Prospect Info: Blues 2023-2024 Prospect Thread

[CaliforniaBlues310]

The more i watch of Stenberg the more i see a top 6 forward. I think he'll be a 1st or 2nd line player once developed. Great (under-rated) shot and seemingly makes everyone around him better.

I agree and I think he’s a damn good fit next to Dvorsky and Snuggy, but he’s don’t see Bolduc being on a third line.

 

[Blanick]

Malmstrom hasn’t been on the ice at all. Dean got on the ice but wasn’t comfortable with multiple pairs of skates and only did one and a half drills.

Dickinson still looking great.

I really liked Dickinson too. In my notes a described him as a shifty little waterbug out there. One thing I did notice is he has tendency to "dust pucks off" instead of just snapping it off a pass. There is a lot to be excited about though.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

I agree and I think he’s a damn good fit next to Dvorsky and Snuggy, but he’s don’t see Bolduc being on a third line.

I think Snuggles, Dvorsky, Stenberg, and Dean ends up turning Bolduc into trade bait. Imho. And that's not a knock on Bolduc.

 

[Mike Liut]

I think Snuggles, Dvorsky, Stenberg, and Dean ends up turning Bolduc into trade bait. Imho. And that's not a knock on Bolduc.

im greedy, I want to see them all turn into studs and play the next 10 years for the Blues. They have all shitloads of talent.

 

[DatDude44]

Most importantly, that left handed coach just torched our goalies and D’agostinis angle change release is filth still. It starts with the Dev camp coaches everyone lol

 

[Blanick]

Most importantly, that left handed coach just torched our goalies and D’agostinis angle change release is filth still. It starts with the Dev camp coaches everyone lol

I got pulled away before the goalies came back out. Is Zherenko still sitting too deep in his net? Also noted that Cranley really needs to work on blocker positioning. Didn't pay much attention to the invitees.

 

[execwrite1]

Drawing from this roster


Hofer Zherenko


Lidstein Buchinger
Burns Gaudet
Kessel Loof

Bolduc Dvorsky Snuggerud
Pekarcik Stenberg Robertsson
Kaskamaki Dean Suseyev
Washkurak Alexandrov Sim

 

[Beauterham]

Drawing from this roster


Hofer Zherenko


Lidstein Buchinger
Burns Gaudet
Kessel Loof

Bolduc Dvorsky Snuggerud
Pekarcik Stenberg Robertsson
Kaskamaki Dean Suseyev
Washkurak Alexandrov Sim

So I guess an all prospect roster? (no Neighbours and Perunovich)


Hofer | Zherenko

Lindstein - Kessel
Lööf - Beck (has played the right side)
Buchinger - Burns (usually plays the right side)

Bolduc - Dvorsky - Snuggerud
Stenberg - Dean - Pekarcik
Kaskimaki - Alexandrov - Robertsson
Suseyev - Stancl - Peterson


Right side of defense is problematic.

 

[DatDude44]

I got pulled away before the goalies came back out. Is Zherenko still sitting too deep in his net? Also noted that Cranley really needs to work on blocker positioning. Didn't pay much attention to the invitees.

He’s supposed to play deep in that drill. Forced to stop every puck with hands/reaction which is why that coach was just snizzing

Dvorsky is absolutely nasty. I’m so excited for this kid.

Dickinson gives me alot of filip chytil vibes

 

[542365]

My extremely unprofessional evaluation:

Vorobyov had the puck like the whole game. Scored a few, kept up with the pace, and definitely played with some confidence. Ended it by going through the legs and scoring a penalty shot goal.

Dickinson was wheeling out there. Really looked quick and made some nice moves in traffic.

Dylan Peterson, especially in the 4 on 4, was moving great. Missed a few opportunities, but he was involved a lot.

Dvorsky scored a nasty Patty Kane-esc spin o Rama backhand goal. I’d be surprised if the Blues don’t post that. He scored on a quick wrister too. Really shined in the 3 on 3. He and Peterson worked well together.

Pekarcik- Remember that quote about Yakupov that he played like he was being chased by bees? That’s what I thought of with Pekarcik. He could keep up with the pace, he even drove the pace at times, but he always seemed to lack an element of control.

