Prospect Info: Blues 2021-2022 Prospects Thread Part 2

[execwrite1]

Another camp invite - 6' 190, LW, 21 years old
GP 57 G 25 A 16 PTS 41 PIMs 52 -10

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. 6/14/22 – The Springfield Thunderbirds, top affiliate of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, announced today that they have signed forward Brayden Guy to an AHL contract for the 2022-23 season.

Guy, 21, completed his OHL career as captain of the Guelph Storm. In 36 games with the Storm in 2021-22, Guy posted 30 points (19g, 11a) to go along with 28 penalty minutes.

Over a four-season OHL junior career between Guelph and the Sarnia Sting, Guy recorded 121 points (68g, 53a) in 218 games.


Q: Are there any players you style your game after, and if so, who?

A: Someone that I like to try and watch is a guy like Brady Tkachuk, I think he has a playing style that a lot of guys don’t have anymore. Willing to go to the dirty areas, and is very physical, he’s also good in front of the net.

 

[execwrite1]

Another invite - Anton Malmstrom - LHD - 6'4" 203 22 years old

GP 36

G 3

A 1

PTs 4

PIMs23

-8

Bruins camp 2021 - Swedish defenseman and rising Bowling Green sophomore Anton Malmstrom impressed all week with his performance. At 6-foot-4, 209-pounds, he can skate, defend and has a sneaky puck game.

Andy Strickland

@andystrickland | 52,870 followers

Highly sought after Bowling Green Dman Anton Malmstrom will return for his Junior season next year. Had close to 10 serious #NHL teams looking to sign him this spring. Attended Bruins prospect camp last summer, expected to attend #stlblues prospect camp this July.

 

[Stealth JD]

Malmstrom sounds ideal...I wonder if he's got NHL skill.

 

[Blueswin]

Doug Armstrong quote:

"Bolduc had an injury coming out of the Quebec league playoffs and we didn't see the benefit of him pushing through that after what he had been through, the number of games that he played," Armstrong said. "But yes, he did open our eyes. We have very healthy internal debates on who our No. 1 prospect is. Is it (Jake) Neighbours or Bolduc, Boldic or Neighbours? Because they both are dynamic players, both are different players in the way they affect the game but both have a major affect on the game.
"It's exciting to see those two players and then you don't have to look just through rose-colored glasses to envision them playing with Robert Thomas and (Jordan) Kyrou and now all of the sudden, you might have four of your top six in your team within 12-18 months moving forward. Like Robert Thomas, I think this is the last day I can say it, but I think he's still 22. I think he might turn 23 tomorrow and Kyrou's young. There's some good, skilled players in our group now with Kyrou, Thomas, Bolduc and Neighbours that maybe we haven't had in a number of years. That's a hat's off to the amateur staff."

 

[execwrite1]

Another invite TJ Friedmann - St. Louis boy - 6'2" 180 RW 24 years old

Four years at Quinnipiac

GP 41

G 10

A 13

PTs 23

PIMS 14

+21

Video report

BCHL goal

It feels wrong putting Friedmann in the defenseman category because he has truly developed his game to be able to play both positions effectively. I would like to see the coaching staff have some sort of plan for Friedmann this year as it seemed last season, Friedmann’s position was different every time he touched the ice.
That was never more true than in the first game of the Connecticut Ice Tournament against UConn where Pecknold openly said the team was cycling Friedmann from forward to defense. At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds the length and size is there to play on a blue line that is starving for some grit and physicality.

 

[BlueDream]

Doug Armstrong quote:

"Bolduc had an injury coming out of the Quebec league playoffs and we didn't see the benefit of him pushing through that after what he had been through, the number of games that he played," Armstrong said. "But yes, he did open our eyes. We have very healthy internal debates on who our No. 1 prospect is. Is it (Jake) Neighbours or Bolduc, Boldic or Neighbours? Because they both are dynamic players, both are different players in the way they affect the game but both have a major affect on the game.
"It's exciting to see those two players and then you don't have to look just through rose-colored glasses to envision them playing with Robert Thomas and (Jordan) Kyrou and now all of the sudden, you might have four of your top six in your team within 12-18 months moving forward. Like Robert Thomas, I think this is the last day I can say it, but I think he's still 22. I think he might turn 23 tomorrow and Kyrou's young. There's some good, skilled players in our group now with Kyrou, Thomas, Bolduc and Neighbours that maybe we haven't had in a number of years. That's a hat's off to the amateur staff."

Armstrong has absolutely raved about Neighbours and Bolduc multiple times. He plays things close to his chest but it is clear he is legitimately high on those guys.

I would really be shocked if one of them got moved. That's why I don't see us landing a player like Chychrun.

 

[Robb_K]

I'm very glad to find out that both Robertson and Lööf will attend Camp this season, and am curious to see Malmström, as well. And, of course, I can't wait to see who The Blues get in the upcoming draft. And, of course, I'm hoping for the best from Army's maneuvering to maximise Cap room to re-sign our own UFAs, trading players and player assets, and, possibly adding a UFA defenceman from outside. It's an exciting time, as The Blues are near the end of our last Cup contending window, giving it one last try, and on the brink of moving into a new window, with a younger, potentially more-skilled team.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

I hope Leo Loof becomes an elite prospect.

Is it known why he spent last season in Finland and not playing in the SHL or even Alsvenskan?

 

[execwrite1]

Invite Jesse Tucker - 5'11" 183 C Michigan State 22 years old. Twin brother of Tyler Tucker

GP 36

G 2

A 22

PTs 24

PIMs 12

-7

He drops the gloves like his brother

Feb 2022 - Forward Jesse Tucker is having an extremely impressive season for Michigan State. He doesn’t just lead the freshmen in points — he leads the entire team. Tucker has had just a couple of goals this season, but he’s collected 17 assists through 28 games. Kicking off the year, the 21-year old forward was among the team’s bottom six, slowly transitioning his game from the USHL to the NCAA. Michigan State desperately needed a forward to step up and lead the offense. Tucker has done just that. The Davidson-Tucker-Middendorf line will almost certainly stick together heading into next year, and it will likely take on top-line minutes. Tucker has firmly entrenched himself as an important building block of Michigan State’s future.

 

[Bobby Orrtuzzo]

Is it known why he spent last season in Finland and not playing in the SHL or even Alsvenskan?

@Ranksu threatened to beat him up if he didn’t play in a superior league

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Is it known why he spent last season in Finland and not playing in the SHL or even Alsvenskan?

This article explains why.

According to the article, during the height of the COVID situation, the only minor league in operation was an obscure minor league in Sweden. Lööf was too young and underdeveloped to stick with the SHL after his 9-game debut.

He knew that the most important thing was to play games and develop his body. Playing in a tier-3 league was a good move for him.

Leo thought he could work himself into a larger role in Finland, develop his body and expand his game.

These are the reasons that I gleaned from the article.

He feels that playing pro in Finland for a couple seasons is a wise career choice.
Leo will be playing in Ilves again this upcoming season.

Lööf sees himself as a two-way defenseman who needs to work on his offensive play from the blue line.

EDIT: Got a couple things wrong and made corrections.

 

[execwrite1]

Invite -- Theo Hill 6' 175 Center 20 years old Sarnia

GP 67

G 21

A 32

PTs 53

PIMs 46

-4

OHL Player of the Week March 2022

May 2020 - Hill is a speedy antagonist who brings a lot of energy to the ice, especially in the offensive end. He loves to get his nose dirty and he can use his skating ability to both apply pressure on defenders, and push the pace with the puck. That said, it was tough to get a true read on his high end offensive potential in Sarnia this year. He played more of a depth role for the Sting and just wasn't able to stand out consistently. Like mentioned with a guy like Ty Collins above, it's hard to say what Hill's potential would be at the pro level.

 

[Beauterham]

Some new names on the list:

CAMP ROSTER​

Forwards: Andrei Bakanov (invite), Zach Bolduc (No. 17, 2021), Garrett Dahm (invite), Tanner Dickinson (No. 119, 2020), TJ Friedman (invite), Brendan Furry (invite), Brayden Guy (invite), Theo Hill (invite), Michael Horth (invite), Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (No. 73, 2022), Jake Neighbours (No. 26, 2020), Zachary Okabe (invite), Dylan Peterson (No. 86, 2020), Simon Robertsson (No. 71, 2021), Ryan Roth (invite), Landon Sim (No. 184, 2022), Jimmy Snuggerud (No. 23, 2022), Jesse Tucker (invite).

Defense: Noah Beck (No. 194, 2020), Michael Buchinger (No. 88, 2022), Tyson Galloway (No. 145, 2021), Marc-Andre Gaudet (No. 152, 2022), Matt Kessel (No. 150, 2020), Anton Malmstrom (invite), Rob Mancini (invite), Travis Mitchell (invite).

Goalies: Jake Barczewski (invite), Nick Chenard (invite), Will Cranley (No. 163, 2020), Colten Ellis (No. 93, 2019), Jack Caruso (invite).

Schedule / roster subject to change.


No Koromyslov unfortunatly.

 

[tfriede2]

Some new names on the list:

CAMP ROSTER​

Forwards: Andrei Bakanov (invite), Zach Bolduc (No. 17, 2021), Garrett Dahm (invite), Tanner Dickinson (No. 119, 2020), TJ Friedman (invite), Brendan Furry (invite), Brayden Guy (invite), Theo Hill (invite), Michael Horth (invite), Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (No. 73, 2022), Jake Neighbours (No. 26, 2020), Zachary Okabe (invite), Dylan Peterson (No. 86, 2020), Simon Robertsson (No. 71, 2021), Ryan Roth (invite), Landon Sim (No. 184, 2022), Jimmy Snuggerud (No. 23, 2022), Jesse Tucker (invite).

