There is always a temptation to bring top prospects into the NHL as soon as possible. But for the St. Louis Blues, the organization can ill-afford to act on it.
The idea of bringing top prospect Tynan Lawrence to the NHL sooner rather than later will certainly be there. The 18-year-old is on fire in the NCAA this season, racking up seven goals and 10 points in eight games.
That’s a fantastic start, especially for a young player in his first college season, but if Blues fans feel that it might be time to give Lawrence a look at the pro level, the reality is that it might be best to pump the brakes.
Lawrence is still very much a young player. And unless he was so ready for the pros that the NCAA offered no challenge for him, the bottom line is that the team is better off letting him develop in college.
The cardinal sin of prospect development is rushing them into the NHL. While some thrive, others flop. That’s a risk that the Blues cannot afford to take. Imagine bringing Lawrence to the NHL next spring, much like the Boston Bruins did with James Hagens or the Philadelphia Flyers did with Porter Martone.
Hagens has fared pretty well this season. He’s notched six goals and 12 points in 16 games for Boston. Martone, however, has struggled. He’s scored three goals and eight points in 17 games, totals that look dull, particularly in light of his impressive performance this past spring.
Lawrence could be either Hagens or Martone. But why risk putting too much pressure on Lawrence when there really isn’t any rush for the Blues?
Blues don’t really need Lawrence right now
There would be a compelling argument for the Blues to bring up Lawrence if the club had gaping holes at center and he was clearly ready for the NHL.
With Robert Thomas and Mason McTavish leading the way in the top six, the bottom line is that the Blues don’t really need Lawrence right now.
Yes, the team will need him eventually. But there is no immediate need to bring him into the NHL now. And that’s a great thing. Dalibor Dvorsky has bought Lawrence some more time to grow in the NCAA and gradually make his way into The Bigs.
That’s why the name of the game right now is growth. Lawrence has shown that he can take that next step. So, if the Blues can be a little more patient, that patience could pay off in a massive way down the line.
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