2016–17 St. Louis Blues season

The 2016–17 St. Louis Blues season was the 50th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 5, 1967.^[2] The team played in its first Winter Classic game on Monday, January 2, 2017, beating the Chicago Blackhawks 4–1 at Busch Stadium with 46,556 in attendance.^[3] It was only the third time in the nine Winter Classic games where the home team won. It was the Blues' first participation in a NHL Winter Classic game, while the Blackhawks lost for the third time in three appearances in the event.

Off-season

After associate coach Brad Shaw and assistant coach Kirk Muller decided to leave for other opportunities in late May 2016, Mike Yeo was announced on June 13, 2016, to replace coach Ken Hitchcock after his last year starting in the 2017–18 season. Yeo joined the Blues as associate coach, while Rick Wilson joined the staff as an assistant coach. Ray Bennett (assistant coach), Jim Corsi (goaltender coach) and Sean Ferrell (video coach) also returned. Yeo spent the majority of the last five seasons as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild, leading the club to a 173–132–44 record, including a 46–28–8 mark in 2014–15, which was the second-best record in Wild history. Yeo also guided the Wild to three postseason appearances, including back-to-back trips to the second round in 2014 and 2015.^[4]

The Blues have signed restricted free agent Dmitrij Jaskin, and unrestricted free agents Scottie Upshall and Kyle Brodziak. Minor leaguer Jordan Caron was also signed.^[5]

Steve Thomas was added as an assistant coach on June 30. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning.^[6]

Regular season

December

On December 28, Robby Fabbri became just the second Blues' player to record a hat trick before the age of 21, joining Bernie Federko.^[7][8]

January

On January 20, two days after his 25th birthday, the Blues recalled goalie Phoenix Copley from their minor league affiliate Chicago Wolves. He made his debut (in relief) with the Blues on February 27, 2016.^[9] He will make the first start in his career in the next game (January 21) against the Winnipeg Jets. He was 11–4–2 with the Chicago Wolves this season, and ranks ninth in the AHL in goals-against average (2.32) and save-percentage (.920).^[10] In the January 21 game, Copley, playing almost 59 minutes, gave up five goals on 29 shots, with the Blues losing 5–3.^[11] Jake Allen did not travel with the team to Winnipeg for the game, staying home to be with his newborn daughter. He will rejoin the team on Monday, January 23, for the remaining two games of the road trip.^[12] He was pulled for the fourth time in six starts after his poor showing on January 19, allowing four goals on only 10 shots against the league-leading Washington Capitals (30–9–6, 66 pts.).^[13] He presently has a 2.85 GAA with a .897 Save percentage. In the 2015–16 season, he had a 2.35 GAA with a .920 save percentage.

After his one start on January 21, Copley was assigned to the Chicago Wolves on January 25.^[14]

February

Ken Hitchcock was relieved of his duties as head coach by GM Doug Armstrong on February 1. Mike Yeo was promoted from associate coach. He was scheduled to be head coach next season. Hitchcock served as the head coach of the Blues since November 8, 2011. Over six seasons, he led the Blues to a 248–124–41 regular season record and ranks second on the Blues' all-time regular season wins list and fourth in NHL history overall with 781 career regular season wins.^[15] Hitchcock, 65, is 781–473–111 with 88 ties in 20 seasons with the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Blues. He's fourth all-time in the NHL in coaching victories, behind Scotty Bowman (1,244), Joel Quenneville (831) and Al Arbour (782). His 1,453 games coached are fifth. He won the Stanley Cup as coach of the Stars in 1999 and made the Cup Final in 2000, losing to the New Jersey Devils in six games. His teams made the playoffs 13 times in 14 full seasons.^[16] Goalie coach Jim Corsi has also been relieved of his duties. Martin Brodeur and Ty Conklin will share Goalie Coach Jim Corsi's previous duties for the rest of the year.^[17]

Hitchcock is one of the best coaches in NHL history, and the Blues have been one of the best teams in the NHL under him. Since the start of the 2011–12 season, when Armstrong hired Hitchcock after 13 games, the Blues have had a .644 point percentage. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins (.656) and Chicago Blackhawks (.648) have been better. The Blues went to the Western Conference Final last season and came within two wins of their first Stanley Cup Final since 1970. But the Blues still never have won the Cup, and they have gone 9–14–1 since a 15–7–4 start. Since December 8, their point percentage is .395; only the Colorado Avalanche (.196) and Arizona Coyotes (.375) have been worse. They are clinging to the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, in danger of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2010–11.^[18]

The Blues retired Bob Plager's No. 5 uniform in a ceremony on February 2,^[19] alongside his brother Barclay's No. 8, Al MacInnis' No. 2, Brett Hull's No. 16, Bernie Federko's No. 24, Bob Gassoff's No. 3, and Brian Sutter's No. 11.^[20] His No. 5 is the seventh jersey to be retired by the Blues and the 123rd among the NHL's 30 teams. Bob and Barclay Plager join only one other pair of brothers to have their jerseys retired by the same team: Maurice "The Rocket" and Henri Richard of the Montreal Canadiens. He joined the club as a 21-year-old in an expansion draft trade with the New York Rangers in 1967 and became an instant fan-favorite thanks to his tenacious style of defense and his famous hip checks. He played 10 seasons in St. Louis, racking up 615 regular season games, 141 points and 762 penalty minutes.

