The 2026 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and the St. Louis Blues are poised to make some exciting additions to their roster. With three picks in the first round, the Blues have the opportunity to select some of the most promising young talent in the league. Here's a closer look at ten players who could be available when the Blues make their picks on June 26th.
Ethan Belchetz, LW: Belchetz is a towering presence at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, but he possesses the skill and hand-eye coordination of a smaller forward. His ability to win battles and dislodge pucks from opponents makes him a valuable asset. Belchetz's size and skill combination is a rare find, and his playmaking abilities could be a game-changer for the Blues.
Viggo Bjorck, C: Bjorck is a highly skilled and competitive player, with a knack for excelling in all three zones. His experience against older, more developed competition in the SHL and the World Championship makes him a mature and well-rounded prospect. Bjorck's ability to match high skill with elite competitiveness is a trait that could benefit the Blues' long-term development.
Alexander Command, C: Command is a smart and instinctive player with excellent vision and decision-making skills. His two-way game is evolving, making him a well-rounded prospect. Command's ability to make smart plays and contribute both offensively and defensively is a valuable asset for any team.
Wyatt Cullen, LW: Cullen is a high-end offensive player with exceptional vision and ice reading abilities. His hockey IQ and work ethic are standout traits, and his defensive game is improving. Cullen's ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a versatile player who can make an immediate impact.
Malte Gustafsson, D: Gustafsson has generated a lot of buzz with his excellent gap control, good puck-moving skills, and rugged play. His potential to become a top-four defenseman in the NHL is a significant draw. Gustafsson's ability to control the play and make accurate passes makes him a valuable asset for the Blues' power play.
Oscar Hemming, LW: Hemming is a big and hard-to-play-against forward who can bring offense in multiple ways. His ability to get to hard areas and shoot from distance makes him a dangerous weapon. Hemming's size and skill combination could be a game-changer for the Blues' offense.
Tynan Lawrence, C: Lawrence is a very good skater who isn't afraid to engage physically. His ability to face bigger opposition at the NCAA level and still perform well is a testament to his toughness and skill. Lawrence's development will benefit from another season of college hockey, making him a prospect worth watching.
Ryan Lin, D: Lin is a smaller defenseman who plays hard and wins a surprising amount of battles for his size. His high-end vision and poise make him a valuable asset for running an NHL power play. Lin's ability to make difficult passes at both ends of the ice is a rare skill that could benefit the Blues' special teams.
Oliver Suvanto, C: Suvanto's direct and competitive net-front style, combined with his legitimate offense, makes him a desirable player. While his feet may be a bit heavy, his ability to compete and contribute offensively is a valuable trait. Suvanto's playstyle could be a good fit for the Blues' system.
Xavier Villeneuve, D: Villeneuve has the potential to drive offense from the back end with his feet and shot, and quarterback a top power play. The Blues already have some skilled defenseman prospects, but Villeneuve's ability to contribute offensively and quarterback the power play could be a significant addition to their blueline.
The 2026 NHL Draft is an exciting prospect for the St. Louis Blues, with a variety of skilled and versatile players available. These ten players represent a mix of size, skill, and versatility, and their potential impact on the team could be significant. As the draft approaches, the Blues will need to make some tough decisions, but with these prospects on the table, they are certainly in a strong position to build a competitive roster for years to come.
