The Bleedin' Blue fans have spoken. Size matters and remains a concern for the St. Louis Blues. One ongoing complaint is about the current roster and its small size, and lack of physicality.
Colton Parayko is a big player within the ranks of the defensemen, listed at 6'6", 228lbs. After Parayko, Marco Scandella towers at 6'3", 212lbs.
At the forward position, Kevin Hayes is 6'5", 216lbs, and Alexey Toropchenko is 6'6", 222lbs. However, Hayes and Toropchenko were not top contributors.
Indeed, size is not the most critical factor in hockey play, but it surely helps in a game of physicality and endurance.
Could the St. Louis Blues factor in size and physicality in the 2024 NHL Draft?
Adding size to the draft board should be a priority for general manager Doug Armstrong.
If the Blues considered physicality and size, they would find a few players worth considering.
Igor Chernyshov
As a left winger from Russia, Chernyshov has been consistently ranked around No. 17 in mock drafts. According to his draft profile, he is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 196 pounds.
Experts have been captivated by Chernyshov's remarkable physical attributes, prompting one writer to declare, "In many ways, he should be considered one of the most NHL-ready players available at the 2024 Draft. He has the size and skill of a starter, with the control and sense of someone much further along in development than an 18-year-old."
Liam Greentree
At a height of 6'2" and weighing 198lbs, Greentree is a Canadian skater who plays as a right winger. According to the latest projections, it is anticipated that Greentree will be chosen around the fourteenth pick.
Scouts describe Greentree as a big and fast player, which could make him a steal for the Blues if they draft him at the No. 16 position.
Emil Hemming
Hemming, a talented right winger from Finland, is listed at an impressive height of 6'2" and weighs in at 194lbs.
The consensus is that Hemming's playing abilities are often inconsistent. One notable aspect is his struggle to surpass defensemen. Even though he has the physical size, his full potential can only be realized through thorough development.
Don't solely concentrate on size
Greentree has experience within the OHL, recording 90 points, while Chernyshov and Hemming are more unknown in comparison league play.
Hockey fans understand that there is more to the game than just size. While Alexander Ovechkin is known for his physicality and toughness, smaller players like Brad Marchand are equally capable of bringing those qualities to the game.
Despite this, it is undeniable that size can be advantageous when developing prospects and maximizing their natural talent.
It wouldn't be surprising if Armstrong decided to address the draft needs list by focusing on adding size.