Granted, trades can still take place, and surprises will occur; they always do.
But as it sits right now, the St. Louis Blues are positioned to have 9 selections in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Sure, the three first-round pick selections stole the show last year, but the Blues will pick two times in the second and third rounds in 2024.
Honestly, let's pause and reflect on the significance of this.
St. Louis Blues: All eyes are on the second and third-round picks
In another article, I presented the significance of both the second and third rounds:
"To give the latter rounds proper context, Jordan Kyrou, Brandon Saad, and Justin Faulk were second-round picks. Pavel Buchnevich and Colton Parayko were third-round picks."
For all the criticism that GM Doug Armstrong gets, particularly of late, he has positioned the St. Louis Blues to be successful for years to come. We must take into account the three selections from last year's first-round and the anticipated selections of both the second and third rounds in this year's draft.
Moreover, unexpected surprises and steals are a common occurrence.
And maybe Armstrong pulls the trigger and trades away a pick or two. Doing that with a second or third-round pick would inevitably bring a quality prospect, player, or future prized selection.
It is known that Armstrong can be quite particular when evaluating suitors in the context of potential trades. If he makes wise decisions and plays his cards right, he has the opportunity to acquire additional picks in the 2025 draft.
While we don't know his approach quite yet, the Blues have a promising future, and GM in-training Alexander Steen has got to be ecstatic about the skilled, youthful players surrounding the roster.
The Blues have a good team, and with so many talented prospects expected to enter play in the upcoming seasons, Armstrong deserves an A+ for his strategic planning for the future.