St. Louis Blues 2018 Draft Will Take Some Time To Judge
The St. Louis Blues are quite happy with all the picks they made at the 2018 NHL Draft. It will take a lot longer for fans to fully judge how this one went.
The St. Louis Blues, the same as just about every NHL team, are pretty confident they made the right picks given the selections they had at the 2018 NHL Draft. Fans all have their opinions, but a full judgement on this draft might take years.
One bad thing about being a hockey fan in the states is we are too used to other sports. Most draft picks in the NFL and definitely in the NBA are expected to make immediate impacts. If they are not playing by their second or third year, they were not worth it.
Hockey is completely different. It is more similar to baseball in terms of how long it can take a player to make the jump to the pros. Even then, the situations are not completely level.
Overall, we were all disappointed the Blues made no trades at the draft. However, despite fan belief to the contrary, Doug Armstrong was trying. It takes another team willing to give up their player to do a deal.
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That said, this draft just has an odd feel to it. There is nothing wrong with any individual player St. Louis selected. But, it just feels like it will be a long time before any of these guys are ready – if they even become ready.
While a decent number of fans are excited about Dominik Bokk, second round pick Scott Perunovich might have his game in a better spot to make the jump sooner. He plays defense exactly in line with how today’s NHL wants it, with an offensive style that can score and move the puck.
However, Perunovich’s problem, as well as most of the draft picks this year, is his size. With the exception of seventh round pick Tyler Tucker, all the Blues picks are either thin or small or a combination. Even at 6’1, 203 lbs, Tucker will need to fill out.
There are plenty of examples of smaller players doing well. Still, it is more the exception than the rule.
Bokk and Perunovich looked even younger than their age on stage with the team staff. Fifth round pick Hugh McGing is 5’8. Sixth round pick Mathias Laferriere is listed at 175 lbs, but that might be with all his equipment on.
These guys are kids and there is nothing wrong with their size for their age. However, it puts into perspective the lack of NHL ready players in this year’s draft, top to bottom. Outside of Buffalo’s top pick, nobody is really expected to play in 2018-19.
The Blues have had small players before too. Jordan Kyrou has not grown a ton, but we are all excited to see him.
Even so, it just seems like this particular class is really far away.
Next: Blues Extend Qualifying Offers To Their RFA's
Maybe that’s an oversimplification. Perhaps someone will grab the brass ring and surprise us within a year or two.
It would be very surprising if any of these guys sees NHL action before they are 23 or older though.