Kaskimaki had a few nice rushes but didn’t do anything with them really.

I wish Stenberg and Lindstein got more ice time. Didn’t notice either guy very much and they weren’t out there very often. And I’m pretty sure Snuggies didn’t play.

Simon Robertsson just didn’t do anything. Definitely didn’t look like a guy who has been playing professionally for several years. I don’t know. I don’t see it.

That’s pretty much it. Guys like Dean, Bolduc, Buchinger, Gaudet made some plays but didn’t really stand out too much.

EDIT: Here are the aforementioned through the legs and spin o Rama goals.

 

[BluesReport25]

After the first few days here are my short notes of every player at camp that is playing (excluding most tryouts). I will also include some projections for them in the future. Hopefully this helps people who weren't able to go to the prospect camp this year. I will just be going in order based on number.

Team MaCinnis:

Vadim Zherenko (1): The only goalie who has really stood out and show NHL potential. He has NHL size but his positioning needs a little work. He plays too far back in the net and could be a bit more aggressive. I think he is still a long way away but he is clearly the Blues best goalie prospect outside of Hofer.
Projection: Backup Goalie

Colton Huard (67): At first I thought he was a forward because he joined the rush so much but it turns out he's a dman. He shows a lot of speed and a good shot. I could see him coming back next year and being even better. He is only 22 and has put up 2 good years at the University of New Hampshire. Colton Huard at eliteprospects.com
Projection: AHL dman

Otto Stenberg (70): The Blues most likely got a steal in Stenberg. Blues fans have a lot to be excited about him. I think he has the highest awareness on the ice and has that 6th sense ability that you dream of in a hockey player. He has good speed, a hard shot, and high end passing. He is also a puck hound and never far from the action. He does need to bulk up a little as he can get pushed off the puck at times. He can also force passes or expect teammates to think to his level (and most can't) but that will improve as he matures.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Andre Heim (74): I was excited to see Heim play but he has been disappointing. For a 25 year old you would expect him to dominate and he just blends in most times. He does seem to be good around the net and has good size but I don't think there is much NHL upside especially because he is the type of player who wouldn't play hard enough in the bottom 6 for the Blues.
Projection: AHL/back overseas

Theo Lindstein (77): As advertised, Lindstein has great defensive awareness and positioning. He uses his stick well to attack rushers and is rarely out of position. Pretty much everything defensively looks great. The problem is his offense is lacking to me. He struggles with puck control and decision making and often just passes it off to his defensive partner. His best weapon offensively is his shot but he doesn't use it enough. He looks like a player that just needs to gain confidence and then he could become a real weapon as a 2 way player instead of just a defensive dman.
Projection: 2nd pair dman

Tanner Dickinson (78): For a guy coming off a broken leg Dickinson has looked amazing. He's fast, smart, and consistently makes the right decision with the puck. Before his injury he was projecting with some serious playmaking upside. I think if he can stay healthy and get a full year in the AHL he could get back on track and reach that ceiling.
Projection: Top 9 winger

Simon Robertsson (80): One of the more improved players from last year in my mind, Robertsson is constantly flying around the ice and making plays everywhere. He's probably our fastest prospect and has good hands to go along with the speed. He still looks a long way away but I liked the improvement I saw. A lot of the time he is so close to finishing a good play but just can't do it. Maybe as he adds weight and strength he will be able to complete those plays.
Projection: Fringe NHLer

Jeremie Biakabutuka (82): One of the best tryouts in my mind, Biakabutuka is constantly joining the rush and doing his best to get a contract. He has a good shot and for being as big as he is, he's pretty fast.
Projection: AHL dman

Hunter Skinner (83): Basically the Blues only right handed defensive prospect (he might be the only one correct me if I'm wrong), Skinner has good height and a solid stride. He looks like he needs to add strength but that will come over the next few years. He also has a good shot and isn't afraid to shoot a one timer. For a guy we got as a throw in in the Tarasenko trade he actually looks solid and with how few right handed d the blues have I could see him cracking the lineup in a few years.
Projection: Bottom Pair Dman

