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

Kale Clague, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

6’0, 177, ranked as #27 North American skater prospect by NHL Central Scouting

Though he’s undersized in relation to most of the defensemen that are coming into the NHL these days, Clague appears to have more upside than most of the defensemen in this draft class. Clague, who just turned 18 on June 5, is considered to be a fantastic defender in his own zone, and his greatest skill is his quickness as a skater. While he hasn’t fully developed offensively yet, he did show major signs of improvement in that regard this year with Brandon, collecting six goals and 37 assists in 71 games.

Clague might be a bit redundant with the Blues’ second-rounder from last year, Vince Dunn, but if the Blues are seeking to build depth on the blueline as Kevin Shattenkirk’s time with the team winds down and Jay Bouwmeester ages, Clague might be a good player to select, develop for a couple years, and plug in once he’s 21 or 22.

Next: Nathan Bastian