The St Louis Blues' second-to-last selection in the 2026 NHL Draft at 171st overall was of 18-year-old Lars Steiner, a Swiss-born star from the QMJHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Steiner is ranked 63rd on EliteProspects and 89th by NHL Central Scouting for European skaters, making him a solid later-round choice for the Blues as they look to touch up their right wing lines, already consisting of other promising young stars in Jimmy Snuggerud, Pavel Buchnevich, and the recently acquired Jonathan Drouin from last season.
Steiner played in 44 games for the Huskies last season, posting 30 goals and 25 assists for 55 points while adding 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in 17 postseason games during the Gilles-Courteau playoffs, as the Huskies made it to the semifinals, falling short in 6 games to the eventual champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Steiner was the Huskies' alternate captain this season, after his previous campaign in 2024/25 was equally impressive, with 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 57 games, also adding 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 13 playoff games, helping the Huskies to the semifinals again, being swept by the eventual champion Moncton Wildcats.
Steiner has played in two World Juniors tournaments for his native Switzerland in 2025 and 2026, finishing 8th in 2025 with a quarterfinals defeat to Team USA and 6th in this year's tournament, losing in the quarterfinals again to Team Czechia. He posted a total of 4 points in 5 games and has had a total of 15 points across all international junior competitions, posting 7 goals and 8 assists in that span. He is a native of Davos and has also played for HC Davos' junior team, the lower level of one of Switzerland's premier professional teams in one of Europe's best hockey leagues, where most NHL draftees come from, the National League. Steiner has a strong, fast shot and a physical edge to his game that allows him to play much bigger than his otherwise modest size for his position. After coming over from Europe, he's certainly shown how well he's adjusted, given his direct game approach and an equally strong two-way style of play.
The 18-year-old Steiner could work on his involvement on offense, as well as his general playmaking abilities. His passing skills also need a little bit of a tune-up, as he is more of a defensive-minded skater than an offensive one. It's also unlikely Steiner will be suiting up for the Blues this season, as he'll most likely be returning to HC Davos in his home country of Switzerland, but he's still a great prospect worth keeping an eye on and, honestly, a great late-round steal for the Blues in this year's draft. Steiner is built for a solid third-line role in the near future- he just needs to get a little bit bigger and stronger. Playing back in one of Europe's top leagues for another season, where his last saw him post 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 33 games for HC Davos' U20 squad, should help. Steiner might also finally get some playing time with the senior team in his hometown.
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