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St. Louis Blues: Five Potential Vegas Victims Through Expansion Draft

By Joseph Schneider

Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues head coach Mike Yeo looks on as his team plays the Nashville Predators during the third period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues head coach Mike Yeo looks on as his team plays the Nashville Predators during the third period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Vegas Selection 1: Dmitrij Jaskin

Dmitrij Jaskin potted a crucial goal in the fifth game of the second round of playoffs.  He has also chimed in five career game-winning goals. He made his contributions count in limited ice time, but a recent history of injuries and the Blues’ improving wing depth leave him on track for exposure.

Why Vegas may or may not select him.

Jaskin offers great physical attributes that make him a breakout candidate as a 6-foot-2 skater at 24 years old. He collected a career-high 13 goals in the 2014-15 campaign.  He could thrive in an environment with more consistent playing time and line mates, already posting a career Corsi rating of 54.5.

On the contrary, Vegas may be looking for players that are a little more established in their NHL careers. Jaskin has fluctuated between different levels of gameplay switching between the Blues and former AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves in three of the past four seasons.  The Golden Knights may be uncertain where he stacks compared to more-experienced players exposed from other teams.

How might this affect the Blues?

The loss would be more of an issue of depth rather than production. The Blues have players producing similar or better statlines in regards to Jaskin’s production outside of St. Louis. But if injuries pile up for the organization in the early going, missing someone who is at least familiar with the team’s structure might prove costly.

Likeliness of selection

If the Golden Knights choose Jaskin, a mid to late-round selection seems most realistic. He is also guaranteed only $1 million this year before he needs a new contract, offering low-risk, high-reward potential.

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