The St. Louis Blues are entering a new era with general manager Alexander Steen running the show. This is a team in the midst of a retool, where they sent away the likes of Justin Faulk, Brayden Schenn, and most recently Jordan Kyrou. But, this is a team that isn't going to be trading Robert Thomas or Colton Parayko.
The Blues had four first round picks at their disposal. They used the No. 11 pick on center Tynan Lawrence. The Blues then traded the No. 15 and 29 picks to the Anaheim Ducks for center Mason McTavish. Now, they have two new centers on the roster. That left the No. 16 pick as their last of the night. And the Blues, decided to add another center.
With the 16th overall pick, the Blues continued to address their need for center depth by selecting Maddox Dagenais of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts.
Blues add another center in Maddox Dagenais with 16th overall pick
It doesn't hurt to stock up on an area of need, that's for sure. For the Blues, they needed centers in the worst way, especially after trading Schenn to the Islanders. Thomas is their No. 1 center on the roster and behind him is, not much. McTavish will undoubtedly be the second line center. Lawrence could be a factor down the line, potentially as a bottom six center. As for Dagenais, he may not factor in as a center for them. Maybe they will have him transition to the wing.
Dagenais is 6-foot-4 and weights 196-pounds, so he's a big forward. Corey Pronman of The Athletic has Dagenais of his 27th ranked prospect in the class, where he rates his shot as "high-end" and "average" puck skills, while praising his tough play. Pronman has Dagenais' pro comparison as Radek Faksa, who spent one season with the Blues and 10 with the rival Dallas Stars.
While playing for Quebec in the QMJHL this past season, Dagenais scored 30 goals and dished out 32 assists in 62 games, a true point per game campaign. In the playoffs for Quebec, Dagenais recorded three goals and three assists in 11 games.
It will be interesting to see what the Blues will have in mind for Dagenais, whether he will be a part of their center depth or if he'll move over to the wing. But the Blues knew that center was an area that needed serious addressing, and added three on the first night of the NHL Draft.
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