It has become abundantly clear that the St. Louis Blues are all-in on trying to make a playoff appearance. With the easiest schedule left in the National Hockey League, they have a fantastic chance at making the playoffs.
A short while ago, the discussion was about when the hype surrounding the great Blues prospect pool was going to make an appearance in the NHL. But now, is it even possible to bring them up during this hot streak?
Should the up-and-comers stay put, and get ready for their arrival in 2025-26?
Full steam ahead toward playoffs
This team is fully invested in trying to make the playoffs. There is no possibility of a tank here, as the Blues are currently tied with the Vancouver Canucks for the last wildcard spot.
At 7-2-1 over their last 10 games, everything seems to be going right. The heavily-questioned powerplay is showing their teeth, players like Jake Neighbours and Alexey Toropchenko have started to heat up, and the goaltending duo has been lights out.
There should be no need to bring up any prospect, no matter what the situation. Injuries may play a part in the final 13 games of the year, but there are quite a few fringe NHLers down in the American Hockey League that can fill in. Prospects like Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud should not be called-up this season, and instead, should be preparing for the prospect of being on the main roster next season.
If the Blues weren't in the hunt, no less tied for making it into the big dance, it would make much more sense to call up the future. Right now, it cannot happen.
Valuable experience?
Of course, if you want to give your future stars their first taste of NHL action, this would be a great situation. Well, hypothetically, they can have an edge on the opposition as the other team can't prepare for a player threat that has yet to step on the NHL ice.
Even though this valuable experience would be very beneficial, it should happen. The Blues need their best to be at their best in every one of the last 13 games. Being this close to a playoff was not supposed to be in the cards this season, but now that it is, hope is starting to grow.