Prospect Info: Blues 2023-2024 Prospect Thread

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Blanick

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Minor correction, because I looked into it a bit more.

In order to maintain NCAA eligibility - a player may only once attend team events with expenses covered for 48 hours. Any future pro related activities or further time must be covered out of pocket.

So prospect camps after the draft tend to account for the team covered activity. I would not expect to see Snuggs at training camp for that reason, because to maintain his NCAA eligibility would require he cover travel, accommodation and meal expenses out of pocket is my understanding.

Especially with Jimmy committing to return to play another college season.

I mean could the Blues just cover it for him. "Hey we know your going back to college but we want to see you come in for camp, mesh with the boys, get to know the coaching staff ect. The Blues organization will pay for you stay." Or would that violate CBA rules? I really don't know.
 

Brockon

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Aug 20, 2017
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I mean could the Blues just cover it for him. "Hey we know your going back to college but we want to see you come in for camp, mesh with the boys, get to know the coaching staff ect. The Blues organization will pay for you stay." Or would that violate CBA rules? I really don't know.

It has nothing to do with the NHL CBA and everything to do with the NCAA league eligibility rules. The following, directly from the NCAA site.

" NCAA student-athletes are amateurs and cannot have played for a professional sports team prior to enrollment. In hockey, specifically, this means that anyone who signs a contract with or plays for a team in the Canadian Hockey League (OHL, QMJHL or WHL) forfeits their NCAA eligibility.

The NCAA Eligibility Center will certify each prospective student-athlete's amateur status prior to clearing them for competition at the Division I level.

What You Need to Do:

-Do not accept payment or gifts based upon your ability as a hockey player.

-Do not sign a contract or play a game (even an exhibition game) for a professional team, including those in the CHL.

-You may attend a camp with a professional team for up to 48 hours if they are covering expenses or longer if you cover all expenses.


-Junior, prep or high school teams may cover some or all of your costs to play for them, as long as they are actual and necessary expenses."

 
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Bluesnatic27

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Aug 5, 2011
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Okay, I wrote about the defense yesterday, now onto the forwards!

Simon Robertsson:
Robertsson might have been the most frustrating player at camp for me. He had, by far, the most professional tool set out of all of the forwards in camp. He is deceptively strong in both physicality and on the puck. He seems on the shorter side but has a lot of mass in the lower half. He had great balance and utilized his edge work well. He's not a speedster but does have a strong first few strides and has average agility. His shot is a thing of beauty as the mechanics are fluid and the shot is hard. The only physical aspect of his game that was lacking was his handling of the puck as he would lose possession any time he had to make cuts or was hounded for pressure. Despite that, his one-on-one skill was in a class with Bolduc and Dvorsky. He will apply a press and move his way around a defending player efficiently. When Robertsson is in the slot, there are very few prospects that are more dangerous. However, and this is why he was frustrating, he tries to apply his one-on-one strength in ALL situations. It's the Logan Cooley problem of thinking he can move around 2+ defending players to find his scoring lanes. He needs to utilize his teammates more to find success because he is not MacKinnon no matter how hard he wants to be. In fact, his best plays in the scrimmages were from him passing instead of shooting. He has good vision and patience. He should be able to contribute in all facets of the game but tries to carry the world on his back. Like I said, he's frustrating because I see an NHL player that can contribute in the top-9 if he changes his game to use his one-on-one strengths more organically instead of forcing those plays. Classic tunnel-vision hockey that only works if the player has multiple elite skills. Besides his shot, Robertsson does not have that. Still, I saw plenty to like and have hopes he can be a 20-goal, 40 point contributor with proper guidance and a more humble game.

