Top prospects for St. Louis Blues

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of the League's 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the St. Louis Blues, according to NHL.com.

Blues 32 in 32: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown]

1. Scott Perunovich, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 45 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: St. Louis (NHL): 19 GP, 0-6-6; Springfield (AHL): 17 GP, 3-19-22
Perunovich was limited last season because of a wrist injury after getting off to a hot start with Springfield of the American Hockey League. The 24-year-old (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) was injured Jan. 15 against the Toronto Maple Leafs but returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference First Round against the Minnesota Wild and had four assists in seven games.
"He's had a difficult career quite honestly as a pro," general manager Doug Armstrong said. "Injuries have not been his friend. I already talked to him about [it] ... he's mature now. I said, 'Training camp starts mid-September. That's when we need you at your best. Whatever you need to do, you don't need us holding your hand anymore. You know your body, you know what needs to get done.' But it's a proof's in the pudding league."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Jake Neighbours, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 26 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: St. Louis (NHL): 9 GP, 1-1-2; Edmonton (WHL): 30 GP, 17-28-45
The 20-year-old got his first taste of the NHL last season and scored his first goal Oct. 23 against the Los Angeles Kings. He was assigned to Edmonton of the Western Hockey League, was named captain, and led the team to the Western Hockey League championship and a spot in the Memorial Cup.
"It's a lifelong dream to play in the NHL and obviously play for the Blues," Neighbours said. "I'm happy that everything went the way it did last year. If I could go back, I don't know that I would change any of it. But I've got to come ready to (training) camp this year and ready to make the team."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Zachary Bolduc, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 17 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Quebec (QMJHL): 65 GP, 55-44-99
The 19-year-old had a breakout season in 2021-22 and finished tied for second in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 55 goals, one off the league lead. Bolduc (6-0, 187) remains junior-eligible for one more season, but the Blues feel he's ready to make the jump to the next level.
"Bolduc probably doesn't want to go back to juniors, so he probably wants to push so he can have a great camp, to get [an NHL] game, to turn it into nine and hope it turns into 10." Armstrong said.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Joel Hofer, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 107 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: St. Louis (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-0, 3.07 goals-against average, .880 save percentage; Springfield (AHL): 39 GP, 18-14-6, 2.96 GAA, .905 save percentage
The 22-year-old split time with Charlie Lindgren, helping Springfield reach the Calder Cup Final last season; he was 6-4-0 with a 2.56 GAA and .934 save percentage in 10 AHL playoff games. Hofer (6-5, 179) was recalled and made 23 saves in his NHL debut in a 5-3 win at the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 4.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Matthew Kessel, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 150 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Massachusetts (NCAA): 37 GP, 6-11-17; Springfield (AHL): 15 GP, 0-3-3
Kessel (6-2, 205) signed a two-year, entry-level contract March 27 and stepped right into the Springfield lineup. The 22-year-old had two points (one goal, one assist) in 18 AHL playoff games to help Springfield reach the Calder Cup Final.
"It was a great experience to get in and it's almost like a rookie season there," Kessel said. "You start and kind of see how a pro life is, to see how practices are, see how competition is obviously, and just have a better idea in the summer knowing you have to work on everything so you're even more prepared for the next season."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season