of his three assists also came on the power play as he was a key factor in that situation. He played 19:06, leading all Finnish forwards in ice time.

#3 - Mathis Rousseau - Goaltender - Canada

Despite losing 2-0, Mathis Rousseau provided Canada with outstanding play in goal today. He made a number of incredible saves and kept Canada in the game. While only seeing 24 shots in the game, an average goaltending performance today would’ve resulted in a 4-0 or 5-0 win for Sweden. It’s hard to blame Rousseau for either of Sweden’s goals. On Tom Willander’s he was screened by his own teammate and didn’t see the shot until it was too late. On the second goal, Rousseau stopped two shots from Jonathan Lekkerimaki, including one where he was by himself in the slot, before giving up a rebound goal to Ostlund. I wouldn’t blame Rousseau for this goal either as Ostlund made a good play to get behind Canada’s defence and wasn’t accounted for when he scored. Rousseau was Canada’s best player today, and he deserves a star despite the loss.

MCKEEN’S 2024 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – Team Slovakia

Matej Deraj — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:26:27 +0000

Slovakia is possibly sending its best-ever World Juniors squad to Sweden. A total of eleven drafted players, highlighted by three first-round picks and four second-rounders, are surely going to do some damage and upset bigger teams. However, the absence of both Juraj Slafkovský and Šimon Nemec will hurt the team's chances to medal, but the Slovaks are definitely the dark horse of this tournament.

Slovakia is bringing fifteen players with previous WJC experience, including last year's Best Goaltender, Adam Gajan, who will be relied on heavily again. The highest-drafted goalie of the 2023 NHL Draft needs to be in the same form as his last World Juniors should Slovakia go past the quarterfinals.

Slovakia’s main weapon is on offense – Slovakia has nine drafted forwards selected in the last two drafts, including Dalibor Dvorský (#10 in 2023), Sam Honzek (#16, 2023), Filip Mešár (#26, 2022), Martin Mišiak (#55, 2023), or Adam Sýkora (#63, 2022). The unusual presence of star players and solid depth should help Slovakia score a lot of goals.

However, the defence is going to miss Šimon Nemec terribly. The Devils' young star was supposed to be the 1D, able to play tough minutes against all opponents and lead the first power-play unit. All of these roles should belong to Maxim Štrbák now, the Sabres' second-round pick (#45) in the last NHL Draft. Štrbák is probably the only standout defenseman on the Slovak blue line, except for, maybe,16-year-old Luka Radivojevič, who is going to turn some heads in the tournament. His role should be limited, but don't be surprised if he hops onto the second power-play unit. The 2025 eligible is a smart and extremely skilled offensive D-man but needs to polish his defensive game and overall strength.

The Slovaks open up the tournament on December 26th in a heated match versus their biggest rival, Czechia. The winner should have a strong chance to clinch the 2nd spot in Group B. Slovaks continue the round-robin stage with games against Switzerland (Dec 27), Norway (Dec 29), and the USA (Dec 31). An interesting fun fact is they play every group stage game at noon.

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK - DECEMBER 30: Dalibor Dvorsky #15 of Slovakia battles for position against Dans Locmelis #11 of Latvia in Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Avenir Centre on December 30, 2022 in Moncton, New Brunswick. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/IIHF)

10 to Watch plus a Sleeper

Filip Mešár, RW/C

After a mediocre D+1 season in the OHL, Mešár was already labelled as a bust by many impatient Canadiens fans. However, the 2022 first-round pick is having a fantastic D+2 season so far with 32 points (13 goals + 19 assists) in 20 matches with the Kitchener Rangers. Mešár is a quick and agile forward able to play both RW and C. He's smart, speedy, and has a sneaky good shot. The expected leader of the Slovak offense should be the biggest star and the team's best forward. Mešár led Slovakia in scoring at the last tournament with six points (2+4) and is expected to repeat in Sweden too.

Dalibor Dvorský, C

Dvorský had a tough start to the season in Sweden. He began the year with IK Oskarshamn in the highest division (SHL) but failed to score a point in ten matches and was quickly demoted to the 13th forward. The St. Louis Blues intervened and sent their most promising prospect to North America. Dvorský is currently tearing up the OHL with 34 points in 20 games. He has a lethal shot and continues to trouble goalies with it, scoring 18 goals so far. His goal per game ratio is the second highest in the OHL, trailing only Carson Rehkopf. Dvorský is another brilliant offensive weapon Team Slovakia has.

Adam Gajan, G

One of the best stories of the last World Juniors, Gajan wasn't initially invited to Team Slovakia's squad. Still, he later ended up on the roster as a last-minute call and the No. 3 goalie. However, the tournament went extremely well for him, and Gajan ended up taking the Best Goaltender award. He was the main reason Slovakia almost upset the gold-winning Canadian squad in the quarterfinals. Slovaks hope Gajan will be able to replicate last year's performance. If the Blackhawks prospect is in top form, it's quite likely Slovakia won't see another quarterfinals exit. His saves will be extremely important for the offensively minded team with a somewhat average defence.

Sam Honzek, LW/C

Honzek missed a significant part of the current season, having played only five games before the tournament. Moreover, the Flames prospect suffered a significant injury at the last World Juniors too, so he's looking for a rebound tournament this year. Honzek has a big body (6´4”) and plays the game with a ton of skill; he's very mobile for a player of his size and has soft hands. The first European captain of the Vancouver Giants in history also possesses decent leadership qualities. He's yet to score a point in his World Juniors career and should be very motivated to show his top performance.