Prognosis: Top-9 NHL goal scorer or top line AHL scoring winger

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki:
From most frustrating, to the player I had the worst impression of from any of the Blues property. Robertsson's game was frustrating because he was trying to force his game into scenarios that didn't allow for such. But the strengths Robertsson has are at least good enough to find success. Kaskimaki doesn't have that. I said in a brief overview that watching Kaskimaki was like watching a highly skilled player in slow motion. He wishes to create these astounding plays with creativity and finesse. The issue are all his skills are far too slow to allow for those plays unless he was given A LOT of space. For example, he would attempt these beautiful spinning passes across ice to generate scoring opportunities. They did have some success and were cool to watch. The issue was how he needed to slow down tremendously to gain the necessary space to swing the puck around. This wasn't done from quick stop and starts but rather him physically slowing down, or just stopping, when approaching the slot. He can't handle the puck well enough at speed so these attempts are done more to show off than create unpredictable plays. While Robertsson wants to be MacKinnon, Kaskimaki wants to be Kovalev with none of what made Kovalev good. I might be too harsh on Kaskimaki. But trust me when I say that he needs to accept he can't play the way he wants with his average toolset. It doesn't help that he lacks the defensive motivation to make some of his antics tolerable. Kaskimaki has enough skill to be an NHL talent if he can start playing like Sobotka. He has good vision and a good hockey mind. But until he humbles his game, he's not making it.

Prognosis: Career Euro talent

Juraj Pekarcik:
I think this guy has been talked about a lot and for good reason. He will become a fan favorite if he can develop the way I hope he can. His frame made him seem like a man amongst boys. But his speed and edge work made him fly around the ice. His shot was firm and he utilized his body to generate a lot of torque on his stick. His puck movement was simple but he utilized his reach to keep the puck away from defending sticks. All-in-all, he was impressive. He was also incredibly clumsy and awkward. I don't recall him being bad in any particular area besides balance. But everything about his skillset was underdeveloped. He would lose pucks easily, he would fall over with no pressure, he would get caught stuck trying to corral pucks at any speed, he would put himself out of position to hound pucks, etc. All of his skills are there. But he's fresh out the slaughterhouse raw. So raw, in fact, that I couldn't get a read on his hockey IQ. He's a relentless player that will stick to opposing players like glue in order to snag the puck. But I couldn't get a good read on vision, positioning, tempo control, and creativity when he was damn near throwing himself every where on the ice. I think he could model his game after fellow Slovak, Honzek. I see a lot of similarities in frame and skill set. Honzek is just further along in development and has a better understanding of how to use his skills/talent. At the very top-end, I see a good middle-six forward that teams drool over. But even at the low end, I see a more skilled Toropchenko for the bottom-six. Definitely not as fast, but the same aggressive big-body that can be dynamite on the forecheck.

Prognosis: Middle-six power forward

Ivan Vorobyov:
The other talk of the town for the prospects camp was Vorobyov. I've seen a lot of takes on his impressive camp from others on this board and I can't disagree with most of what I read. The only two points I like to add are how he strikes me as a player that is much greater than the sum of his parts due to his offensive intelligence and his elite hand-eye coordination. He didn't have any particular physical tool that made him stand above the others at camp. I'd say his shot and passing strength were above average. But that would be about it. However, when the game starts, he is an offensive catalyst. He was up there with Dvorsky in terms of offensive danger he brought on the ice for team MacInnis. He would generate scoring opportunities at will by drawing attention from defending players or finding passing lanes through coverage. His firm puck movement surely helped. But Vorobyov has a special mind to make Peterson look like an offensive threat. In conjunction with his intelligence, Vorobyov had one skill that stood above all of his peers. He could swat a fly out of the air with a paper clip considering how superb his hand-eye is. The number of pucks he deflected or batted down mid air was eye opening. Definitley a translatable skill at higher levels, albeit a niche one. It's also downright strange too because the weakest aspect of his game, besides defensive engagement, his is handling of the puck. His hands looked like they were made of stone any time he tried receiving a pass. And, as others have pointed out, he likes to cheat in the defensive zone for breakouts. I hope that's because of the nature of 4-on-4/3-on-3 where space is in abundance. If not, then he will need a lot of work to become a contributing NHL player. From what I saw, he might become a Patric Hornqvist like player if he can fix his defensive issues and soften his hands a tad. I saw NHL talent and I am going to be keeping a closer eye on him from here on out.

