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

Matthew Tkachuk, LW, London Knights (OHL)

6’2, 200, ranked as #2 North American skater prospect by NHL Central Scouting

Tkachuk, considered by some to be the second-best player in this year’s draft class behind Auston Matthews in this year’s draft class, obviously will be far out of the Blues’ reach if they retain their current selection at pick 28. There have been plenty of trade rumors surrounding the Blues this summer though—particularly, one involving the Blues shopping Kevin Shattenkirk to the Edmonton Oilers, who hold the fourth overall pick—and if the Blues make that type of move, Tkachuk would seem to be the primary target.

The son of Blues legend Keith Tkachuk, the 18-year-old had 30 goals, 77 assists, and 80 penalty minutes in 57 games, plus another 20 goals, 20 assists, and 42 penalty minutes in 18 playoff games for the CHL champion Knights. While he’s a big, aggressive player who isn’t afraid to run over his opponents, Tkachuk is also considered to be an athletic, speedy skater who would fit well into Mike Yeo’s system in a couple years.

Next: Logan Brown