Marc-Andre Gaudet (87): Gaudet really has one big attribute and that is his shot. He is the best shooter of any of our defensive prospects and looks like he is holding back in camp (the one time he let a one timer go Zherenko got hurt). Other than that though he is pretty invisible and will need to get stronger in order to make the NHL. I'm excited to see what he does with a full year on his new team in the juniors.
Projection: AHL dman/Fringe NHLer

Juraj Pekarcik (88): WOW! The Blues got themselves a steal in Pekarcik. I know it's early but you can just tell he's going to be good. Think Torpo but with good hands and a stronger frame. For the youngest player in the draft he already has great size. On top of that he knows how to use that size and he loves to drive to the net. Great hands and he can pull off highlight real moves at high speeds. In a few years when he adds even more strength he could be the Blues best prospect. The ceiling is VERY high for Pekarcik.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Jakub Stancl (93): Stancl is a big kid for being 18. He's constantly chasing the puck and driving towards the net which you love to see. He also has a powerful shot.
Projection: Bottom 6 forward

Team Tkachuk:

Dalibor Dvorsky (54): Everything you would expect from the 10th overall pick. He is the best player on the ice on most of his shifts and just looks great. Amazing hands, hard shot, high awareness, the list goes on and on. On top of that he is one of the best back checkers and is constantly giving 100% effort which you love to see at a prospect camp. He does need to work on his speed a little but it was better than I thought it was going to be after reading scouting reports.
Projection: 1B Center

Ian Murphy (60): The best tryout in my mind, Murphy has great speed and is always flying around the ice trying to pull high end moves. He has pretty good hands as well. Only problem is he is already 24 and is loses the puck a lot (he does get it back a lot too but still) so I don't see him getting a contract.
Projection: Fringe AHLer

Michael Buchinger (62): Hasn't played much this camp but I think he is criminally underrated. He truly is the best defensive prospect we have and looks a lot like a smaller version of Dunn when he was a prospect here. He makes high end passes and just has such a high level of awareness. The Blues love to make offensive minded dmen try to become defensive dmen so we'll see if Buchinger reaches his ceiling here. I also worry with the backload of left d if he will have a roster spot to compete for in a few years.
Projection: Top 4 puck moving dman

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (65): Good speed and hands but he has pretty much no wiggle to his game and is standing up straight a lot. I have moments where I am really impressed and then moments where I want more (expected for a 19 year old prospect).
Projection: Fringe NHLer

Noah Beck (68): Beck just stands out as big to me. He's big and fast and makes average passes to his defensive partner but that's about it. He doesn't play very physical for being that big either which is a slight concern.
Projection: AHL dman

Dylan Peterson (71): Peterson has every raw ability you want in a hockey player. He's huge, fast, and powerful. The problem is everything else is lacking. He has poor decision making, bad passes, horrible stick work, and an average shot. He could make it on raw talent alone as a good defensive fourth liner but he can barely hold on to the puck against tryout players I can't imagine him against NHL players.
Projection: AHL Center

Zach Bolduc (76): I will start off by saying Bolduc has improved a lot from last years camp in my mind. But that isn't saying a lot because he was pretty horrible in last years camp. He looks a lot faster and constantly is calling out plays or calling for the puck which you like to see. He also has bursts of high end play which you love to see. The problem is his overall lack of effort defensively. As a Blues prospect you will start off in the bottom 6 and work your way up and I just can't see Bolduc doing that. He is standing straight up most of the time and is constantly the last forward back on the rush. He knows that his defense is the reason he got sent down so quickly last year so you would like to see him working harder but he just isn't. I don't see him making the roster this year and by next year he could be passed up by prospects, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Dean, and Stenberg for a roster spot.
Projection: Powerplay specialist

