3 Blues Prospects Most Likely to Make the NHL Roster in 2026-27

The St. Louis Blues are entering a pivotal stretch as their prospect pipeline begins to push for NHL jobs. The organization has already started to see progress from its younger players at the NHL level, most recently with Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky earning their spots, even with more still to prove. With roster spots opening and internal competition increasing, several young players are positioning themselves to make the jump sooner rather than later.

Among the group, three prospects stand out as the most NHL-ready. Theo Lindstein, Adam Jiricek and Aleksanteri Kaskimaki each bring a different skill set, but all have put themselves in position to compete for meaningful roles in St. Louis this season.

Theo Lindstein

Lindstein, 21, may already be the closest of the group to becoming a full-time NHL defenseman. The first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has already gotten a taste of the league and looked comfortable in limited action.

He appeared in 17 games with the Blues during the 2025-26 season, recording two goals and two assists while averaging over 15 minutes of ice time.

What stands out most about Lindstein is his composure. He does not play a flashy game, but he rarely looks overwhelmed. His skating allows him to close gaps quickly, and his defensive positioning is already at an NHL level. Coaches trust players who make the right play consistently, and Lindstein fits that mold.

Opportunity is also on his side. The Blues continue to reshape their blue line, and there is room for a steady, reliable defenseman to step into a regular role. Lindstein’s ability to play mistake-free hockey gives him a strong chance to secure a spot out of camp or early in the season.

Adam Jiricek

Jiricek, 20, may have the highest upside of the three, even if he is slightly less proven at the professional level. The right-shot defenseman was a first-round pick and has been developing in junior hockey, where he has shown strong offensive instincts and mobility.

During the 2025-26 season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Jiricek posted an impressive offensive season, recording 19 goals and 40 assists for 59 points in 55 games. His ability to create offense from the blue line has been one of his biggest strengths, especially for a defenseman who already brings NHL size and skating ability.

After his OHL season ended, Jiricek joined the Springfield Thunderbirds during their playoff run, gaining valuable professional experience. He appeared in six playoff games but did not record a point. While the production was not there, the experience of competing against older and stronger competition was an important step in his development.

At 6-foot-2 with a smooth skating stride, Jiricek fits the mold of a modern NHL defenseman. He moves the puck efficiently, joins the rush, and has the tools to contribute offensively, all while continuing to refine his defensive game.

What gives Jiricek a real chance to push for a roster spot is organizational need. Right-shot defensemen are always in demand, and the Blues do not have an abundance of young options on that side. A strong training camp could force the organization to make a decision sooner than expected.

There is always risk with younger defensemen making the jump, but Jiricek’s skill set gives him a legitimate opportunity to earn NHL games this season.

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

Kaskimaki, 22, may not have the same draft pedigree as the others, but there may not be a prospect in the Blues system more deserving of NHL ice time.

The Finnish center has steadily worked his way up since being drafted in the third round in 2022, earning everything through consistency and effort. During the 2025-26 season with the Springfield Thunderbirds, he recorded 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points in 64 games while taking on a significant role.

Kaskimaki’s game is built on work ethic. He plays a reliable two-way style, competes hard in all three zones, and does the little things that coaches value. That type of profile often translates well to the NHL, especially in a bottom six role.

The challenge, however, will not be easy. He will be competing for ice time against established players like Ross Johnston, Pius Suter, and Alexey Toropchenko. Those are proven NHL options who already understand their roles.

Still, Kaskimaki has made a strong case. His ability to play responsible hockey while still producing offense gives him a real chance to push for a spot. Even if he does not break camp with the team, he is likely to be one of the first call-ups when injuries or roster changes occur.

Why These Three Stand Out

Each of these prospects is at a different stage, but all are trending in the right direction.

Lindstein has already shown he can handle NHL minutes. Jiricek brings high-end upside at a position of need. Kaskimaki continues to earn opportunities through his work ethic and well-rounded game.

For a Blues team looking to get younger and faster, these are the players to watch. Training camp will determine who earns a spot, but all three have put themselves in a position to compete for NHL roles this season.

It is also worth noting that Justin Carbonneau may be the most exciting prospect in the Blues system, but he faces a difficult path to an NHL roster spot. The 2025 first-round pick will be competing in a crowded forward group and would need to truly impress the front office during training camp to force his way onto the team. The most likely scenario is Carbonneau beginning the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he can gain valuable professional experience and take on bigger minutes.

Otto Stenberg is another notable mention, but that speaks more to expectations than anything else. After his development and progress, it feels like an NHL spot is already there for him, making his path different from the prospects listed above.