St. Louis Blues Promote Jan Vopat to Head of European Scouting

On Monday the St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced that Jan Vopat, a veteran of the NHL, would take over as the team’s Head of European Scouting.

The announcement came shortly after Blues fans learned that another one of their brass was making the move to Columbus.

Since John Davidson was released by the St. Louis Blues and promptly made his way to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, there seems to be a trend following him.  Former Blues Assistant GM and Director of Amateur Scouting Jarmo Kekalainen was hired as the Jacket’s General Manager earlier this year making him the second major acquisition from the former Blues regime.

The latest pickup by the Blue Jackets is Ville Siren, who is now the former Head of European Scouting for the St. Louis Blues.  Siren will take over said duties for the Blue Jackets while working with Davidson and Kekalainen once again.  Consider it just the latest of reunions in Columbus and don’t expect it to be the last.

Jan Vopat comes with his own impressive resume though, as the Blues look to continue their successful scouting program.

At just 40 years of age, Vopat has been with the Blues since 2007 as an amateur scout.  His latest promotion will see him overseeing all scouting efforts regarding European prospects.

Not bad for a guy who was drafted way back in 1992 by the Hartford Whalers in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft.  Vopat appeared in just 126 career games splitting his time with the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators.

Throughout his career, Vopat posted just 31 points consisting of 11 goals and 20 assists.

Best of luck to Siren in Columbus and we wish to congratulate Vopat on the promotion.

More to come as we have it.

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan