The St. Louis Blues are Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas’ team now. If there was any doubt lingering at the start of last season, trading the previous star forwards, Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O’Reilly, confirmed that. 

Those trades also helped launch the Blues from the No. 26-ranked prospect pool last year to 16 this year. They had three first-rounders, added a former first-rounder, and picked up some real value in the later rounds. 

If it weren’t for Calder eligibility, the Blues likely would’ve found themselves a couple spots higher, too. Jake Neighbours’ professional career is off to an exciting start, while Nikita Alexandrov and Tyler Tucker were both pleasant surprises. 

The Blues have a type. They consistently take sturdy, detail-oriented forwards and defencemen who lean more on stopping plays than creating them. 

It means they might not have the most exciting cadre of prospects, but don’t confuse a lack of flash for a lack of upside. &