Prognosis: Top-9 winger or top-6 AHL scorer

Tanner Dickinson:
I'll start this write up by saying that my expectations for Dickinson was different for all of the other prospects. I always thought he had NHL talent because his game at speed is top notch. He surveys the ice and makes every stride seem effortless. His East-West game is the most dangerous in camp as he can circle the wagons better than anyone there. He finds passing lanes and cuts in deep to the slot for shooting opportunities. He's not going to beat many with his shot as it lacks velocity from distance. But it's quick enough to beat goalies if he gets well within the slot. All-in-all, he showed the same talent I saw in him from his draft year. I was curious is if he had to change anything in his game after his long term injury. I didn't see any lingering side-effects to his mobility and puck handling. He didn't seem to have made any improvements since the injury. But I'll take the lack of regression as a positive sign. In that regard, he has met my expectations leaning into this camp. Though, I have no insights into if he can be an NHL contributor. He's pretty much a "top-6 or bust player" as I think his injuries prevent him from taking the bottom-6 unless paired with protection for him to play his game. Unlike Robertsson, who has sneaky strength, what you see of Dickinson is what you get. Probably the best skating Blues prospect that relies on his speed to avoid serious confrontations. The only test that matters will be if he can play at the professional level next year. Stay healthy for the year and I think he can be looking toward a potential top-9 spot. If not, then he joins the Perunovich bus. Talented can't handle the cutthroat game at the highest level.

Prognosis: Top-9, 40 point playmaking winger

Unfortunately, this weekend looks too busy to give all of my write-ups for the forwards. I'll try and add more throughout the weekend when I can. I have a bout 7 more to do. I'm leaving the 1st rounders for last (minus Dean as I don't have any notes on him).

Please ask any questions!
 

Novacain

Registered User
Feb 24, 2012
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Gotta say, it’s going to be fascinating to see where this draft ranks up with our best for this century. 05, 07, 08, 10, 14, and 16 could use some company.
 

Majorityof1

Registered User
Mar 6, 2014
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Central Florida
Hugh McGing re-signed. I feel like I'm his biggest supporter on this forum. Will he be given the dignity of a prospect rank this year? (Also, when are we starting the polling? No I am not volunteering to run it.)

Doubtful if he didn't make it last year. We have added more talent than we graduated. Perunovich, Tucker and Toropchenko are probably the only ones that graduated. I 'm not sure of the rules for who graduates though. Even if a few more graduate, we added Dean, Dvorsky, Lindstein, Stenburg, Pekarcik. Vorobyov had a great prospect camp and will join the list. That's 6 new names.


It has nothing to do with the NHL CBA and everything to do with the NCAA league eligibility rules. The following, directly from the NCAA site.

" NCAA student-athletes are amateurs and cannot have played for a professional sports team prior to enrollment. In hockey, specifically, this means that anyone who signs a contract with or plays for a team in the Canadian Hockey League (OHL, QMJHL or WHL) forfeits their NCAA eligibility.

The NCAA Eligibility Center will certify each prospective student-athlete's amateur status prior to clearing them for competition at the Division I level.

What You Need to Do:

-Do not accept payment or gifts based upon your ability as a hockey player.

-Do not sign a contract or play a game (even an exhibition game) for a professional team, including those in the CHL.

-You may attend a camp with a professional team for up to 48 hours if they are covering expenses or longer if you cover all expenses.


-Junior, prep or high school teams may cover some or all of your costs to play for them, as long as they are actual and necessary expenses."


How well do Hockey players do with NIL endorsements? I know the very best paid are pretty female athletes that are good on social media, and relatives of super famous pro/former-pro athletes. But will Snuggerud pull down any cash as one of the best players on one of the best teams in NCAA hockey?

I did find this funny article about how his linemate Cooley gets free Chipolte from his NIL deal. He originally got unlimited burritos, but now they limited it to 1 a day because he ate too many :laugh:

 

Linkens Mastery

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Jan 15, 2014
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Doubtful if he didn't make it last year. We have added more talent than we graduated. Perunovich, Tucker and Toropchenko are probably the only ones that graduated. I 'm not sure of the rules for who graduates though. Even if a few more graduate, we added Dean, Dvorsky, Lindstein, Stenburg, Pekarcik. Vorobyov had a great prospect camp and will join the list. That's 6 new names.




How well do Hockey players do with NIL endorsements? I know the very best paid are pretty female athletes that are good on social media, and relatives of super famous pro/former-pro athletes. But will Snuggerud pull down any cash as one of the best players on one of the best teams in NCAA hockey?

