The St. Louis Blues had a plethora of prospects in this year's World Junior Championship, and while a lot of Blues fans had their eyes on Dalibor Dvorský and Adam Jiříček, there was another less talked-about prospect who had himself a breakout tournament.
Prospect Jakub Stancl had a breakout tournament
Czechia's Jakub Stancl had an incredible tournament, leading the competition in goals and finishing second in points on his way to helping the team win bronze. Stancl was the Blues' 4th-round pick in 2023 and spent the last couple of years in Sweden with the Växjö Lakers HC and their junior teams before moving to the WHL this season with the Kelowna Rockets.
Stancl was the Blues' 4th-round pick in 2023 and spent the last couple of years in Sweden with the Växjö Lakers HC and their junior teams before moving to the WHL this season with the Kelowna Rockets. Before the 2023 NHL draft, Stancl's scouting report strengths included his impressive size (6'3" and nearly 200 pounds), his ability to use his frame effectively to shield the puck while demonstrating strong puck-handling skills, and his versatility as a reliable two-way player.
Stancl's offensive game is progressing
While he was in Sweden, his offensive numbers were not eye-popping, to say the least. In 15 games spread across two seasons with the Växjö Lakers HC, he registered 2 points, which is understandable considering he was playing in a men's league as a 17/18-year-old. Stancl also appeared for the Växjö Lakers HC J20 team, and in 78 games across 3 seasons, he produced 32 points. However, his offensive game looks to have taken a notable step forward since moving to the WHL in Canada to play junior hockey. In his first season with the Rockets, Stancl currently has 32 points in 26 games, which puts him in a tie for second on the team in points.
He took that momentum over to the World Juniors and hit the ground running, finishing with 10 points in 7 games, an improvement from the previous World Juniors, which saw him finish with 6 points in 7 games. Not only was he producing, but he was coming in clutch for Czechia when they needed him most. Four of his 10 points came in the knockout round of the tournament. Scoring in their quarterfinal matchup, helping Czechia to a stunning victory over Canada.
He scored Czechia's lone goal in their semi-final loss to the United States and showed out in the bronze medal game, scoring in regulation and in the shootout to help beat Sweden to capture bronze. Some may not have known who Jakub Stancl was before the tournament, but I can say people will now be keeping a closer eye on his development in hopes of seeing him on the St. Louis Blues roster one day.