Jordan Kyrou Was The Obvious Choice For All Star Nod

St. Louis Blues’ standout forward Jordan Kyrou was named to the Central Division all-star team, and his selection was the obvious choice by the league.

It’s hard to categorize Jordan Kyrou’s performance this year as a surprise. However, after the season he had last year for the St. Louis Blues, this type of breakout season was almost expected from the 23-year old.

His first career all-star selection was well earned. He leads the team in points with 37 and leads the way in goals (14) and assists (23). He performs with anyone he is paired with in the Blues’ top-6, and he just keeps getting better.

Last year, his breakout season was highlighted by his 14 goals in 55 games. He finished the season with 35 points after adding 21 assists, but this season, he has already matched his career-high in goals for a season.

To emphasize even further the type of year Kyrou is having, the former second-round pick has more points this season than Patrick Kane, John Tavares, Nathan MacKinnon, and Artemi Panarin.

If you’re wondering why the St. Louis Blues are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, look no further than No. 25 in blue.

Kyrou’s performance in the Winter Classic at Target Field in Minnesota could have played a significant role in his selection. His four points against the Wild is an outdoor game record, and he was electric on the national stage.

Realistically, there were three to four different options the Blues could have sent to Las Vegas. After two mediocre seasons and an off-season of turmoil, Vladimir Tarasenko is having a bounce-back year.

The Russian ranks third on the team in points and is tied for the team lead in goals with 14. After adding 20 assists this season, his 34 points and his current placement on the COVID list were not enough to warrant a selection.

One of the newest addition to the team, Pavel Buchnevich, could have also been in the mix to represent his new team at the all-star game. Along with Kyrou and Tarasenko, he has 14 goals on the year with 21 assists to sit second on the team with 35 points.

He has been the benefactor of playing with fellow countrymen Tarasenko and Ivan Barbashev. However, he has produced all year long, and the Blues are going to miss him for however long he is sidelined with COVID.

Finally, Robert Thomas still has a chance to make the all-star game in Vegas. The 22-year-old has been outstanding this season and is showing a creative element to his game that has evolved tremendously since last season.

Thomas is one of eight players in the Central Division to make the last man in list for the NHL, which is voted on by the fans.

Thomas’ 24 assists on the year lead the team, and he is tied for 20th in the league in that category, but he is using his in-game creativity and playmaking ability to potentially earn his first career all-star appearance.

Regardless of whether or not Thomas joins Kyrou on his flight to Vegas, the Blues will be well represented with Kyrou. He is developing into an elite offensive talent, and this all-star selection likely won’t be his last.