Now that the Conference Finals are about to get underway, most of the NHL's attention has turned to the draft at the end of June. For the St. Louis Blues, this could be a sea change moment, and incoming general manager Alex Steen will have to decide on the direction this franchise is headed. The Blues have three first-round picks, and they could be used to retool the current roster, or set the foundation of a rebuild.
We've seen a few mock drafts already, though there's some differences that are worth discussing. In recent drafts, the Blues have prioritized defensemen (Adam Jiricek, Theo Lindstein) and wingers (Jimmy Snuggerud, Justin Carbonneau, Zach Bolduc, Jake Neighbours, and arguably Dalibor Dvorsky and Otto Stenberg).
The last time the Blues had three first-round selections, they chose Dvorsky (likely a center), Stenberg (likely a winger) and Lindstein (a defenseman). Positionally speaking, they spread the wealth around, hoping to fortify every position in on fell swoop.
This time around, they may need to take a different course.
The Blues' winger depth is quite good, and they have a potential top-four defenseman on the way in Jiricek--they don't need to draft at every position to strengthen the farm system. What they should do is bear down on what the system lacks, and that position is clear as day: center.
Picking at number 11 is a boon, as they should get their pick of several centers: Tynan Lawrence is probably the top of that tier, but Viggo Bjorck, Oliver Suvanto, and Alexander Command are worthy considerations as well. Add in that they have another pick at 15, the Blues could take a crack at another center if they thought it worthwhile--and in that range, no one would blame them.
That leaves their final selection, likely to be in the 30s if the Colorado Avalanche keep it up. By that point, surefire NHLers are often off the board; it's an opportunity to take swings on boom/bust prospects that could play in the top half of your lineup, or never make it in the NHL at all. Lacking a second-round pick, the Blues should absolutely take that course of action after taking "safe" picks earlier in the round. Position shouldn't matter then: get the guy who could be a high-end contributor, even there's risk in his projection.
Of course, in the event someone cascades down the draft boards, the Blues should pivot to "best player available," regardless of position. If, say, Ivar Stenberg (brother of Otto!) or Alberts Smits make it to 11, the Blues would be foolish to pass on them because of their positions. Barring an incredible stroke of luck like that, the Blues should prioritize centers with their first two picks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google