On Tuesday (May 7), the 2024 Draft Lottery took place, and the St.Louis Blues were confirmed as the 16th pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL (National Hockey League) Draft. Last year, they were within the top 10 overall picks in the draft, and it was the only time in the past five years that they’ve been in lottery pick territory.
This year’s draft is loaded with many excellent prospects, and the Blues can take this opportunity from their position to add one more solid piece to their roster and push for the postseason. So, who could they pick with their 16th overall pick? Let’s take a look at the three best options.
3. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
The best Norwegian prospect in this draft is Micahel Brandsegg-Nygård, and the Blues are in a great spot to grab him. Brandsegg-Nygård was terrific in the 2024 World Junior Championship (WJC), scoring five points in five games, and was a critical factor in leading Norway back into the tournament after being relegated in 2014. However, they failed to keep up this year and were demoted to Division I, Group A.
Brandsegg-Nygård spent two seasons in the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan for Mora IK. Through 11 games in his first season with Mora IK, he put up three points with one goal and two assists. Before being called up, he was on the Mora IK U-20 roster, scoring 38 points in 35 games. This season, he played for the U-20 team, scored 12 points through seven games, and was again called up to the senior squad, scoring 18 points in 41 games.
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Standing at 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, Brandsegg Nygård has a big frame and uses it well along the boards to play the puck, except when he’s in a scrum, he tends to get beaten. He’s got a great shot and knows how to create space, which the Blues need. He’s versatile as he goes into this draft as a forward but typically plays right wing, which could be great for the Blues’ second line.
If drafted by the Blues, Brandsegg-Nygård will be the first Norwegian player to be drafted by the Blues in franchise history.
2. Adam Jiricek
Adam Jiricek is projected to be selected between the draft’s 12th and 27th overall picks. Still, assuming he is not selected before the Blues’ pick, he would be a great defensive piece, as the Blues lack solid defensive prospects. Most importantly, he is a right-handed shot, which they don’t have much of at the defensive end.
Jiricek is also the brother of Columbus Blue Jackets…
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