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St. Louis Blues Forwards: Prospects On The Upswing

By Vanessa Graf

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The St. Louis Blues forwards group has had a lot happen since the beginning of this month. With former players signing with other teams and others being sidelined for the beginning of the season due to injuries, some key roles and positions have opened up for the forward core of the NHL team.

Now with these spots opening up and the Blues not wanting to spend any more budget on old and worn out players, they would rather give these spots to there own up and coming prospects who are very close to full time NHL minutes. Below I have the top four choices that the St. Louis Blues would love to have fill in for those roles.

Robby Fabbri

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Robby Fabbri is a 19 year old forward for the St. Louis Blues, drafted in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Originally a center forward, he was drafted with the hopes of taking his skill set and molding him into a much better winger. The right hand forward split the last season with the OHL and the AHL.

In his season with the OHL, Fabbri played only 30 games, while still dealing with injuries that continued to plague him during the year. But none the less he made an impeccable mark on the OHL score sheets netting 25 goals, 26 assists for 51 total points in 30 games with a +/- of 9.

When the season was over for his OHL team, he was able to jump into the AHL playoffs with the Chicago Wolves and in 3 games played, he was able to score his first professional goal and assist on three other goals. In my eyes Fabbri is tied in first for prospects that will take a shot at making the roster this training camp.

Ty Rattie

Ty Rattie has been itching to get into the NHL full time and crack the St. Louis Blues’ loaded roster of forwards. This right winger at the age of 22, has been proving his worth and growth at a steady yet slow pace in the AHL. Last season with the Chicago Wolves, Rattie played in 59 games amassing a very solid 21 goals, 21 assists and a +/- 12 rating. He was called up to the NHL due to injuries and played for the Blues in 11 games, earning 2 assists.

The problem that Rattie has had with cracking the NHL roster so far is translating his game to the intensity that is the NHL. Ty needs to show that he is ready this year as his time with the Blues is leaving the fans wondering if he is a failed prospect.  He has the makings of a decent 3rd liner but if he can not find a way to translate his game to the big leagues, he may just need a new team and organization.

Ivan Barbashev

Ivan Barbashev is a Russian that many St. Louis Blues fans are dying to see along side fellow Russian teammates, Vladimir Tarasenko and Dmitrij Jaskin. At age 19, Barbashev is an impressive and talented prospect that plays center and shoots left handed. His scoresheet entry for this last year is for lack of a better word staggering. In 57 games played, Barbashev beat the opposing goalie 45 times, and assists on other goals 50 times.

Now let this sink in, with a +/- 16 rating and 95 points total in one season, many are saying the Blues stole this prospect from everyone else in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. I for one agree and can not wait to see what this young Russian forward can bring to the table. One piece that could work in his favor, should he make the team and beat out either Rattie or Fabbri,  is his close friendship with Blues forward Dmitrij Jaskin and they shared  great chemistry in the QMJHL.

If he can make it I would definitely give him a look but I think one more year of development and possibly moving up into the AHL will do him wonders and give the Blues front office the chance to see if he can translate his game to the minors and ultimately to the NHL.

Jaedon Descheneau

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Jaedon Descheneau is a 20 year old forward prospect drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in the 5th round. Drafted for his quick feet and steady hands, the right handed center/ right winger, had a very impressive season last year in the WHL. Through 70 games played he lit the lamp 34 times, and added 47 assists giving him a very strong mark of 81 points total in the season and earned a +/- 9.

I would give Descheneau the dark horse role though his odds of making the team are slim. At the Prospects Camp two months ago, Descheneau impressed the fans with his effort, presence on the ice, and chemistry with Robby Fabbri. I believe that in a minimum of two more years of development, Jaedon will be knocking on the door for full time minutes with the Blues.

Next: St. Louis Blues' Dmitrij Jaskin Poised For Breakout

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