Defense: Noah Beck (No. 194, 2020), Michael Buchinger (No. 88, 2022), Tyson Galloway (No. 145, 2021), Marc-Andre Gaudet (No. 152, 2022), Matt Kessel (No. 150, 2020), Anton Malmstrom (invite), Rob Mancini (invite), Travis Mitchell (invite).

Goalies: Jake Barczewski (invite), Nick Chenard (invite), Will Cranley (No. 163, 2020), Colten Ellis (No. 93, 2019), Jack Caruso (invite).

Schedule / roster subject to change.


No Koromyslov unfortunatly.

Bakanov is intriguing simply because he’s 20 and played in the KHL the last 2 years. Great size at 6’2 and 213 lbs.

 

[STL fan in MN]

Some new names on the list:

CAMP ROSTER​

Forwards: Andrei Bakanov (invite), Zach Bolduc (No. 17, 2021), Garrett Dahm (invite), Tanner Dickinson (No. 119, 2020), TJ Friedman (invite), Brendan Furry (invite), Brayden Guy (invite), Theo Hill (invite), Michael Horth (invite), Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (No. 73, 2022), Jake Neighbours (No. 26, 2020), Zachary Okabe (invite), Dylan Peterson (No. 86, 2020), Simon Robertsson (No. 71, 2021), Ryan Roth (invite), Landon Sim (No. 184, 2022), Jimmy Snuggerud (No. 23, 2022), Jesse Tucker (invite).

Defense: Noah Beck (No. 194, 2020), Michael Buchinger (No. 88, 2022), Tyson Galloway (No. 145, 2021), Marc-Andre Gaudet (No. 152, 2022), Matt Kessel (No. 150, 2020), Anton Malmstrom (invite), Rob Mancini (invite), Travis Mitchell (invite).

Goalies: Jake Barczewski (invite), Nick Chenard (invite), Will Cranley (No. 163, 2020), Colten Ellis (No. 93, 2019), Jack Caruso (invite).

Schedule / roster subject to change.


No Koromyslov unfortunatly.

Looks like every 2022 draftee other than Koromyslov will be there, so that’s good. Well, except for Koromyslov…

*insert ill-timed reference to Koromyslov missing camp due to fulfilling Russian military requirements here*

Looking forward to hearing reports on Snuggerud and Kaskimaki in particular.

 

[Kylester]

Just out of curiosity...is Kostin signed for next year? I know he won't be at Prospects Camp and he's probably not going to be with the Blues for much longer...but just wondering about his status.

 

[tfriede2]

Just out of curiosity...is Kostin signed for next year? I know he won't be at Prospects Camp and he's probably not going to be with the Blues for much longer...but just wondering about his status.

He is an RFA.

 

[Kylester]

Another invite - Anton Malmstrom - LHD - 6'4" 203 22 years old

GP 36

G 3

A 1

PTs 4

PIMs23

-8

Bruins camp 2021 - Swedish defenseman and rising Bowling Green sophomore Anton Malmstrom impressed all week with his performance. At 6-foot-4, 209-pounds, he can skate, defend and has a sneaky puck game.

Andy Strickland

@andystrickland | 52,870 followers

Highly sought after Bowling Green Dman Anton Malmstrom will return for his Junior season next year. Had close to 10 serious #NHL teams looking to sign him this spring. Attended Bruins prospect camp last summer, expected to attend #stlblues prospect camp this July.

How did this guy not get drafted? If's he shows he has potential, how can we sign him or at least get his rights?

He is an RFA.

Thanks! Any chance the Blues will qualify him?

 

[tfriede2]

How did this guy not get drafted? If's he shows he has potential, how can we sign him or at least get his rights?


Thanks! Any chance the Blues will qualify him?

I think they will - the injury to Toropchenko opens up a spot on the 4th line.

 

[STL fan in MN]

How did this guy not get drafted? If's he shows he has potential, how can we sign him or at least get his rights?


Thanks! Any chance the Blues will qualify him?

Sounds like he’s returning to college hockey so no, wouldn’t be able to sign him as he’d then lose his NCAA eligibility.

As for Kostin, I would be surprised if the Blues don’t qualify him but Kostin could always return to the KHL if he didn’t want to risk toiling in the AHL more.

 

[mk80]

According to the linked roster in the Blues tweet, Kaskimaki is injured so we may not see him at full strength in this prospect camp

 

[Bluesfan54]

What happened to Loof?

 

[bleedblue1223]

Last guy from Minneapolis that wore 42 turned out to be pretty good, hopefully Snuggs does too.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

What happened to Loof?

Lööf was feeling ill, so he was not allowed to fly due to pandemic restrictions.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Lööf was feeling ill, so he was not allowed to fly due to pandemic restrictions.

Where did you see this?