Jimmy Snuggerud (81): Snuggerud didn't show much and looked gassed a lot of time so he could be fighting an injury (he wasn't at practice too) and that would make sense. He seems to hold back his shot too so I'm not really concerned about the lack of goal scoring he probably just doesn't want to injure a teammate. Again all of this is hopeful stuff because he just hasn't been very impressive.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Ivan Vorobyov (86): You just have to love Blues scouting as we got Vorobyov in the 7th round and he looks like a steal. He has been arguably the best player at camp and just impresses me every time he is on the ice. He has silky smooth hands and a high hockey sense. He isn't a big shooter but has had a few good goals here and there. I wonder if he will sign to play in the AHL (hopefully) or if he will head back to russia where he will play in the KHL this year.
Projection: Top 9 winger

Paul Fischer (94): Fischer needs a lot of work to put it lightly. He has no identity to his game and it looks like he is unsure if he wants to play offensive or defensive. He has plenty of time to figure that out in college but he needs to decide because right now he is playing in the middle and it just isn't working he looks lost.
Projection: 7th dman

Matt Mayich (95): Last up is Mayich. For a big guy he can move quickly and was a lot better offensively then I thought he would be. He looks better than Tucker was as an 18 year old so that's a good sign and if he works hard I could easily see him in the NHL some day.
Projection: Bottom Pair dman.


Hopefully you enjoyed the read if you made it all the way through and I would love to hear if anyone has different opinions on these players. Thanks!

 

[tfriede2]

After the first few days here are my short notes of every player at camp that is playing (excluding most tryouts). I will also include some projections for them in the future. Hopefully this helps people who weren't able to go to the prospect camp this year. I will just be going in order based on number.

Team MaCinnis:

Vadim Zherenko (1): The only goalie who has really stood out and show NHL potential. He has NHL size but his positioning needs a little work. He plays too far back in the net and could be a bit more aggressive. I think he is still a long way away but he is clearly the Blues best goalie prospect outside of Hofer.
Projection: Backup Goalie

Colton Huard (67): At first I thought he was a forward because he joined the rush so much but it turns out he's a dman. He shows a lot of speed and a good shot. I could see him coming back next year and being even better. He is only 22 and has put up 2 good years at the University of New Hampshire. Colton Huard at eliteprospects.com
Projection: AHL dman

Otto Stenberg (70): The Blues most likely got a steal in Stenberg. Blues fans have a lot to be excited about him. I think he has the highest awareness on the ice and has that 6th sense ability that you dream of in a hockey player. He has good speed, a hard shot, and high end passing. He is also a puck hound and never far from the action. He does need to bulk up a little as he can get pushed off the puck at times. He can also force passes or expect teammates to think to his level (and most can't) but that will improve as he matures.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Andre Heim (74): I was excited to see Heim play but he has been disappointing. For a 25 year old you would expect him to dominate and he just blends in most times. He does seem to be good around the net and has good size but I don't think there is much NHL upside especially because he is the type of player who wouldn't play hard enough in the bottom 6 for the Blues.
Projection: AHL/back overseas

Theo Lindstein (77): As advertised, Lindstein has great defensive awareness and positioning. He uses his stick well to attack rushers and is rarely out of position. Pretty much everything defensively looks great. The problem is his offense is lacking to me. He struggles with puck control and decision making and often just passes it off to his defensive partner. His best weapon offensively is his shot but he doesn't use it enough. He looks like a player that just needs to gain confidence and then he could become a real weapon as a 2 way player instead of just a defensive dman.
Projection: 2nd pair dman

Tanner Dickinson (78): For a guy coming off a broken leg Dickinson has looked amazing. He's fast, smart, and consistently makes the right decision with the puck. Before his injury he was projecting with some serious playmaking upside. I think if he can stay healthy and get a full year in the AHL he could get back on track and reach that ceiling.
Projection: Top 9 winger

Simon Robertsson (80): One of the more improved players from last year in my mind, Robertsson is constantly flying around the ice and making plays everywhere. He's probably our fastest prospect and has good hands to go along with the speed. He still looks a long way away but I liked the improvement I saw. A lot of the time he is so close to finishing a good play but just can't do it. Maybe as he adds weight and strength he will be able to complete those plays.
Projection: Fringe NHLer

Jeremie Biakabutuka (82): One of the best tryouts in my mind, Biakabutuka is constantly joining the rush and doing his best to get a contract. He has a good shot and for being as big as he is, he's pretty fast.
Projection: AHL dman

