Top 5 St. Louis Blues Forward Prospects

The Blues are well known around the NHL for having one of the best prospect systems in the post-Lockout era.

Their system has been consistently ranked in the Top 10 by Hockey’s Future and other blogs and media outlets. One of the few signs of hope for a franchise gutted of depth half a decade ago.

Most around the league know the names TJ Oshie, Erik Johnson, David Perron and Patrick Berglund. The first crop of young talent have developed and are expected to contribute and the NHL level now. These are the core prospects the Blues have rebuilt around and what pushed the organization so high amongst its peers. With their graduation to NHL regulars the names remaining are not as well know. Who is coming in the next batch?

First up are the Blues’ Top 5 Forward Prospects.

Honorable Mentions: Tyler Shattock and Jori Lehtera.

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#5. Stefan Della Rovere

Acquired: Washington Capitals via Trade for DJ King.

Della Rovere is exactly what Doug Armstrong has been trying to acquire more of. Youth, energy, effort and a little skill on the side. Some are drawing comparisons to another fiesty former Blue, Tyson Nash. A fan favorite in his time in St. Louis for his aggressive and agitating nature. The Blues also like his leadership and winning background. A two time medalist at the WJC U20 Tournament, captaining the Barrie Colts to an outstanding 2009-10 OHL season, and winning a Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears of the AHL. If Della Rovere can continue to develop his  leadership skills and game in to a quick, forechecking puck hound he will have a job in St. Louis in the near future.

NHL Projection: Top 9 Energy Forward and potential penalty killer.
Currently Playing: Will go to Blues training camp and likely be assigned to the Peoria Rivermenof the AHL.
ETA: 1-2 Seasons for full time duty. Can be a short term injury call up this season.

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#4. Brett Sonne

Acquired: 3rd Round (85th overall), 2007

Sonne put on a scoring show in the WHL as an over-ager. In 2008-09 he posted 100 points in 62 games. Perhaps unfairly he was pegged as a potential scorer at the NHL level based on that success. He has the talent to produce points professional, but that will not be how he earns a paycheck. His bread and butter will be effort, defensive responsibility and energy. Taking the offense as it comes to him. Listed at 5’11 and 200 lbs. Sonne has enough size to play the professional game. At that size he could be similar to the Penguins Tyler Kennedy or Max Talbot. A player than can occasionally fill in on the top two scoring lines as needed, but will excel in energy line roles. He could be a future replacement for Jay McClement should he be priced out of the Blues budget in 2012.

NHL Projection: Top 6/Top 9 “Tweener” and potential penalty killer.
Currently Playing: With the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL. Will come to training camp to establish his credentials for an injury call up.
ETA: 2 Seasons as a full time player. Will be available as a short term njury call up this season.

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#3. Phil McRae

Acquired: 2nd round (33rd overall), 2008

McRae has the pedigree to play in the NHL. His father Basil McRae was a tough guy on the left side  in St. Louis from 1992-96. Phil has much softer hands and they are used for scoring. To the tune of 63 goals over 177 games in the last three OHL seasons. That’s a 30 goal pace over 82 games. While not a true power forward, he is the closest player fitting the mold in the system. He has the size to play the tough interior game, but he also has the speed to push defenders back off the line. Think of a smaller David Backes. Phil is listed as a Center but could easily end up a winger with his size and speed combination. Like Della Rovere, Phil has metaled twice at the WJC. Once with the U18 and once with the U20 US squad. There is more than enough skill in McRae to score at the NHL level. At this point he needs to make the jump from amateur scorer to professional scorer.

Projection: Top 6 Forward. Potential special teams contributor.
Currently Playing: Having wrapped up his OHL career leading the Plymouth Whalers in Playoff scoring he heads to training camp with the Blues much like Della Rovere and Sonne. Out to make an impression but will head to Peoria.
ETA: 2-3 Seasons of development. A high level of play in Peoria could earn him a call up, but do not expect a quick jump to the NHL.

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#2. Jaden Schwartz

Acquired: 1st Round (14th overall), 2010

Schwartz is best described as a points producer. He goes out and finds ways to create offense. As a smaller player (5’10, 190 lbs.) in the large USHL, Schwartz lead the league in scoring last season. Posting 33 goals and 83 points in 60 games. His skill set and style of play have drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane. Jaden may not have the high end abilities that Kane has, but has everything in place to be a dangerous weapon on the offensive zone. Schwartz is not the best skater but has solid lateral movement and is excellent on the puck. Kind of like David Perron when he keeps his feet moving. His body will need more time to mature before he can make the jump to the NHL.

Projection: Top 6 (perhaps top line) scoring forward.
Currently Playing: Committed to Colorado College for the 10-11 season.
ETA: roughly 2 years of development before turning Pro.

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#1. Vladimir Tarasenko

Acquired: 1st Round (16th overall), 2010

Tarasenko is the king of the prospect hill. With the departure of the highly anticipated Lars Eller, the door was left open for Vladimir. In terms of skills and abilities he was rivaled only by Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin who went 1st and 2nd overall at the 2010 draft. Many teams appeared to have feared the “Russian factor” and passed on the gifted scorer. When Ottawa’s pick was off the board at 16 they cut a deal with the Blues to acquire Defensemen David Rundblad (last year’s top pick at 17). Jarmo Kekalainen was happy to swing for the fences in his last major selection with the Blues.

Vladimir is likely the most talented and physically ready forward to come out of Russia since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin were drafted in 2004. Listed on most sites as 6’0, 200lbs +, his body can take the abuse of the North American game. His offensive skills are primed and ready to cross the Atlantic. His KHL contract situation prevented his arrival for the 2010-11 season. However, the Blues are 100% confident that he will be able to come over for the 2011-12 season.

Projection: Top line scoring winger
Currently Playing: Sibir of the KHL is where he will play for 10-11. There is still much confusion and debate about his contract for 11-12 and if it is being extended or restructured.
ETA: Fully expected to be playing professional hockey in North American by 11-12. Will likely be NHL ready at that point.

Look for the Blues’ Top 5 Defensemen Prospects next week.