I did find this funny article about how his linemate Cooley gets free Chipolte from his NIL deal. He originally got unlimited burritos, but now they limited it to 1 a day because he ate too many :laugh:

Let that boy eat!
 

Stupendous Yappi

Idiot Control Now!
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Aug 23, 2018
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Doubtful if he didn't make it last year. We have added more talent than we graduated. Perunovich, Tucker and Toropchenko are probably the only ones that graduated. I 'm not sure of the rules for who graduates though. Even if a few more graduate, we added Dean, Dvorsky, Lindstein, Stenburg, Pekarcik. Vorobyov had a great prospect camp and will join the list. That's 6 new names.




How well do Hockey players do with NIL endorsements? I know the very best paid are pretty female athletes that are good on social media, and relatives of super famous pro/former-pro athletes. But will Snuggerud pull down any cash as one of the best players on one of the best teams in NCAA hockey?

I did find this funny article about how his linemate Cooley gets free Chipolte from his NIL deal. He originally got unlimited burritos, but now they limited it to 1 a day because he ate too many :laugh:

My position is that assuming a similar format, we should keep ranking prospects until everyone who is likely to ever suit up for an NHL game has been ranked. Having said that, we are in the usual ranking polls window right now, so maybe there isn’t anyone willing to take on the job.
 

LGB

Registered User
Feb 4, 2019
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I would vote for Calder eligible.
Personally I'd like something that's more lenient on NHL games played and more restrictive on age. Neighbours specifically is a guy that I think ought to be considered a prospect. I think him playing so many NHL games last season was really a mistake by the Blues and he certainly has a whole lot more developmental runway than a lot of guys who will be considered prospects. I'd vote something like 50 GP in a season or less and U24, but the age thing I'm not overly concerned with.
 

kimzey59

Registered User
Aug 16, 2003
5,900
2,230
Thanks. What criteria are we using to define a prospect?
In the past, we've always used the HF definitions.
For skaters it's 25 years old or 65 NHL games played.
IIRC it's 26 years old or 25 NHL games for goalies(can one of my fellow old guys please confirm, I can't find an active link anymore).
 

PerryTurnbullfan

Registered User
Sep 30, 2006
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Okay, I wrote about the defense yesterday, now onto the forwards!

Simon Robertsson:
Robertsson might have been the most frustrating player at camp for me. He had, by far, the most professional tool set out of all of the forwards in camp. He is deceptively strong in both physicality and on the puck. He seems on the shorter side but has a lot of mass in the lower half. He had great balance and utilized his edge work well. He's not a speedster but does have a strong first few strides and has average agility. His shot is a thing of beauty as the mechanics are fluid and the shot is hard. The only physical aspect of his game that was lacking was his handling of the puck as he would lose possession any time he had to make cuts or was hounded for pressure. Despite that, his one-on-one skill was in a class with Bolduc and Dvorsky. He will apply a press and move his way around a defending player efficiently. When Robertsson is in the slot, there are very few prospects that are more dangerous. However, and this is why he was frustrating, he tries to apply his one-on-one strength in ALL situations. It's the Logan Cooley problem of thinking he can move around 2+ defending players to find his scoring lanes. He needs to utilize his teammates more to find success because he is not MacKinnon no matter how hard he wants to be. In fact, his best plays in the scrimmages were from him passing instead of shooting. He has good vision and patience. He should be able to contribute in all facets of the game but tries to carry the world on his back. Like I said, he's frustrating because I see an NHL player that can contribute in the top-9 if he changes his game to use his one-on-one strengths more organically instead of forcing those plays. Classic tunnel-vision hockey that only works if the player has multiple elite skills. Besides his shot, Robertsson does not have that. Still, I saw plenty to like and have hopes he can be a 20-goal, 40 point contributor with proper guidance and a more humble game.

