Blues fans are buzzing as Dalibor Dvorsky shines at prospect showcase

Dalibor Dvorsky is coming into training camp this year with just one thing on his mind: securing a spot on the St. Louis Blues' NHL roster.

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Dvorsky is right on the bubble of being NHL-ready and will be fighting for a spot when the Blues open training camp this week. He put on a show at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase last week, getting a head start on his quest to force management's hand at giving him a full-time role in the NHL, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

When Dvorsky opened the scoring at the showcase with a goal against the Minnesota Wild prospects last week, Blues fans were buzzing.

"Call him up!" one fan said on X.

"This makes me happy," said another.

Another fan noted that Dvorsky has a "nose for the net," demonstrating a keen ability to get into a scoring position regardless of whether he plays center or wing. That sure sounds like the kind of player the Blues could use on their roster as they look to make another playoff push in a stacked Central Division.

Dalibor Dvorsky enters Blues training camp with goal of earning an NHL roster spot

The Blues have been looking for more skill and creativity down the middle. Dvorsky has shown playmaking ability and a strong shot, which could give them a spark in a middle-six role. His defensive responsibility and hockey IQ also make him more NHL-ready compared to a pure scorer who can’t be trusted without the puck.

Dvorsky told Lou Korac of The Hockey News that he feels "real motivated" to make the Blues' roster out of camp this year. The Blues have 14 forwards on one-way contracts for the upcoming season, but that doesn't seem to be thwarting the 20-year-old's determination to take someone's job. The question remains, however: Whose job would he take?

It's safe to say that Robert Thomas and Brayden Schenn are locked in as St. Louis' top two centers, and the Blues signed Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad to free agent contracts over the summer. By process of elimination, then, the only realistic opening for Dvorsky would be on the Blues' fourth line – which would be less than ideal.

If Dvorsky plays 10-12 minutes a night in the NHL with minimal power-play time, it could slow his offensive growth. Meanwhile, another season of top-line minutes at AHL Springfield could help him develop confidence and leadership.

The Central Division is tough, and the Blues may lean on experience early. A rocky start could hurt both team momentum and Dvorsky's confidence if rushed into an NHL role and shoehorned into the Opening Night roster.

Dvorsky has NHL-ready habits, fills a positional need, and could help a team that’s transitioning toward a younger core – and he feels ready to prove it now. However, the Blues won’t want to burn a year of his development or his ELC if he’s not going to get top-six usage and special-teams minutes, which could mean another year of seasoning at Springfield.