St. Louis Prepares for Draft Night

As the Blues front office prepares their draft room for tonight, we're taking a look at some of the possible names that GM rsyzygy could be calling from the podium, and discussing some of the pros and cons of each.

1st Round – 2nd Overall

Owen Power - Michigan (NCAA)

Big, strong, fast, skilled. But very likely to be a Buffalo Sabre. Or at the very least likely to be drafted as a Sabre, then go back to Michigan for long enough to be signed by a good team.

Dylan Guenther – Edmonton (WHL)

Great with the puck, some questions defensively. A talented playmaker who can find his teammates in space. Likely to be a strong contributor on the Power Play

Simon Edvinsson – Frolunda (SHL)

To quote Thomas P. Williams in an article on SB Nation, “Simon Edvinsson is a Big Boy.” He’s 6’4” or 6’5” depending on who you ask.

Matthew Beniers – Michigan (NCAA)

Possibly the most complete player at the top of the draft. Probably the best two way forward that will come out of this draft.

Brandt Clarke – Nove Zamky (SVK)

Maybe they’ll draft him just to see what kind of ransom they can get from the Ducks.

Jesper Wallstedt – Lulea (SHL)

They’re not drafting a goalie at 2nd overall… right? RIGHT?

2nd Round – 32nd Overall

Mackie Samoskevich – Chicago (USHL)

Committed to Michigan this fall, where he’ll probably get to hear Owe Power complain about being drafted by the Sabres the whole season. Good feet and hands. Smort.

Zach Dean – Gatineau (QMJHL)

A hard worker, always in motion on the ice. Good skater. Fast hands.

Brett Harrison – KOOVEE (SM Liiga Jr.)

Scott Wheeler describes him as having a “multi-dimensional shot,” which begs the question how would somebody have a single dimensional shot? The puck is 3D. Even if you just shoot it along the ice it would be a 2D line. Guess this is why this article is about hockey and not geometry.

2nd Round – 59th Overall

These three exact guys aren’t going to be available here, but dammit I have to get to five hundred words, so here goes nothing.

Jack Bar – Chicago (USHL)

Another big boy with a big shot. Flashes of offensive creativity, but some trouble with his speed and skill that could hold him back at the NHL level.

Matthew Knies – Tri-City (USHL)

Great in his D-1 year, but less so this year. And absolutely nothing happened in the last 16 months that could explain someone being slightly off their usual quality. A two-way winger who’s skating isn’t the best.

Aidan Hreschuk – USA U18 (USHL)

Short boy with average skating. Well, short in a hockey sense where 5’11” is considered short. May struggle to stick in the NHL due to his lack of height and skating.

Other Names to Watch:

Aatu Raty – Karpart (SM Liiga)

Once in the conversation for first overall this year, no one has a concrete theory on why his game hasn’t continued to grow. But the tools are still there that once had him ranked so highly.

Cameron Whynot – Halifax (QMJHL)

Should we draft him? I don’t see why not (cue dead stares around the room then nervous laughs as everyone realizes they have to laugh at their GM’s shitty joke)

Robert Orr – Halifax (QMJHL)

According to Elite Prospects, also known as Bobby Orr. Enough said.