The St. Louis Blues' lifeblood has always been reliant on their tough and physical nature. This franchise's legacy is built upon the blood, sweat, and grit of so many strong players; it only makes sense to try to get the next great asset like that.
With three first-round picks in the upcoming NHL Draft on June 28, the Blues have a chance to add some surplus to their blossoming young core that is quickly making its way up to the NHL level. The 2026-27 season should have a number of players making their NHL debuts, including the possibility of one or two from the first-round selections.
There is one name that jumps off the page in terms of physical prowess and a heavy shot that the Blues desperately need to add. Ethan Belchetz has been dubbed as a "Wrecking Ball", with comparables to Ottawa Senators captain, Brady Tkachuk.
Profile
Belchetz is a towering, monster-like figure on the offensive end. Towering at 6-foot-5, 227 pounds of net-front presence that brought in a bunch of goals for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. He had 34 goals and 25 assists for 59 points in 57 games last season, and his prospect ranking shot up the charts due to his physical play.
It is anticipated that he will be transitioning from the CHL to the NCAA, as he has committed to Michigan State University.
Likelihood of being picked by the Blues
Belchetz has had some mock drafts put him consistently in the top-10, which puts the Blues out of reach. But, slightly. The Blues are at No. 11, and if there is a team ahead of them that is willing to take a gamble on a diamond in the rough past the anticipated rankings of prospects, Belchetz could be ripe for the taking.
With comparables to Tkachuk, he may be too good to pass up.
What he can bring to the Blues
Belchetz has been labeled as a power forward, which is exactly what the Blues need to offset the Justin Carbonneau, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Jordan Kyrou dynamic that is to snipe and dangle around defenders. The Blues need a big body to throw into the top-six; alas, the potential, and likely eventual, removal of Pavel Buchnevich.
He brings a grit that is necessary to make a difference in a playoff series. He has shown a willingness to be rough in the corners, and his power forward attitude will be a big help for this team.
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