The kids have been impressive at times in training camp - Tage Thompson, Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, Klim Kostin and Sam Blais have all contributed in some way on the scoresheet in the preseason. But it's Wade Megan, who spent the majority of last season with the Chicago Wolves, that is making one heck of a case lately.
"(We had a) simple message for him (Saturday)," Blues Head Coach Mike Yeo said. "(That's that) he put himself on the map here. He's gotten our attention."
Megan has played in two of the Blues' five preseason games to date, registering one goal and two assists. His three points are tied for the team-lead in the exhibition season with Vladimir Tarasenko, Dmitrij Jaskin and Kyrou.
On Sunday, Megan's strong forecheck and perseverance kept the Blues in the offensive zone and led to Kryou's go-ahead goal in the second period against Pittsburgh. Kyrou's goal would eventually stand as the game-winner in a 4-1 victory in the Kraft Hockeyville game.
But it wouldn't have happened without Megan.
"He's a gamer," Yeo said. "That's what I like. He's a smart player, a guy that's going to go out there, find a way to make a play, find a way to make a difference. He's reliable when he needs to be but recognizes opportunities to make something happen and jumps on it.
"We obviously knew of him and what he could do last year," Yeo added. "But he's really gotten our attention here and he's making a real strong case for himself."
Megan made a solid first impression when he was called up to the Blues last December. In his NHL debut, Megan scored in the first period to extend the Blues' lead in Tampa Bay. He also recorded a plus-2 rating in the game. He would play two more games for the club in February.
In 73 regular season games with the Wolves last season, Megan registered 33 goals and 33 assists.
Could he be on the roster for Opening Night?
"I haven't thought about it," Megan said. "I'm just trying to take it day by day and keep working hard. Just control what I can control and let the chips fall where they may… that's all I can do."
