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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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Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Jori Lehtera (12) reaches to clear the puck from Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mark Stuart (5) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Jori Lehtera (12) reaches to clear the puck from Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mark Stuart (5) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports /

Vegas Selection 2: Jori Lehtera

In three seasons with the Blues, Jori Lehtera‘s point production has decreased each year. His face-off abilities and plus-minus ratings have also seen regression, making him a likely candidate to enter the expansion draft unprotected.

Why Vegas may or may not select him.

Perhaps a reason as simple as playing with a consistent Top 10 scorer consistently in Vladimir Tarasenko could influence Vegas to take a gamble. Knowing how to play with skaters of non-North American background, including his native town of Finland, could help the Golden Knights build chemistry and more publicity internationally.

Lehtera’s productivity remains a concern, plus younger options will be available in the draft as he turns 30 in December. His average ice time has decreased each year, and despite averaging two takeaways per giveaways, his defensive awareness is not enough to suffice for a declining offensive skill set.

How might this affect the Blues?

Even though Lehtera is an easy target to expose, the Blues may have to get more creative in finding replacements. Center is a position where the team still has questions about depth and Lehtera has been known for a strong off-ice rapport with several teammates.

Likeliness of selection

Unless the market for a center is very thin come draft day, it would be hard to envision Lehtera being the top choice to select from the Blues. But, reaching 25 assists in his first two seasons shows he could still be an asset for the Golden Knights.

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