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

Lucas Johnasen, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

6’2, 176, ranked as #26 North American skater prospect by NHL Central Scouting

The Blues will be looking for a lefty-shooting defenseman to plug into their top pairing as soon as they decide to move on from Jay Bouwmeester, and Johansen might be a player to try to develop in that mold. The brother of the Predators’ Ryan Johansen, he comes from a Kelowna program that has developed elite defensemen such as Shea Weber and Duncan Keith, so his pedigree is definitely strong.

Johansen, who had 10 goals and 39 assists in 59 games for Kelowna this year, seems to have the potential to become a player sort of like Bouwmeester was during the earlier part of his career, in that he could serve as a big, strong-skating presence in his own end who can also contribute a little bit of offense. He still needs to put on more weight and is probably at least a couple seasons from being ready to contribute in the NHL, but his potential is extremely intriguing.

Next: Kale Clague