Saint-Louis Blues news -
Starting Day 1 with no less than 3 first rounders, the Blues showed to the rest of the league that they still hadn't finnished trading. After a large number of negociations and numerous trades, the Blues ended the 1st day of the draft with 7 new prospects.
With one of the youngest and best defensive corp already in place in St-Louis with such names as Jay Bouwmeester, Andrei Markov, Nick Boynton and future Hall of Famer Al MacInnis, the team's priority was to add good offensive prospects that could possibly one day play in a Blue-&-Gold jersey and provide a good show offensively. Looking at how the draft picks translated to young prospects, the team's management can be satisfied with their work. No less than 6 forwards were drafted on the first day, with only one prospect on the blueline.
Here they are.
#7 overall: RW, Lauri Tukonen
'An extremely talented forward who has great skating, combining excellent acceleration and a lot of speed. He is a great stick handler with good playmaking skills. He has a very good hockey sense and can do impressive moves around the other team's defence. Compared to: Glen Murray'
#22 overall: D, Mike Green
'All-around defenceman with alot of skills. He can be physical even if he's not very big, he has good offensive skills and is reliable defensively. He is a tremendous skater, has a good shot and makes a good first pass. Compared to: Chris Phillips'
#31 overall: LW, Roman Voloshenko
'One of the top players for his team the Moscow Soviet Wings, despite being one of the youngest players in the Upper league, the second best hockey league in Russia. He has tremendous stick handling skills but he is only an average skater. He is not afraid to go in the corners and along the boards and he has a really good shot. Compared to: Andrew Brunette'
#52 overall: LW, Denis Parshin
'Was ranked as the sixteenth best European skater by NHL Central Scouting Service, but was passed upon because of his small stature. The 5 foot 10, 165 pound Parshin is a fast, explosive winger with excellent acceleration and skills. He drives hard to the net despite size. His hockey sense is among the best in the draft. He is a consistent goal scorer and producer who can beat a defenseman one on one on most occassions. At full speed, he can release just as good as a wrist shot as he can stationarily. Parshin is recognized as one of the most exciting players in the draft.'
#77 overall: C, Evan McGrath
'He had a difficult year, but he still has tons of talents including good vision, quick skating, a good shot and awesome playmaking skills. His stock really took a dive, and he is now considered as a boom or bust prospect, he could either be a homerun or a mediocre pick. Compared to: Petr Nedved'
#84 overall: LW, Chad Painchaud
'Is one of the fastest players available for selection in the 2004 draft. Finished with the fastest time at 150 feet, in skills testing among all participants of the 2004 Home Hardware CHL Top Prospects Game. Finished sixth among OHL rookie scorers in 2003-04 scoring, and led the IceDogs with a plus-23 rating in 68 games. Has loads of creativity with the puck, and likes to use his speed on special teams.'
#107 overall: LW, Nick Fugere
'Has excellent size and strength, and loves to play the down-low game in the corners. Is always willing to mix it up. Possesses decent hands and displays the overall potential of a future NHL power forward.'
The Saint-Louis Blues will start Day 2 by picking right away the first pick in the 5th round, 121st overall. They will have an even busier day tomorrow with over 10 picks to make, and no one should be surprised to see 1 or 2 more trade annoucements with the Saint-Louis Blues being involved.