Blues’ 2010 Draft Recap

Better late than never, right! Before everyone’s head starting spinning out of control with all of the players that will be switching teams in the next few weeks, I want to take a look back at what the St. Louis Blues did at the NHL Entry Draft this past weekend. Starting with the 14th overall pick, the Blues were expected to add to their already talented core of offensive youngsters by adding another skilled forward to the mix. I don’t think many people expected them to add two.

14th overall: Jaden Schwartz

Playing for the Tri City Americans of the USHL, Schwartz won the league scoring title with 83 points, the highest total in the league since 2001-02. Although he was taken much higher than his overall rank (28th in CSS, 29th by TSN), Schwartz’s pure offensive talent, if handled the right way, gives him a huge upside in the NHL. He will be able to slowly develop that talent, as well as his 190lb frame, because the Blues are currently stacked with youngsters waiting to break out. Schwartz will play for Colorado College in 2010-11

Trade: David Runblad (17th in ’09) for 16th overall pick (Ott)

Instead of sitting back and waiting for their next pick, St. Louis moved one of their wealth of prospects, offensive d-man David Runblad, to the Sens to grab the 16th overall pick this year. Already having youngsters Erik Johnson and Alex Pietrangelo ready to make a big impact, as well veterans Brewer and Jackman, Runblad was expendable for St. Louis

16th overall: Vladimir Tarasenko

The only reason Tarasenko dropped to 16th is because of Russian Factor, defection is always a possibility. Once again, the young talent of Perron, Berglund and Oshie made this gamble possible for the Blues. The sixth youngest player in the KHL (Novosibirsk Siber)  is only 5’11″, but already weighs 202lbs! Give him two more years in the KHL (already played two at 18 yrs old) before he makes the jump over.

44th overall: Sebastian Wannstrom

Wannstrom led the Junior SEL in scoring last season with 30 goals and 57 points in only 35 games. He struggled however, when called up by Brynas of the SEL, and was held pointless in 18 games. The lack of production at a higher level means the Blues will have to be patient with Wannstrom, likely meaning he will stay in Sweden for at least one more year.

74th overall: Max Gardiner

Gardiner is the first brother of a player picked by the Blues in 2010 (Jake Gardiner went 17th in ’08 to Anaheim). Gardiner has the making of a power forward with his 6’3″ frame, he just has to fill it out in his University years. He was ranked as high as 49th by NHL Central Scouting, and is committed to U of Minnesota for next season.

104th overall: Jani Hakanpaa

Born in 1992, and already 6’4″, 211lbs. Nothing else to say.

134th overall: Cody Beach

Size runs in the Beach’ family; Cody’s brother, Kyle (of the Blackhawks), is 6’3″ 210lbs. Cody is already 6’5″ and plays a very physical game; but like most prospects at this age, he will have to add to his 180 lbs size. He had 157 PIM for the Hitmen last season.

164th overall: Stephen MacAulay

MacAuley will look to become the second most famous player to hail from Cole Harbour, NS. He has already played two seasons with the Sea Dogs in the Q, but will probably have to finish out his career there to maximize his shot.

The Blues did much to replenish the loss of prospect Lars Eller in the Halak deal, and also landed a potential monster on their back end for years to come. While Schwartz and Tarasenko are well on their way to becoming NHL stars, the rest of the draftees will hope to continue to develope over the next few seasons.

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The Draft also spelled the end to Jarmo Kekalainen’s great run as a head scout in the NHL. As of June 30, Kekalainen will be taking over as GM of Jokerit in the Finnish Elite League. Prior to his stint with the Blues, Kekalainen was in Ottawa and part of the team that picked Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat and Ray Emery. Good luck Jarmo!