Hunter Skinner (83): Basically the Blues only right handed defensive prospect (he might be the only one correct me if I'm wrong), Skinner has good height and a solid stride. He looks like he needs to add strength but that will come over the next few years. He also has a good shot and isn't afraid to shoot a one timer. For a guy we got as a throw in in the Tarasenko trade he actually looks solid and with how few right handed d the blues have I could see him cracking the lineup in a few years.
Projection: Bottom Pair Dman

Marc-Andre Gaudet (87): Gaudet really has one big attribute and that is his shot. He is the best shooter of any of our defensive prospects and looks like he is holding back in camp (the one time he let a one timer go Zherenko got hurt). Other than that though he is pretty invisible and will need to get stronger in order to make the NHL. I'm excited to see what he does with a full year on his new team in the juniors.
Projection: AHL dman/Fringe NHLer

Juraj Pekarcik (88): WOW! The Blues got themselves a steal in Pekarcik. I know it's early but you can just tell he's going to be good. Think Torpo but with good hands and a stronger frame. For the youngest player in the draft he already has great size. On top of that he knows how to use that size and he loves to drive to the net. Great hands and he can pull off highlight real moves at high speeds. In a few years when he adds even more strength he could be the Blues best prospect. The ceiling is VERY high for Pekarcik.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Jakub Stancl (93): Stancl is a big kid for being 18. He's constantly chasing the puck and driving towards the net which you love to see. He also has a powerful shot.
Projection: Bottom 6 forward

Team Tkachuk:

Dalibor Dvorsky (54): Everything you would expect from the 10th overall pick. He is the best player on the ice on most of his shifts and just looks great. Amazing hands, hard shot, high awareness, the list goes on and on. On top of that he is one of the best back checkers and is constantly giving 100% effort which you love to see at a prospect camp. He does need to work on his speed a little but it was better than I thought it was going to be after reading scouting reports.
Projection: 1B Center

Ian Murphy (60): The best tryout in my mind, Murphy has great speed and is always flying around the ice trying to pull high end moves. He has pretty good hands as well. Only problem is he is already 24 and is loses the puck a lot (he does get it back a lot too but still) so I don't see him getting a contract.
Projection: Fringe AHLer

Michael Buchinger (62): Hasn't played much this camp but I think he is criminally underrated. He truly is the best defensive prospect we have and looks a lot like a smaller version of Dunn when he was a prospect here. He makes high end passes and just has such a high level of awareness. The Blues love to make offensive minded dmen try to become defensive dmen so we'll see if Buchinger reaches his ceiling here. I also worry with the backload of left d if he will have a roster spot to compete for in a few years.
Projection: Top 4 puck moving dman

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (65): Good speed and hands but he has pretty much no wiggle to his game and is standing up straight a lot. I have moments where I am really impressed and then moments where I want more (expected for a 19 year old prospect).
Projection: Fringe NHLer

Noah Beck (68): Beck just stands out as big to me. He's big and fast and makes average passes to his defensive partner but that's about it. He doesn't play very physical for being that big either which is a slight concern.
Projection: AHL dman

Dylan Peterson (71): Peterson has every raw ability you want in a hockey player. He's huge, fast, and powerful. The problem is everything else is lacking. He has poor decision making, bad passes, horrible stick work, and an average shot. He could make it on raw talent alone as a good defensive fourth liner but he can barely hold on to the puck against tryout players I can't imagine him against NHL players.
Projection: AHL Center

Zach Bolduc (76): I will start off by saying Bolduc has improved a lot from last years camp in my mind. But that isn't saying a lot because he was pretty horrible in last years camp. He looks a lot faster and constantly is calling out plays or calling for the puck which you like to see. He also has bursts of high end play which you love to see. The problem is his overall lack of effort defensively. As a Blues prospect you will start off in the bottom 6 and work your way up and I just can't see Bolduc doing that. He is standing straight up most of the time and is constantly the last forward back on the rush. He knows that his defense is the reason he got sent down so quickly last year so you would like to see him working harder but he just isn't. I don't see him making the roster this year and by next year he could be passed up by prospects, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Dean, and Stenberg for a roster spot.
Projection: Powerplay specialist

