Dalibor Dvorsky, a young player who will turn 19 in the offseason, has publicly announced his desire and goal to compete for a roster spot. His potential impact on the team is a source of hope and optimism for the upcoming season.
Is this dreaming big? Perhaps, but general manager Doug Armstrong alluded to the fact that Dvorsky is in the best position to make this dream a reality out of all the potential prospects the Blues eagerly await to develop.
Is age a concern? Undoubtedly, but it shouldn't prevent Dvorsky from the opportunity to prove his worth in training camp.
What makes Dvorsky so unique?
"Dvorsky is always attacking inside, with and without the puck, and he has the skill to dangle defenders on his way there. He sees teammates quickly, too. He's really capable of keeping the puck under pressure, and his technique, rolling/short motions, is great," wrote one analyst from Elite Prospects.
Another writer, Nick Richard, noted, "Dvorsky has the potential to develop into a top-six NHL forward."
Potential is the keyword here.
Armstrong's praise for Dvorsky is a clear indication that the young skater has unlimited potential.
His performance in the OHL is noteworthy. He racked up 88 points in 52 games, highlighted by his 45 goals and 43 assists.
His time in the Swedish junior leagues earned him high draft status, being predicted as a top-ten pick in the 2023 draft. The St. Louis Blues selected him as the No. 10 pick.
Despite the argument that the OHL has less talented players, his statistics demonstrate his ability to excel beyond Sweden.
Combining his junior experience in Sweden and his year in the OHL, Dvorsky is on track to live up to his reputation as a top prospect.
Can he earn a spot in the NHL soon?
Seeing him suit up soon for the St. Louis Blues is not out of the question. But it's still doubtful.
Dvorsky will shine even more with further development in the coming years.
However, with the hiring of Drew Bannister, Blues fans can perhaps see Dvorsky sooner than initially expected.
Dvorsky's potential contribution to the team is highly anticipated, given Bannister's well-established reputation for developing top-notch young players, and Armstrong is particularly eager to witness his impact sooner rather than later.
Dvorsky is already locked into a contract, which is the first obstacle.
We'll have to wait and see what the future holds for him.