St. Louis Blues: Sam Povorozniouk, Pipeline Possibility?

For those unable to attend the 2016 St. Louis Blues Prospect camp, you’ve probably never even heard of Sam Povorozniouk. He’s making his name known quickly though.

In case you’ve never heard of Mr. Povorozniouk, you’re in good company. I hadn’t heard of his name really until the prospect camp this past week.

If you’re wondering why his name hasn’t come up more, it’s because he’s not actually in the St. Louis Blues’ pipeline. He has no affiliation with an NHL team at the moment.

He was actually at the Blues camp because he just recently signed a tryout contract with the Chicago Wolves on June 21. He may end up being a name to watch though.

The Northbrook, IL native is 21 and getting his shot at the professional ranks in his hometown. It’s been a few years since he’s been there though as his journey has led him around.

After starting his junior career in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, he quickly learned he needed a better form of competition if he was to grow. Despite a rather underwhelming year with the Steel, he moved into the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit.

He floundered in Michigan, but came to life once he was playing on an actual Canadian team in the OHL. He had 31 points in 48 games once he joined the Kingston Frontenacs. He was a little up and down after that.

He started the 2013-14 campaign slowly with the Frontenacs, but rebounded after being traded to the Windsor Spitfires. He scored 26 points in 40 games with them to end the season, but another poor showing in the eyes of coaches saw him out the door again.

Povorozniouk managed 39 points in 68 games in his lone full season with one team in the OHL in 2014-15. He got a fresh start with the Saint John Sea Dogs and made the most of it. The Illinois kid went off for 39 goals and 62 points in 68 games in the QMJHL.

That was enough to earn him a look in the AHL and also with the Blues’ brass. Most will say that he was likely added to prospect camp as a favor to the Wolves as the teams renewed their partnership for another season, but it doesn’t hurt the Blues to take a good look at a kid who just scored 62 points, even if the QMJHL is not viewed as highly by some.

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Povorozniouk didn’t have a poor showing during camp either. He scored a couple goals and was a spirited competitor for Team MacInnis.

Granted, it was a little easier to look good on the team that won by an average of 6 goals. However, his contribution should not be discounted.

As with everyone who was at camp, expectations should be tempered. He isn’t guaranteed a spot with the Wolves and the Blues are not expressly interested in adding him to their roster of prospects.

Even if he did latch on to the AHL team, it could well end up that he would stay with the Wolves if the Blues end their partnership. That’s the thing about not owning your affiliate. They have the right to bring in their own signings and run things how they see fit and you only have so much say.

Nevertheless, Povorozniouk might not be a bad addition for the Blues to fill out their minor leagues. The upper brass can figure out how all that works, but he’s a decent player.

He does not have the height at only 5’10, but he’s a hefty player at almost 200 lbs. That gives him a low center of gravity that packs a punch when he wants and allows him to stick on the puck better by lowering himself into opponents.

He doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s pacey to borrow a soccer term. He is quick enough and has a decent first step and has developed a good scoring touch.

He’s got the right mentality too to fit into the professional game, especially with someone like Mike Yeo taking over the Blues soon. “Obviously I want to score goals, but at the same time I want to do everything I can to help the team win and go as far as we can in the playoffs and on from there,” Povorozniouk said. “I’m going to play my best all-around game. As much offense as I bring, I want to bring just as much defense to it.”

If we are brutally honest, he may not make the NHL or at least not with the Blues. He hasn’t been on their radar enough for them to give him a look until now. However, stranger things have happened.

You need depth on any roster, even if the chances of them making out of the AHL are not great. Scoring is hard to find and not everyone develops in their teens, so keeping a close eye on Povorozniouk would be smart business for the Blues going forward.

Next: Tage Thompson Impresses

He’s done enough to show his skills during the Blues portion of camp and now it’s up to him to earn his spot in Chicago. He’s got the will and maybe he’ll find a way up to the big leagues. He’s an intriguing name to watch going forward and not just because of the exotic spelling.

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