During the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues made four selections. They made one draft-day trade on day two, moving up in the third round while also losing a sixth-round pick in that deal.
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Rundown
Zachary Bolduc, C, Rimouski Océanic-QMJHL (Round 1, Pick 17)
Simon Robertsson, RW, Skellefteå AIK-SHL (Round 3, Pick 71)
Tyson Galloway, D, Calgary Hitmen-WHL (Round 5, Pick 145)
Ivan Vorobyov, RW, Khanty-Mansiysk-MHL (Round 7, Pick 198)
The Blues’ draft was very forward-focused, with three out of their four picks coming in that department. With some of their forward core getting older, this was a good forward-heavy draft to help replenish and get the next forward core ready to go.
Best Pick: Zachary Bolduc
Bolduc was a solid pick at 17 as a center with offensive prowess, scoring 29 points in 27 games with Rimouski last season. He also has great stickhandling skills and good hand-eye, which are a good tandem of traits to have in the pros. Bolduc also has leadership qualities in him, being an alternate captain last season as well. The Blues rely heavily on their centers in regards to offensive production, so that will be a big part of his development coming forward.
Worst Pick: Ivan Vorobyov
In another situation where the Blues draft was decent overall, Vorobyov is the odd man out here due to his lack of experience in pro hockey. The MHL is one of Russia’s lower leagues, so there hasn’t been a true test yet for the young winger. It will be interesting to see what he is capable of as he moves up the pro ranks because he is capable of having that offensive prowess putting up 50 points in 52 games. But again, the fact that it is a low-tier league must be taken into consideration. For now, Vorobyov ends up here, but eyes will be on him as he potentially moves up to the VHL next season.
Sleeper Pick: Simon Robertsson
To get Robertsson in the third round must have had the Blues front office jumping for joy. Some predicted Robertsson to be a first-round pick, but he fell to the Blues in the third round. He has an amazing shot and great playmaking ability, which are key aspects for the Blues in their wingers. Robertsson will still be in Sweden for the next few years, but he could be exciting to watch in the future.
Summary
The Blues clearly thought that their forward depth needed addressing, and they went out and got three quality players to aid that process. General manager Doug Armstrong was able to get a steal in Robertsson, an offensive centerman in Bolduc, and a developing winger in Vorobyov. However, Galloway can’t be overlooked. He could be the next great defenseman developed by St. Louis alongside these dynamic three forwards. The Blues have several players in this class that will be watched over by the hockey world.
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