Our look around the world at the St. Louis Blues' prospect pipeline continues with a stop north of the border, checking in on the prospects playing in the various leagues within the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Of the Blues' prospects, some of their most exciting players are here--let's dive right in.
First up, and fresh off an eye-opening World Juniors performance, is defenseman Adam Jiricek. Selected 16th overall at the 2024 draft, Jiricek has spent the last two seasons playing for the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs, where he's scored 17 goals and 45 points over 55 games. It was his play with Team Czechia just a few weeks ago, however, that really popped: in seven games, he scored five goals, six points, and helped his team win a silver medal. He'll be turning pro next year.
Also at the top of the list is Justin Carbonneau, who was drafted 19th overall last summer. He's spent this season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL, and in 36 games has 32 goals, 17 assists, and 49 points. It was a bummer that he didn't make the Blues out of camp last fall, but he'll have another chance to stick next year; if he doesn't, he can go back to the Q or, under the new CBA, be the one CHL player the Blues choose to play in the AHL.
Sticking with forwards, Adam Jecho has been rising up prospect rankings since being drafted in the third round for the 2024 draft. With the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, he's got six goals and 22 points--not too shabby for a player taken 95th overall. The Blues' 2024 2nd-round pick, Lukas Fischer, started this season as captain of the Sarnia Sting, though was traded to the Soo Greyhounds. In 38 total games this season, the defenseman has four goals and 28 points.
There are, of course, several other Blues prospects playing in the CHL, though they're longshots to become pros. Still, keep an eye on Will McIsaac and Antoine Dorion, who could prove to be the exceptions to the rule.
While this feels like a lost season for the NHL club, there is help on the way--and maybe as soon as next year, if Jiricek and Carbonneau can break camp with the team.