Prognosis: Top-9 NHL goal scorer or top line AHL scoring winger

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki:
From most frustrating, to the player I had the worst impression of from any of the Blues property. Robertsson's game was frustrating because he was trying to force his game into scenarios that didn't allow for such. But the strengths Robertsson has are at least good enough to find success. Kaskimaki doesn't have that. I said in a brief overview that watching Kaskimaki was like watching a highly skilled player in slow motion. He wishes to create these astounding plays with creativity and finesse. The issue are all his skills are far too slow to allow for those plays unless he was given A LOT of space. For example, he would attempt these beautiful spinning passes across ice to generate scoring opportunities. They did have some success and were cool to watch. The issue was how he needed to slow down tremendously to gain the necessary space to swing the puck around. This wasn't done from quick stop and starts but rather him physically slowing down, or just stopping, when approaching the slot. He can't handle the puck well enough at speed so these attempts are done more to show off than create unpredictable plays. While Robertsson wants to be MacKinnon, Kaskimaki wants to be Kovalev with none of what made Kovalev good. I might be too harsh on Kaskimaki. But trust me when I say that he needs to accept he can't play the way he wants with his average toolset. It doesn't help that he lacks the defensive motivation to make some of his antics tolerable. Kaskimaki has enough skill to be an NHL talent if he can start playing like Sobotka. He has good vision and a good hockey mind. But until he humbles his game, he's not making it.

Prognosis: Career Euro talent

Juraj Pekarcik:
I think this guy has been talked about a lot and for good reason. He will become a fan favorite if he can develop the way I hope he can. His frame made him seem like a man amongst boys. But his speed and edge work made him fly around the ice. His shot was firm and he utilized his body to generate a lot of torque on his stick. His puck movement was simple but he utilized his reach to keep the puck away from defending sticks. All-in-all, he was impressive. He was also incredibly clumsy and awkward. I don't recall him being bad in any particular area besides balance. But everything about his skillset was underdeveloped. He would lose pucks easily, he would fall over with no pressure, he would get caught stuck trying to corral pucks at any speed, he would put himself out of position to hound pucks, etc. All of his skills are there. But he's fresh out the slaughterhouse raw. So raw, in fact, that I couldn't get a read on his hockey IQ. He's a relentless player that will stick to opposing players like glue in order to snag the puck. But I couldn't get a good read on vision, positioning, tempo control, and creativity when he was damn near throwing himself every where on the ice. I think he could model his game after fellow Slovak, Honzek. I see a lot of similarities in frame and skill set. Honzek is just further along in development and has a better understanding of how to use his skills/talent. At the very top-end, I see a good middle-six forward that teams drool over. But even at the low end, I see a more skilled Toropchenko for the bottom-six. Definitely not as fast, but the same aggressive big-body that can be dynamite on the forecheck.

Prognosis: Middle-six power forward

Ivan Vorobyov:
The other talk of the town for the prospects camp was Vorobyov. I've seen a lot of takes on his impressive camp from others on this board and I can't disagree with most of what I read. The only two points I like to add are how he strikes me as a player that is much greater than the sum of his parts due to his offensive intelligence and his elite hand-eye coordination. He didn't have any particular physical tool that made him stand above the others at camp. I'd say his shot and passing strength were above average. But that would be about it. However, when the game starts, he is an offensive catalyst. He was up there with Dvorsky in terms of offensive danger he brought on the ice for team MacInnis. He would generate scoring opportunities at will by drawing attention from defending players or finding passing lanes through coverage. His firm puck movement surely helped. But Vorobyov has a special mind to make Peterson look like an offensive threat. In conjunction with his intelligence, Vorobyov had one skill that stood above all of his peers. He could swat a fly out of the air with a paper clip considering how superb his hand-eye is. The number of pucks he deflected or batted down mid air was eye opening. Definitley a translatable skill at higher levels, albeit a niche one. It's also downright strange too because the weakest aspect of his game, besides defensive engagement, his is handling of the puck. His hands looked like they were made of stone any time he tried receiving a pass. And, as others have pointed out, he likes to cheat in the defensive zone for breakouts. I hope that's because of the nature of 4-on-4/3-on-3 where space is in abundance. If not, then he will need a lot of work to become a contributing NHL player. From what I saw, he might become a Patric Hornqvist like player if he can fix his defensive issues and soften his hands a tad. I saw NHL talent and I am going to be keeping a closer eye on him from here on out.

