Blues Prospects Signal a Promising Future
By Elise Butler | May 9, 2025
As the hockey season wraps up, it’s a good time to take stock of some St. Louis Blues prospects who haven’t yet cracked the NHL lineup full-time—but are showing plenty of potential.
Dvorsky Headed to the World Stage
Dalibor Dvorsky, who got a brief NHL look this season, will continue his development by representing Slovakia at the IIHF World Championship. Blues GM Doug Armstrong called the opportunity “a huge benefit” for the 19-year-old forward.
Though Dvorsky went scoreless in two games with the Blues, the organization plans to give him a serious shot at making the NHL roster next season. Still, Armstrong stressed the importance of managing expectations.
“We’re not going to put him in a position to fail,” Armstrong said. “Hopefully he has a great camp and makes our decisions difficult.”
McIsaac, Pekarcik in CHL Finals
Two Blues prospects are battling for championships in Canadian junior hockey.
Defenseman William McIsaac is helping lead the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL Final against Medicine Hat. A 2024 fifth-rounder, McIsaac had 37 points and a +46 rating in the regular season and has added eight points in the playoffs so far.
Forward Juraj Pekarcik, a 2023 third-round pick, is starring for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL Final. He posted 67 points in 53 regular-season games and has continued his strong play in the postseason with 14 points in 13 games.
Thunderbirds Show Depth in Springfield
Several Blues prospects spent key development time with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds this season. Players like Zack Bolduc, Dalibor Dvorsky, Matthew Kessel, Corey Schueneman, and Tyler Tucker all played games for both Springfield and St. Louis.
The Thunderbirds posted a 34-32-6 record and made the Calder Cup Playoffs, pushing the higher-seeded Providence Bruins to a tight three-game series.
Here’s what Armstrong said about some standout AHL prospects:
- Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (F, 2022 3rd round) – “There’s something about his detail that reminds me of Alex Steen—not offensively, but in hockey sense. He’s got a shot to get NHL games next year if he has a strong camp.”
- Dylan Peterson (F, 2020 3rd round) – “Injuries slowed him down, but he’s embraced a north-south, physical role. He reminds me of Toropchenko and I wouldn’t hesitate to put him in a game.”
- Otto Stenberg (F, 2023 1st round) – “Coming from Europe, he had to adjust to the AHL’s pace and schedule. He’s learning fast.”
- Michael Buchinger (D, 2022 3rd round) – “Solid first year as a pro, but he needs more development. It takes time to judge a defenseman—he’s on the right path.”
Overall, the Blues’ prospect pipeline is full of promise, with young players gaining crucial experience at every level—from international play to junior championships and the AHL grind. The future in St. Louis is looking bright.
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