By all accounts, Dalibor Dvorsky making it all the way to selection ten for the St. Louis Blues was a win for both sides. The Blues, having last had a pick inside the top ten in 2016 (Alex Pietrangelo), were in need of a dynamic center. Dvorsky, whom many believed was going to be drafted in the five to eight range, was looking for a team with a clear need for a two way centerman.
The fit could not be better for both sides, but how long could it be before Blues' fans see Dvorsky as a full time NHLer? At the moment Dvorsky is just 19 years old despite his 6'1 and 200+ pound frame. He came over from the SHL (though a native of Slovakia) to play in the OHL for the Sudbury Wolves and after just one season had shown the scouting world that he was on the fast track to turn professional. Amassing 45 goals and 88 points in just 52 contests would surmise to anyone that he wasn't where he needed to be.
The upcoming Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase could be the "point in time" for Dvorsky and the Blues. This Friday, if Dvorsky can noticeably seperate himself from not only the competition but also from other Blues' prospects it could go a long way into St. Louis rostering a teenager for opening night.
While this is not typical from both a league or a Blues standpoint historically, Dalibor Dvorsky has played against older competitors (in the SHL) and has a mature physique in comparison with others his own age. Then there is maybe the most important aspect to his game: position. As a center, he is supremely positioned to be given his chance more so than others. With eight wingers, six to seven defenseman constantly rotating, it's the four centers that are more easily given a chance as they are typically harder to obtain.
As a projected two-way player, with a pedigree to play above his age and competition, could Dalibor Dvorsky make the St. Louis Blues roster as early as this season?