Prognosis: Top-9 winger or top-6 AHL scorer

Tanner Dickinson:
I'll start this write up by saying that my expectations for Dickinson was different for all of the other prospects. I always thought he had NHL talent because his game at speed is top notch. He surveys the ice and makes every stride seem effortless. His East-West game is the most dangerous in camp as he can circle the wagons better than anyone there. He finds passing lanes and cuts in deep to the slot for shooting opportunities. He's not going to beat many with his shot as it lacks velocity from distance. But it's quick enough to beat goalies if he gets well within the slot. All-in-all, he showed the same talent I saw in him from his draft year. I was curious is if he had to change anything in his game after his long term injury. I didn't see any lingering side-effects to his mobility and puck handling. He didn't seem to have made any improvements since the injury. But I'll take the lack of regression as a positive sign. In that regard, he has met my expectations leaning into this camp. Though, I have no insights into if he can be an NHL contributor. He's pretty much a "top-6 or bust player" as I think his injuries prevent him from taking the bottom-6 unless paired with protection for him to play his game. Unlike Robertsson, who has sneaky strength, what you see of Dickinson is what you get. Probably the best skating Blues prospect that relies on his speed to avoid serious confrontations. The only test that matters will be if he can play at the professional level next year. Stay healthy for the year and I think he can be looking toward a potential top-9 spot. If not, then he joins the Perunovich bus. Talented can't handle the cutthroat game at the highest level.

Prognosis: Top-9, 40 point playmaking winger

Unfortunately, this weekend looks too busy to give all of my write-ups for the forwards. I'll try and add more throughout the weekend when I can. I have a bout 7 more to do. I'm leaving the 1st rounders for last (minus Dean as I don't have any notes on him).

Please ask any questions!
I have to say you hit the nail on the head on this grouping of guys. Your top 6 maybe 9 or bust guys are basically going to have to create scoring chances or they will be pretty pointless on your roster. I agree on kaskimaki and Robertsson as well. Their game will have to grow or morph to have a role and contribute, but the toolbox is pretty full. Lot to like in what they could do beyond do currently. Pekarcik I see a guy that will produce more or be more valuable in the playoffs or crunch time than the regular season. Like a shayne Corson once the rawness is refined. Great find.
 

ezcreepin

Registered User
Dec 5, 2016
2,695
2,448
I have to say you hit the nail on the head on this grouping of guys. Your top 6 maybe 9 or bust guys are basically going to have to create scoring chances or they will be pretty pointless on your roster. I agree on kaskimaki and Robertsson as well. Their game will have to grow or morph to have a role and contribute, but the toolbox is pretty full. Lot to like in what they could do beyond do currently. Pekarcik I see a guy that will produce more or be more valuable in the playoffs or crunch time than the regular season. Like a shayne Corson once the rawness is refined. Great find.
A comp for Pekarcik may be someone like Joel Ward? Fine regular season performance, clutch playoff performer?
 

bleedblue1223

Registered User
Jan 21, 2011
52,822
16,240
Tim Taylor with quotes on prospects. Didn't include everyone, some like Snuggerud were pretty standard stuff that we already know, and some I didn't feel like including. Some had additional quotes, but I included what I thought was notable.

