There are plenty of names to watch out for as this is really the first season in ages where the Blues basically "own" the operations going on in the minor team and it's mostly their players running this team. I'll give a list of the players I would watch for and reasons why they are players to look out for:
Hugh McGing - Last year was his first year after college, and he didn't do a whole lot offensively. He's shown an ability to be a valuable goal scorer, as well as gather plenty of assists, but he will need to prove he can take the next step and develop a solid overall game.
Alexei Toropchenko - His final year in junior showed his ability in the playoffs, but he's been relegated to the 4th line in many of his current roles. He'll want to develop a really good defensive/pk game if he wants to make the NHL. As long as he can do that, 10-15 points from him wouldn't be the worst thing.
Dakota Joshua - Probably should've made the NHL team from his strong camp, but if he can come in, prove to be a good pk center that scores 20 points, then he'll likely be called up.
Nikita Alexandrov - Should be a good offensive force for Springfield and he'll likely be playing in every situation. Expect ~40 points from him.
Mathias Laferriere - Played like a skill player, but I'm not sure what he is. Could end up like a Blais type player and score nearly a point per game, or he could score 10 points.
Nolan Stevens - He has to either become a stalwart forward or score over a point per game otherwise he will be relegated to the AHL for the foreseeable future.
Keean Washkurak - He will be a wreckingball, but I don't expect him to score a ton of points. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch because of his work ethic so keep an eye on that.
Logan Brown - Nothing to say here. He will score a ton and shy from contact. I'd look to see if his game changes, but you pretty much know what you're gonna get here.
Tyler Tucker - Big defenseman that likes to get dirty. He showed a lot of promise in junior when he started scoring at/over a point per game, so look for him to start scoring a bit more. Hopefully he refines his defensive game as well.
Scott Perunovich - Arguably the most exciting player on this roster. He will either be the #1 or #2 defenseman on this team and probably score at a ppg clip. If he's down in Springfield the entire time (he wont), look for him to score 50+ points.
Joel Hofer - Lots of promise as a goalie and moves well and is sound positionally. Look for him to really take over the starting goal position if he hasn't done it yet. I would hope for a sv% of around .915 or better this year.
