Recent Growth for Alexey Toropchenko & November Prospect Report From Europe
Welcome to the THW St. Louis Blues Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have a prospect report for the Blues’ European prospects for November, the rising development of Alexey Toropchenko, and more.
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Now on to the good stuff…
Blues’ Toropchenko Developing But Ceiling Remains Limited
November 27, 2023 by Evan Mead
Alexey Toropchenko was never considered one of the St. Louis Blues‘ top prospects, a promising phenom, or a player who would leave a footprint in the NHL. Reflecting back on all available scouting reports leading up to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, it didn’t seem like many felt that he could thrive in the NHL. And after one and a half seasons in the NHL, he’s proven all skeptics wrong.
Toropchenko made his first appearance in the NHL back on Dec. 14, 2021, against the Dallas Stars. In that game, he had 12 shifts and saw a little over eight minutes on the ice. In those eight minutes, he had two shots on goal and two hits but was unable to record a goal or assist. And although his NHL debut was a bit lackluster, he has now become a regular in the Blues’ lineup.
3 Potential Trade Destinations for Blues’ Jakub Vrána
November 25, 2023 by Ethan Carter
There have been three games for the St. Louis Blues with Jakub Vrána as a healthy scratch this season. On both occasions, head coach Craig Berube mentioned the idea of needing more from him in every phase of the game. I don’t think the Blues have handled this situation perfectly, especially with their lack of giving Vrána an opportunity to play with a passer like Robert Thomas to maximize his goal-scoring ability.
There is no word of whether Vrána is actually on the trade block or not, but it seems to be heading in the wrong direction. It’s been less than a calendar year since he fell out of favor with the Detroit Red Wings, and the same could be happening in St. Louis. It looks like he will draw back into the lineup for their Sunday afternoon matchup on Nov. 26 against the Chicago Blackhawks, but that doesn’t mean that all is well between him and the coaching staff. I’m not advocating for the Blues to trade him, but here are three destinations that make sense if it comes to this.
Blues November Prospect Report: Europe
November 25, 2023 by Mike Meyer
The St. Louis Blues prospect report is back reviewing the club’s prospects playing in Europe for various teams in Sweden, Russia, and Finland. As a reminder, this will be published monthly covering prospects in the minor leagues as they continue to develop their skills to one day reach the NHL. Here’s a look at some of the top players in Europe for the Blues currently playing in Europe.
Projecting St. Louis Blues’ 2024 World Juniors Participants
November 23, 2023 by Mike Meyer
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman of The Athletic published their projections of the 2024 World Juniors rosters for Teams Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia (from ‘World juniors 2024 roster predictions: We pick Canada, USA, Sweden and Finland,’ The Athletic, Nov 21, 2023). While the St. Louis Blues could only have a handful of players at the tournament, it is their top prospects that are projected to make the cut for their respective countries.
Here’s a look at the five players who could represent the Blues and their countries at the 2024 World Juniors tournament.