St. Louis Blues focus on young players in 2025 draft and development strategy

The St. Louis Blues are prioritizing young talent, with mock drafts suggesting forwards like Lynden Lakovic and Cole Reschny could be targets at pick 19. This shows a shift from recent defensemen focus.
By Newsroom | Sports, Hockey |

A collection of recent reports indicates that the St. Louis Blues organization is focusing on developing young talent, with several recent draft picks and "train-on" players demonstrating noteworthy performances in unofficial games and pre-season simulations. This suggests a deliberate strategy to build for the future, though questions remain about the specific pathways these players will take and their potential impact.

The St. Louis Blues appear to be in a period of cultivating new talent. Recent events show promising signs from players who are either recently drafted or are participating in team activities as "train-on" players. These individuals are showing aptitude in unofficial matches, which suggests they could be part of the team's long-term plans. However, the exact path to the main team for these players, and how their development aligns with the club's overall draft strategy, is a subject of ongoing observation.

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Draft Focus and Player Development

The Blues' approach to acquiring new talent seems to lean heavily on the draft. In the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, mock drafts suggest the Blues might look to select forwards with their 19th overall pick. This indicates a potential shift in strategy, as the team has recently invested significant draft capital in defensemen. Experts propose names like Lynden Lakovic and Cole Reschny, with the reasoning that adding offensive depth to the top nine forward group is a priority.

  • Forward Prospects: Mock drafts are pointing towards forwards, such as Lakovic and Reschny, to address offensive needs.

  • Defensemen Investment: The team has previously used high draft picks on defensemen, suggesting a recent shift in focus.

On-Ice Performances and Emerging Talent

Recent unofficial games and simulations have provided a glimpse of some of these developing players. In a match simulation, a player named Smith made a strong debut for the Carlton Blues, displaying comfort against professional players, intercepting the ball, and playing effectively in a defensive role. Another player, Coleman, also played in a forward position, scoring a goal and getting involved in the play. These performances highlight the readiness of some of these newer players.

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  • Smith's Impact: Demonstrated comfort and skill in an unofficial game, playing both offensively and defensively.

  • Coleman's Contribution: Scored a goal and was active in offensive plays.

Identifying Future Stars

Beyond the immediate draft class, existing young players are being eyed for significant development. Snuggerud, a forward, is identified as a potential breakout candidate for the St. Louis Blues. His offensive skills, shown during his college career and in recent playoff games for St. Louis, suggest he could become a major contributor. The expectation is that he could take a substantial step forward in his development and potentially become a star player for the team.

  • Snuggerud's Potential: Possesses strong offensive skills and is expected to be a significant contributor.

  • Breakout Candidate: Identified as having the potential for a major leap in performance.

Development Pathways and Considerations

The path for young players can vary, and sometimes decisions about their development can raise questions. Justin Carbonneau, a first-round pick, has reportedly made a development choice that has been described as "questionable." The concern is that playing in leagues like the QMJHL, while offering skilled play, might not adequately prepare players for the professional game due to a lack of defensive structure and a slower pace compared to leagues like the WHL, OHL, or professional leagues like the KHL. This could potentially slow down a player's adaptation to the NHL.

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  • Carbonneau's Decision: A development choice is raising concerns about readiness for professional play.

  • League Comparison: The QMJHL is seen as potentially less structured defensively than other major junior leagues or professional leagues, which could affect player adaptation.

Draft Day Strategy

Looking ahead to draft day, the St. Louis Blues' front office has indicated a willingness to be flexible with their draft picks. The team holds the 16th overall pick in the upcoming draft, along with several other selections. However, there's an openness to trading this pick, not for a current NHL player, but to move up in the draft or to acquire younger players who can contribute to the team's future success. This strategy suggests a commitment to long-term building rather than immediate team enhancement through established players.

  • Trade Flexibility: Openness to trading the 16th overall pick to move up or acquire young assets.

  • Future Focus: The strategy prioritizes long-term player development over acquiring current veteran players.

Conclusion

The St. Louis Blues are actively shaping their future by investing in young talent through the draft and by closely monitoring the development of their prospects. Players like Smith, Coleman, and Snuggerud are showing promising signs, suggesting potential future contributions. However, the organization faces the ongoing task of ensuring these players are on the right development paths, as evidenced by concerns surrounding decisions like that of Justin Carbonneau. The team's willingness to be strategic with its draft capital, including potentially trading picks for younger assets, further underscores a commitment to a long-term vision. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining how effectively these strategies translate into on-ice success.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the St. Louis Blues' main strategy for building the team?
The St. Louis Blues are focusing on developing young talent through the draft and by nurturing their current prospects. They are looking to add offensive depth with their upcoming draft picks.
Q: Which young players are showing promise for the Blues?
Players like Smith and Coleman have shown good skills in recent unofficial games. Forward Snuggerud is also identified as a potential breakout player for the team.
Q: What are the St. Louis Blues considering for their 2025 NHL Entry Draft picks?
Mock drafts suggest the Blues might pick forwards with their 19th overall pick, such as Lynden Lakovic or Cole Reschny. They also hold the 16th overall pick and are open to trading it to move up or acquire younger players.
Q: Are there any concerns about how young players are developing?
Yes, there are concerns about the development path of first-round pick Justin Carbonneau. Some believe playing in the QMJHL might not prepare players as well for the professional game compared to other leagues.
Q: How does the Blues' draft strategy compare to recent years?
The team has recently invested heavily in defensemen through the draft. Now, there seems to be a shift towards prioritizing forwards to strengthen the team's offensive lineup.