10 First-Round NHL Draft Prospects Who Could Interest the St. Louis Blues

Carl Grundstrom, RW, Modo (Sweden)

6’0, 194, ranked as #6 European skater prospect by NHL Central Scouting

Considering the Blues’ affinity for Swedish talent (Patrik Berglund, Carl Gunnarsson, Magnus Paajarvi, as well as Alexander Steen, depending on which side of the “Steen is a Swede” argument you fall on), it wouldn’t be too surprising to see them dip into the Swedish talent pool again as they select near the end of the first round. Grundstrom, a player with a strong Swedish hockey pedigree, is a quick, physical winger who is just a hassle to play against first and foremost, but also has some solid offensive potential. It’s difficult to gauge just how legitimate that potential is since he’s 18 years old, playing in a men’s league that already lacks scoring to begin with.

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Grundstrom would definitely be one of the riskier options for the Blues at pick 28 because he’s such an unknown and already seems to be trending towards a “grinder” role, but if they think he can improve significantly with development, then perhaps he’ll be an option at the end of the first round.