Top 3 Blues Prospect Goalies

St. Louis Blues correspondent Jeff Quirin finishes his prospect series with the top 3 St. Louis Blues goalie prospects.

So far I’ve looked at the Top five Forward and Defensive prospects in the Blues developmental system. Both are deep with players who will make an impact at the NHL level some day.

Today I take my final look at the Blues prospect pool. Measuring up those special guys between the pipes. Since there are not many of them, the list is cut down from five to three. Here are the St. Louis Blues Top 3 Goaltending Prospects.

3. Paul Karpowich
Acquired: 7th round (185th overall), 2008.

The late round selection is one not on most, if any, fans radar. The Thunder Bay native reversed the trend and left Canada to come play NCAA Hockey for Clarkson University. After a fairly solid season as a rookie he struggled statistically in his his sophomore run. His GAA rose over half a goal a game (.63) to 3.48 and his Save percentage fell below .900. Second year slumps are not uncommon for goaltenders as the “book” on beating them works it’s way around the league. He comes back to Clarkson looking to better himself as he inches closer to the professional ranks.

Projection: AHL / NHL Journeyman
Currently Playing: Clarkson University of the NCAA
ETA: At least one more year of college before making the jump to 3 or more seasons in the AHL.

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2. Ben Bishop
Acquired: 3rd round (85th overall), 2005.

Big Ben is a larger than life netminder. At 6’7 and 205 lbs Bishop is large mass in the crease. For his size his is fairly mobile and moves fluidly. His long legs all him to cover post to post easily. The knock on him is that he tends to go down early. Even though he has a large upper body, he leaves the top of the net open. Even with going down early he is technically sound and can pull the athleticism card to make a save. Expectations were much higher for this St. Louis local boy. A full season in Peoria reigned in fan expectations. Ben still has miles to go before reaching his full NHL potential.

Projection: NHL Starting Goalie.
Currently Playing: Peoria Rivermen of the AHL.
ETA: At least one more season of development in Peoria before back-up duty in St. Louis. Can make a spot appearance at the NHL level now.

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1. Jake Allen
Acquired: 2nd round (34th overall), 2008.

Jake Allen has the potential to be a special goalie in his day. The 2008 second round pick has a very successful career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In his final term in the CHL Allen posted a 1.75 GAA and .933 Save percentage in 22 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. His 18-3-0 mark helped lead the squad to playoff birth and victory in the first two rounds. Prior to his stretch run in the Q, Allen was helping the Canadian U20 team to a Silver Medal at the World Junior Championships. While his play failed to secure the Gold over the US, he had a decent tournament. Allowing just 10 goals in 5 games.

Allen will need to continue to grow this season. He heads off to the Traverse City Tournament to start for the Blues prospect squad. A chance to shine and make his first professional impression on the front office and coaching staff. A strong showing in Traverse City combined with a solid camp and Allen could steal the starting gig in Peoria away from Bishop. Allen has the frame to be a solid net minder. He is listed at 6’1 and 190 lbs. His mental maturity must also grow with his physical maturity.

Projection: NHL Starting Goalie
Currently Playing: Finished Junior career in the QMJHL. Slated to tandem with Bishop in Peoria.
ETA: Looking at 3-4 years to be a NHL back-up and 4-5 to be a starting goalie.