St. Louis Blues Prospect Camp Dates Are Now Set
By Todd Panula
The St. Louis Blues are solely focused on the 2018 NHL Entry Draft at this moment. Fans of the Note, however, can now start planning to attend the annual prospect camp.
St. Louis Blues fans can rejoice as the beginning stages of hockey are already starting to trickle out. Sure, the 2018-19 season is still months away, but June’s end is going to be an exciting time.
The NHL Entry Draft is going to take place on June 22 and 23. That has basically become the summer’s NHL trade deadline as all sorts of deals and rumblings usually culminate during the draft. Of course, things can spill later into the summer or not happen at all, but the draft is usually when we hear the most.
Beyond that, the end of June also promises to be an exciting time for Blues fans. We will finally have a chance to see some of the most exciting prospects in recent memory finally suit up in a blue note.
The team has released the schedule for the 2018 Blues Prospect Camp. The camp will take place from June 26-29.
More from St Louis Blues News
- St. Louis Blues Giving Nick Ritchie A Look Is No Lose Situation
- St. Louis Blues Torey Krug Already Injured Before 2023-24 Season
- Former St. Louis Blues Forward Going Into Hall Of Fame
- Can Hofer Upstage Binnington in Starting Goalie Spot for Blues?
- St. Louis Blues 2023-24 fourth line depth chart could be surprisingly strong
As with the majority of the team’s practices throughout the year, the IceZone at the St. Louis Outlet Mall is where the camp will take place. Each day will feature on-ice practice and scrimmages that are open to the public. The full schedule can be seen here, but practices generally begin after 10 with scrimmages in the afternoon.
In addition to simply seeing some hockey, this will be the first opportunity for fans to see some much talked about prospects. Robert Thomas‘ name has been heating up in trade rumors, but most still expect he will be there.
In addition toThomas, Jordan Kyrou will also be suiting up in the Blues sweater for the first time in almost a year. As pointed out by the team website, Erik Foley will have his first extended chance to practice in front of Blues staff after being acquired as part of the Paul Stastny trade.
Evan Fitzpatrick will also return to prospect camp, however he will be a much different player. He was raw and green when he attended his first camp a couple seasons ago and looked out of his element. Now, he returns to the Blues fold a Memorial Cup and QMJHL champion.
Of course, any of these names might not be there. They could be included in a draft-day trade or have unnamed injuries from the season. Even so, it should be an entertaining few days.
If you have the time, I encourage fans to go. I covered this camp a couple years ago and it was very entertaining even though it’s just players going through their everyday motions.
You get to see guys develop and get comfortable as the days unfold if you can go to more than one day. It is an easy way to get attached to these players and learn their skills/names as they come through the ranks.
Next: Riley Nash Could Be Free Agency's Hidden Gem For Blues
There is usually a chance for kids to get autographs or a quick picture when practice is over, but that is not currently guaranteed.
Have fun out there and perhaps, if my work schedule works out, I might see some of you at the rink.