With each draft class, one can expect to see mixed results, hopefully for the Blues, more positive than negative. This article will analyze the past 25 years of St. Louis Blues Draft Picks. We will explore one overrated and one underrated pick from each decade.
2020’s – Overrated
It's too early to judge. However, a year ago, the fan base might have considered Zack Bolduc an overrated pick. Bolduc’s development was often questioned, yet he finished the 2024–2025 season with 19 goals and 17 assists. Bolduc also seems to have secured a full-time roster spot for the 2025–2026 season.
2020’s – Underrated
Again, too early to tell. That said, I don’t know how many people believed Jimmy Snuggerud could get a top-six role during the playoffs. Also, Snuggerud was a contributor, recording two goals and two assists during the Blues' first-round series. Snuggerud likely meets his expectations.
2010’s – Overrated
One could make an argument for several picks in this decade, such as Ty Rattie, Jordan Schmaltz, and Dominik Bokk. To me, the choice is straightforward: Scott Perunovich. He was expected to show off his playmaking ability as a defenseman and contribute to the team's power play. Unfortunately, Perunivich was never able to do so. At times, he was unable to play due to injuries, and when given a chance, he was criticized for being “scared to shoot the puck.” To date, the 2018 45th overall pick has played in 108 games, recording a total of 2 goals and 30 assists.
2010’s – Underrated
The 2010s decade has been the most successful draft era for the St. Louis Blues, with players like Vladimir Tarasenko, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou leading the way. Colton Parayko is by far the most underrated pick in this decade. Since being picked at the 86th spot in the third round of the 2012 draft, the top-pair defenseman has played 723 games, tallying 295 points. Parayko’s size, coupled with his playmaking ability and strong shot, makes him a unique defenseman.
2000’s – Overrated
The answer for this era is Erik Johnson, the 2006 1st overall pick. Although Johnson has had a successful career playing in 1023 games and recording 348 points, he never established his value. For comparison, Alex Pietrangelo was picked 4th overall in 2008 and has played in 1087 games, tallying 637 points.
2000’s – Underrated
With players like David Perron and Ryan Reaves, the 2000s era laid the groundwork for a future of gritty, hard-nosed players. David Backes is just another one of those character players. After being drafted 62nd overall in the 2003 draft, Backes would later become the team's captain and play 10 seasons with the team. He was known as an aggressive player who was well-liked in the locker room. David Backes has played in a total of 965 games and tallied 561 points.
The St. Louis Blues walked away from the 2025 draft with the 19th overall pick, Justin Carbonneau, the 147th overall pick, Mikhail Fyodorov, and the 179th overall pick, Love Harenstam
The Blues have done a remarkable job with their draft and development. Sportsnet noted that the organization was ranked fourth in the league in terms of success with drafting and developing.
Even with the organization's success at the draft, it's fair to say that some players will be overvalued. Therefore, it's crucial to rely on the free agent market as one method to help manage assets and liabilities.