Many scouts and analysts view forward Shane Wright from the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs as the top prize of this year's draft, and many expect the Montreal Canadiens to select the 18-year-old forward with the No. 1 overall pick.
The last two drafts saw the Blues select forwards Jake Neighbours (2020, pick No. 26) and Zachary Bolduc (2021, pick No. 17) with their first round selections. Both have had productive seasons for their respective junior teams - including a
WHL Championship
and a nine-game NHL stint this year by Neighbours.
Below are a few prospects that have been highlighted around the hockey world as possible fits with the Blues at pick No. 23. With the amount of unpredictability associated with the draft - from potential trades or from the selections themselves - these are purely some names to keep an eye out for as July 7 approaches.
Analysis courtesy of NHL.com's mock draft published on June 6.
Seamus Casey, D, USA U-18 - NTDP
5-foot-9, 162 pounds, born Jan. 8, 2004
"Injuries during the Stanley Cup Playoffs shined a light on the Blues' depth issues on the blue line, so selecting a defenseman in the first round for the first time since 2012 (Jordan Schmaltz) could be the direction they take. Casey's skating and hockey sense are top-end, and while he's not big, he's able to get low enough to move bigger players from in front of the net and win battles along the boards." - Adam Kimelman, NHL.com.
Ryan Chesley, D, USA U-18 - NTDP
6-foot, 195 pounds, born Feb. 27, 2004
"Chesley adds a bit of everything. A right-shot who played primarily on the left side, he was in more of a shut-down role for the NTDP this season but showcased a high-end offensive game with the U-17 team last season. He'll likely be able to showcase more of those offensive skills next season at the University of Minnesota." - Adam Kimelman, NHL.com.
Nathan Gaucher, F, Quebec - QMJHL
6-foot-3, 207 pounds, born Nov. 6, 2003
"A strong right-shot creator who is used in all situations, he scored five shorthanded goals and five power-play goals this season. Gaucher can play physical and is a solid presence in front of the opposing net. He had 57 points (31 goals, 26 assists) in 66 games." - Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com
Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current - WHL
6-foot-4, 179 pounds, born Jan. 27, 2004
"At 18 years old he was the top defenseman on a Swift Current team that struggled this season, but scouts liked how he responded to the adversity. He's a strong skater who is solid in his end, handled his minutes well in all situations, and showed some offensive ability with 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 62 games." - Adam Kimelman, NHL.com.
Denton Mateychuk, D, Moose Jaw - WHL
5-foot-11, 187 pounds, born July 12, 2004
"Mateychuk was third on Moosejaw with 64 points (13 goals, 51 assists) in 65 games and had 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 10 WHL playoff games. He's considered a strong skater who can lead or join the rush for scoring opportunities, and create chances with his ability to anticipate plays." - Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com
For complete coverage of the 2022 NHL Draft, visit stlouisblues.com/draft
