Dalibor Dvorsky earned his first NHL point last night against the Edmonton Oilers with a screamer of a goal on the power play. This goal seems to be the sign of many good things to come, as Dvorsky has impressed in his limited role on the ice so far.
Dvorsky has a lot of intangibles and traits for an NHL prospect that make him more exciting than your average NHL prospect. He has a brilliant hockey mind with the ability to see and make plays that many experienced vets can't, which was on full display in even just his first NHL action. Additionally, Dvorsky has a wicked shot and ability to rip pucks home on one-timers, a trait sorely lacking on the Blues right now.
Dvorsky has fit like a glove onto the team so far, but can he stick around once the injuries wear off on the Blues? Has he done enough to warrant a full-time spot with the team?
Dalibor Dvorsky first got called up to the NHL squad last season for a two-game cup of coffee. In those looks, he did enough to prove he was ready, but failed to register a point. He did, however, generate enough scoring chances and even started a play that led to a goal, although he didn't end up getting credited with a point.
Dvorsky's no-look pass that led to a goal against Nashville last year is perfectly emblematic of his creative and dynamic playstyle and how he's looked in St. Louis up to this point. The flashes of brilliance have been there, and the general consistency has been good enough.
His one-timer last night was perfectly representative of his skillset and what he's able to provide to this Blues team. He can be an absolute weapon on the power play, something that the Blues have been searching for in vain for years.
What happens when the spots fill up?
The Dalibor Dvorsky issue is what happens when the roster spots start filling up again. Right now, Dvorsky has kicked Schenn out of the center spot onto the wing, which has removed Nathan Walker from the lineup. But if Monty wants to add back a physical edge to the lineup and bring back Walker, where does that leave Dvorsky?
One possibility is that Dvorsky gets another quick cup of coffee with the team before being sent down to the AHL for the majority of the season. This reminds him of the NHL level and pace where he can then refine and perfect his game against a lower level of competition in the AHL, perhaps preparing him for a late-season call-up down the stretch.
In my estimation, this would be a mistake. Dvorsky is adding value to this team with his play right now, and his development is tracking well and heading in the right direction. Having him on the NHL squad isn't hurting him as a player, only helping, and he's helping the team. He can provide a certain spark that no other player can with his one-timer, and his playmaking elevates his floor to be a night-to-night contributor.
Dalibor Dvorsky was rightfully one of the most hyped prospects of the St. Louis Blues in recent memory, and he is showing why in just a handful of games. To send him down now while he's providing a much-needed spark to a lackluster NHL team would be nothing short of a mistake.