Maxim Štrbák, D

The expected absence of Šimon Nemec means that Maxim Štrbák will have a lot of responsibility as the projected 1D for Slovakia. However, he is no stranger to that role – he led Team Slovakia as captain at the last U18 World Junior Championships and handled it pretty well. The Sabres prospect is a well-rounded, two-way defenseman who is able to play on both special teams and should run the first power-play unit. He plays hard, enjoys the physical aspect of the game, and makes opponents' forwards' lives miserable. Nevertheless, it will be a big test for him and the whole Slovak defence to see how they can keep up with top young offensive prospects.

Adam Sýkora, LW/RW

An energetic, agile forward whose engine never stops running, Adam Sýkora is a unique young forward, mainly due to his approach to the game. He loves blocking shots, throwing hits, and sacrificing his body for the team in general. His positive attitude makes him a great locker room presence. It'd be foolish to expect huge point production from Sýkora, who's more of a bottom-six forward than an offensive dynamo, but he's had a good recent streak in the AHL, scoring nine points in ten games. The Rangers prospect is having a solid rookie season in the A, and the call-up to the first team might come sooner than expected.

Martin Mišiak, W/C

Another Blackhawks second-rounder on the team, Mišiak is a confident and skilled forward who´s able to play all three positions. Mišiak has grown into an effective two-way player; he uses his size (6´2”) well, finishes his checks, and displays solid offensive skills. After a one-and-a-half-season in the Slovak top-tier league, Mišiak went to the USHL and contributed to the Youngstown Phantoms' title. This year, he's playing in the OHL with the Erie Otters, who selected him 1st overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. Mišiak should provide solid second-wave scoring for Team Slovakia. He's going to play in his third World Juniors.

Alex Čiernik, LW/RW

The expectations were higher for Alex Čiernik at his last World Juniors tournament, so the Flyers prospect is also looking for a bounce back this year. However, Čiernik suffered a concussion three weeks before the tournament, so don't be surprised if he isn't in top form. Either way, the skilled and nifty forward should help Slovakia with his offensive instincts and years-built chemistry with Dalibor Dvorský. Čiernik is mainly an offensively-minded undersized forward, who has a solid shot and provides great value on the power-play. He certainly doesn't love the physical game, and his form is questionable after the concussion, but the young Flyer will do anything to help his team win.

Juraj Pekarčík, LW/RW

The Blues' third-round pick in the last NHL Draft (#76) would have been a star on most Slovak U20 teams, but the current offensive strength might send him to a bottom-six role. Pekarčík was a player I'd been high on for his whole draft year, and he stood up to everyone at the U18 WJC. He's a big (6´2”), strong winger with solid speed and great playmaking abilities. He left for the WJC camp with a 10-game active point streak in the USHL and led the league in both PPG (1.5) and assists (22). The Blues might have found a true gem in Pekarčík.

Servác Petrovský, C/LW

Another drafted forward who should provide Slovakia with offensive qualities, Petrovský has already played at three different World Juniors (including one cancelled tournament) and is one of the most experienced Slovak players on this team. He's a versatile, two-way forward with an above-average shot who has a bit of an edge to his game. The Wild prospect will be important on both special teams. He´s been criticized in the past for not capitalizing on his scoring opportunities in the U20 National Team, so a revenge tour for Petrovský definitely wouldn't hurt Slovak chances to meet their higher expectations this year.

Sleeper: Peter Repčík, C

The only undrafted player who´s been able to get a top-nine role on this Slovak team. Peter Repčík has always played well in the National Team, and the expectations are quite high for the 19-year-old forward, who scored six points at the last tournament. However, he's flying under the radar for people outside of Slovakia since he hasn't been drafted and never been a true NHL prospect. On the other hand, another great tournament from him might change that. The expected 1C center is a feisty, two-way player who might play a much bigger role than more shiny names in the end. He´s been on a nine games point streak in the QMJHL and his game should translate well to a bigger stage.

JURAJ PEKARČÍK – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th) GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations) COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024

Adam Jiricek, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Otto Stenberg, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Theo Lindstein, D, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Lukas Fischer, D, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Love Härenstam, G, Södertälje SK (Allsvenskan)

Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Colin Ralph, D, Michigan State University (NCAA) (Currently with Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL)

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Matvei Korotky, C, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Dylan Peterson, RW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Jakub Stancl, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #10

St. Louis Blues Top-15 Prospects

1 - Jimmy Snuggerud

2 - Dalibor Dvorsky

3 - Logan Mailloux

4 - Justin Carbonneau

5 - Adam Jiricek

6 - Theo Lindstein

7 - Otto Stenberg

8 - Juraj Pekarcik

9 - Lukas Fischer

10 - Quinton Burns

11 - Colten Ellis

12 - Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

13 - Zach Dean

14 - Colin Ralph

15 - Jakub Stancl

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #12 St. Louis Blues – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Slovakia

Key Players

Dalibor Dvorský, C

Maxim Štrbák, D

Juraj Pekarčík, LW/RW

Luka Radivojevič, D

Tomáš Pobežal, C/W

Samuel Urban, G

Adam Cedzo, RW

Jakub Chromiak, D

Samuel Barcík, D

Daniel Jenčko, LW/C

Sleeper Player

Ján Chovan, RW/C

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #14

St. Louis Blues Top-15 Prospects

1. Dalibor Dvorsky

2. Jimmy Snuggerud

3. Adam Jiricek

4. Zach Bolduc

5. Theo Lindstein

6. Otto Stenberg

7. Zach Dean

8. Michael Buchinger

9. Adam Jecho

10. Lukas Fischer

11. Juraj Pekarcik

12. Colin Ralph

13. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

14. Quinton Burns

15. Tanner Dickinson

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

2. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, University of Minnesota (NCAA)

3. Zach Bolduc, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

4. Theo Lindstein, D, Brynas IF (SHL)

5. Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda HC (SHL)

6. Zach Dean, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

7. Michael Buchinger, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)

8. Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)

9. Vadim Zherenko, G, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024