Prospects who could intrigue St. Louis Blues in 2017 NHL Draft

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Tage Thompson puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-six overall draft pick by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

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Eemeli Rasanen, D, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

The 18-year-old Rasanen might end up falling into the second round, but he’s pretty much a perfect reflection of what the Blues have sought in defensemen in recent years. First of all, he’s 6-foot-7 and 214 pounds, closely matching the prototypical size of a Blues d-man (their current top six defensemen average 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds). He’s from Finland, and the Blues have repeatedly drafted big, Finnish blueliners during the current decade. Much like Colton Parayko, he’s a guy who provides his strongest skills as a reliable defender but also has the potential to make a solid offensive impact with his powerful righthanded shot.

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