Going to do something very weird: a St. Louis Blues mock draft! I know, I'm crazy for doing this when it's playoff time, but it's a curse of mine; I just can't help but look to the future. We only have five draft picks (a second, two fourths, and two fifths), so don't expect much. Going to predict one trade (#121, #151, Ty Rattie, and Jordan Schmaltz to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the number 36 overall pick.) Now, without further ado...
#36 overall pick: Roope Hintz, C, Tampere Ilves (SM-Liiga). 6'4", 185 lbs. 11/17/96. Finland. Dmytro Timashov, LW, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL). 5'9", 192 lbs. 10/1/96. Sweden.
Hulking center who excels at everything. Still needs to get used to using his size; too finesse right now, but can afford to stay in Finland while he learns how to use his growing body. Well worth the trade up of two top-end prospects who weren't going to make this team. Comparison is Michael Handzus with more offensive potential.
#75 overall pick (Kings): Dmytro Timashov, LW, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL). 5'9", 192 lbs. 10/1/96. Sweden.
Ukrainian-born winger likely the most dynamic player in the Q right now. He may be diminutive and a liability defensively, but he's a wizard with the puck on his stick. Johnny Gaudreau of the Flames is the best comparison right now.
#94 overall pick: Nikita Pavlychev, C, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL). 6'7", 200 lbs. 3/23/97. Russia.
Tall center is a beast. Just learning that he's the biggest guy on the ice, and he has some skill as well. Improving at faceoffs; could make the Blues in five to six years as a fourth-line center. Committed to Penn State. Comparison is close to Paul Gaustad with more offensive potential.
#128 overall pick: Pavel Karnaukhov, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL). 6'2", 194 lbs. 3/15/97. Russia.
Belarussian-born can play all three forward positions on the ice. Reminds me of Zemgus Girgensons with his two-way play and vision on the ice, and a lesser version would be my comparison. Only reason he falls this far is because of the Russian factor and because he hasn't lived up to his lofty potential this year.
2016 lines:
Steen-Backes-Oshie.
Schwartz-Lehtera-Tarasenko.
Fabbri-Stastny-Jaskin.
Ott-Berglund-Reaves.
2016 defensive pairings:
Pietrangelo-Gunnarson.
Shattenkirk-Bouwmeester.
Bortuzzo-Lindbohm.
2016 starting goalie:
Jake Allen.