Bolduc:
Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done, so far. We’re going to ask him to come to training camp and be ready to win a spot, and his play will dictate what happens.”
Pekarcik:
“Pekarcik in the third round looks like a first-rounder out there. He’s a big (6-1, 183), strong, two-way forward who works hard. He never gives up on pucks and has a good scoring touch.”
Buchinger:
“He reminds me a lot of (former Blues defenseman) Vince Dunn. He skates real smooth, makes cut-backs and moves the puck up ice really well. He has a lot of similarities to Dunn, and we always liked Dunn as a player. ‘Buch’ has done a good job. He had a great year last year, and we expect him to be on Team Canada for the world junior team this year. That’s going to be another great experience for him.”
Zherenko:
He’s moving the puck now. He was a goalie that liked to stay in the net, but now he’s out, moving the puck. (Blues goalie development coach) Dan Stewart has done a really good job with him. If you watched the camp, he looks very strong in the net. He knows where the puck is going as he makes the save. He’s directing it into a place where it’s going to be no danger. He looks like a confident goalie.”
Vorobyov:
“The guy went and bought his own visa to get over here for this camp. He wanted to make sure he was here. He’s a skilled guy, a really good shot. What I’ve seen out here at camp is really all I know about him. But he’s got a great attitude, and again, he’s a guy who wanted to come over here and he did it himself.”
Dickinson:
“I have to give this kid kudos. Dickinson has been really good. He had an injury in January 2022. He had a rod put in his leg, came back and was getting all set and the growth wasn’t there. So they had to re-do the surgery and it really set him back, mentally and physically. (Blues development coaches) Chris Thorburn and Matt D’Agostini have done a great job with him. They send him upbeat videos, his highlights, and pictures of our players holding the Stanley Cup. They’re telling him there’s light at the end of the tunnel, keep pushing. That’s why I’m so happy to see where he’s at today — the speed and strength he has — he looks really, really good.”
Gaudet:
“Gaudet is a top-four or five D who moves the puck well. He’s complementary to an offensive guy. He shuts plays down quick. He’s got a good shot and makes smart plays. His play goes unnoticed at times because he moves the puck so quick and he never gets himself in trouble.”
Peterson:
“You noticed him in the camp. He had a knee injury that’s been nagging him the last year and a half, but now he’s up and running with no issues anymore. He feels like he’s going to take that next step, and I expect him to have a good year with BU, and hopefully we’ll get him in the lineup in (AHL) Springfield at the end of the year.”
Robertson:
“Robertsson is going to be a fourth-line guy. He’s going to be a guy that goes up and down the wing, can skate, kill penalties, a very reliable player. He’s not going to ‘wow’ you with any big plays, but he’ll score a short-handed goal by blocking a shot and beat the D down the ice.”
Stancl:
“When we drafted him, we called him, and it was about 8 p.m. for him back home in Czechia. We had his flight ready for 6:50 a.m., and he had his bags packed and came. He’s been really good out in camp. He’s a big body who skates pretty well. He’s going to play in the Swedish Elite League, and he’s going to prosper because he’s a bigger body (6-foot-3, 201 pounds) in that league, so he’ll get lots of ice time.”
 

Bobby Orrtuzzo

Ya know
Jul 8, 2015
12,966
10,164
St. Louis
Tim Taylor with quotes on prospects. Didn't include everyone, some like Snuggerud were pretty standard stuff that we already know, and some I didn't feel like including. Some had additional quotes, but I included what I thought was notable.

Bolduc:

Pekarcik:

Buchinger:

Zherenko:

Vorobyov:

Dickinson:

Gaudet:

Peterson:

Robertson:

Stancl:


Man, I know there’s a good chance a majority of these guys either don’t really make it or succeed elsewhere, but reading stuff like this is always good to read.
 

STL fan in MN

Registered User
Aug 16, 2007
7,645
5,152
That’s my plan.
Who would this exclude?

Heim’s 25. Perunovich is 24.9 (turns 25 in mid August) so I guess is still technically a prospect today. McGing turns 25 in 4 days. Neighbours has played 52 games. Any other bubble guys I’m missing?

I’d say Neighbours is a prospect but the other 3 aren’t. 2 are technically under 25 as of today but will be 25 by the time we finish the polls and 25 when the season starts.
 
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STL fan in MN

Registered User
Aug 16, 2007
7,645
5,152
In the past, we've always used the HF definitions.
For skaters it's 25 years old or 65 NHL games played.
IIRC it's 26 years old or 25 NHL games for goalies(can one of my fellow old guys please confirm, I can't find an active link anymore).
I’ll always remember the 65 games because of Toews but I don’t recall the goalie cutoffs. But that sounds right.

Toews played 64 games as a rookie for the Hawks. Missed a handful of games due to injury. Was named captain of the team. Finished 3rd in Calder voting (Kane won). HF still counted him as a prospect the next season.
 
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CaliforniaBlues310

Registered User
Apr 9, 2013
4,682
3,666
San Pedro, CA.
Who would this exclude?

Heim’s 25. Perunovich is 24.9 (turns 25 in mid August) so I guess is still technically a prospect today. McGing turns 25 in 4 days. Neighbours has played 52 games. Any other bubble guys I’m missing?

I’d say Neighbours is a prospect but the other 3 aren’t. 2 are technically under 25 as of today but will be 25 by the time we finish the polls and 25 when the season starts.

I would include Neighbours, Perunovich, and McGing. Even though the last two are about to be 25, they were overaged when we drafted them, and have been in our organization just as long as Hofer, who turns 23 in 3 weeks.
 
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