The Blues have been building to this draft since last summer. The club decided to trade some of it's top talent for younger players and draft picks. The Blues gm does not believe in lower picks and has stocked the team with three first rounders and one of them being the 2nd overall who will most likely end up being top russian center Malkin. The Blues weakest position is center and the selection of Malkin is all but certain. Even management has admitted they are loving the young russians skills and think he could make an imediate impact as soon as next season. Even though center is the teams weakest position it still has some youngers in the system like Jeff Taffe and RJ Umberger who are expected to push for roster spots this season.

What the Blues plan to do with the other two first rounders is anybodies guess. After the first three or four picks the draft can go anywhere, so trying to target where guys will be going is almost impossible. "Yeah I think this draft is tough to judge till we get on the floor. Teams will more than likely draft for need or maybe best player available." Nuvolone said on his way to the draft today. The Blues are not likely to use any of thier first on defense as the club is very happy with the blueline depth added through past drafts and trades. The Blues current top six is a good mix of youth and vets that all are responsible in being able to move the puck. There are also youngsters Ryan Whitney, Fedor Tyutin, Braydon Coburn, Thomas Pock, and Richard Stehlik all on thier way to the big show.

The Blues have been rumored to be looking for a few second round selections leading up to the draft. Nuvolone did confirm that the Blues have made the first draft day deal sending RFA Alexei Morozov packing to Columbus for Krystofer Kolanos and Dallas 2nd round draft pick. Kolanos is a good two way foward who has some offensive skills and Nuvolone couldn't pass up on him. St. Louis seems ready to take the next step in the rebuilding process and we will have a full post draft report right here.