Jimmy Snuggerud (81): Snuggerud didn't show much and looked gassed a lot of time so he could be fighting an injury (he wasn't at practice too) and that would make sense. He seems to hold back his shot too so I'm not really concerned about the lack of goal scoring he probably just doesn't want to injure a teammate. Again all of this is hopeful stuff because he just hasn't been very impressive.
Projection: Top 6 winger

Ivan Vorobyov (86): You just have to love Blues scouting as we got Vorobyov in the 7th round and he looks like a steal. He has been arguably the best player at camp and just impresses me every time he is on the ice. He has silky smooth hands and a high hockey sense. He isn't a big shooter but has had a few good goals here and there. I wonder if he will sign to play in the AHL (hopefully) or if he will head back to russia where he will play in the KHL this year.
Projection: Top 9 winger

Paul Fischer (94): Fischer needs a lot of work to put it lightly. He has no identity to his game and it looks like he is unsure if he wants to play offensive or defensive. He has plenty of time to figure that out in college but he needs to decide because right now he is playing in the middle and it just isn't working he looks lost.
Projection: 7th dman

Matt Mayich (95): Last up is Mayich. For a big guy he can move quickly and was a lot better offensively then I thought he would be. He looks better than Tucker was as an 18 year old so that's a good sign and if he works hard I could easily see him in the NHL some day.
Projection: Bottom Pair dman.


Hopefully you enjoyed the read if you made it all the way through and I would love to hear if anyone has different opinions on these players. Thanks!

Did Snuggerud play in today’s scrimmage? Another poster said he saw him on crutches.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Love him already!

 

[DatDude44]

Did Snuggerud play in today’s scrimmage? Another poster said he saw him on crutches.

Nope, no idea what that guy is talking about

 

[bleedblue1223]

I'm still pretty shocked he fell to us. Washington and Detroit both should've taken him. I get the Leonard pick, that's still a very good one, but their future has a big hole at center. Detroit picking Danielson over Dvorsky was crazy to me. Danielson is someone I would've settled for at 10, similar to Honzek or Willander or Wood, but Dvorsky is perfect for what we needed.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I'm still pretty shocked he fell to us. Washington and Detroit both should've taken him. I get the Leonard pick, that's still a very good one, but their future has a big hole at center. Detroit picking Danielson over Dvorsky was crazy to me. Danielson is someone I would've settled for at 10, similar to Honzek or Willander or Wood, but Dvorsky is perfect for what we needed.

Danielson I would have been fine with at 25. No idea why wings took guy who projects at 3c at 9.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Oh wow, Thomas and Kyrou got off Fortnite to watch the prospects.

 

[rumrokh]

Danielson I would have been fine with at 25. No idea why wings took guy who projects at 3c at 9.

I think he has more potential than that, but I don't see the skill or hockey sense for a high-end player. Seems like his biggest move is to go fast to the outside and fling the puck into the slot even when nobody is there. Considering the Blues got guys like Thomas and Snuggerud in other drafts much later, yea, Danielson is not a pick to get excited about. Not identical styles, but I get Daymond Langkow vibes. Probably a guy you're thrilled to get at 25, but not at 9 in a draft everyone loves so much they're scared even to flip picks around.

 

[mk80]

Heads up, it looks like the Blues will be streaming the scrimmage tomorrow

 

[Renard]

Buchinger looked filthy today

Maybe he went into the dirty areas.

 

[Blanick]

Nope, no idea what that guy is talking about

Did Snuggerud participate at all? I don't remember seeing him the days I have attended.

 

[tfriede2]

Did Snuggerud participate at all? I don't remember seeing him the days I have attended.

JR reported this morning that he’s been held out for general soreness but may participate today. I think he partially participated the first day.

 

[Blanick]

JR reported this morning that he’s been held out for general soreness but may participate today.

Ahh ok, looks like they are starting soon. I'll see if he is out there.

 

[Blanick]

Snuggerud is on the ice

 

[tfriede2]

Snuggerud is on the ice

Excellent - please provide your thoughts after you watch - would be much appreciated!