He retired from the league after the 1977–78 season, and has since held many positions with the organization, including head coach, vice president, director of professional scouting and director of player development. Today, he works in the Blues' Community Relations department, serving as an ambassador in the community not just for the Blues, but for St. Louis, the NHL and the game of hockey in general.^[21]

Mike Yeo began his tenure as the 25th head coach in franchise history on February 2. Yeo spent 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and captured the 2009 Stanley Cup as an assistant. He then moved on to Minnesota, where he spent five seasons as head coach and led the Minnesota Wild to three postseason berths, including consecutive trips to the second round in 2014 and 2015.^[22]

Robby Fabbri (C) was injured midway through the first period in a February 4 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, suffering a torn ACL on his left knee. He is lost for the remainder of the regular season (30 games) and possible playoffs. He will not be able to play on the ice again until training camp for the 2017–18 season starting in September. He scored 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 51 games played. The Blues recalled forwards Kenny Agostino (LW) and Magnus Paajarvi (LW) from the Chicago Wolves.^[23]

Carter Hutton and Jake Allen scored back-to-back shutouts on the road on February 6–7 of the Philadelphia Flyers (2–0), and Ottawa Senators (6–0), respectively. Hutton stopped 26 shots, and Allen stopped 30. Rookie Ivan Barbashev scored his first NHL goal in the waning minutes of the third period in Ottawa.^[24]

Patrik Berglund (C) scored the first "hat trick" of his career in a 4-2 win (February 11) over the Montreal Canadiens for their fourth consecutive win for the Blues in a tough five-game road trip, pushing them into the top three in the Central Division's guarantee of a playoff spot with 63 points, three points ahead of the next two teams. David Perron (LW) scored the other goal, and had an assist. Jake Allen made 28 saves on 30 shots. Coach Mike Yeo is 5-1-0 since replacing Ken Hitchcock on February 1.^[25]

Jake Allen (G) was named Second Star of the Week on February 13, for the week of February 6-12. Allen, went 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average, a .967 save percentage and his 13th career shutout against the Ottawa Senators (February 7). His two other wins were against the Toronto Maple Leafs (2-1 OT, 31 saves, February 9), and Montreal Canadiens (February 11).^[26]

On February 17, the Blues activated Kyle Brodziak (C) two weeks ahead of schedule. He suffered a right foot injury on January 24, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was placed on injured reserve two days later. He was expected to miss five weeks, but missed three weeks and 10 games. Wade Megan (C) was reassigned to the Chicago Wolves.^[27]

Paul Stastny (C) returned to the lineup on February 20, after missing four games with a lower-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 9.^[28]

March

The Blues clinched a playoff spot on March 31, in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Blues (42-28-7) needed one point to qualify for their sixth consecutive trip to the postseason and 41st in their 50-year history. They had a 6-0-2 record in their past eight games to clinch the playoffs. They have a two-point lead over the Nashville Predators for third place in the Central Division. Each has five games remaining.^[29] This will mark the Blues' seventh playoff appearance in the last 12 seasons. The club previously reached the playoffs in 25 consecutive years between 1979 and 2004. They joined the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers as the only teams to have reached the playoffs in each of the last six seasons.^[30]

April

On April 8, the Blues clinched third place in the Central Division with a 5-4 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. The Blues (46-29-7; 99 pts., 235-218 GF-GA) will play the second-place Minnesota Wild (49-25-8; 106 pts., 266-208 GF-GA) in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The playoffs begin on Wednesday, April 12 with the first two games in St. Paul.^[31]

Game 1 (Apr. 12) went to the Blues in a remarkable 51-save effort by goalie Jake Allen. The 51-saves were the fourth-most ever by a Blues goaltender in a playoff game, helping the Blues to a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Minnesota. Only Curtis Joseph (61 saves and 57 saves), and Ed Staniowski (54 saves) have posted more. Defenseman Joel Edmundson scored the winner in overtime.^[32] Recently acquired (C) Vladimir Sobotka gave the Blues a 1-0 lead at 6:21 of the second period. Sobotka played in his first playoff game with the Blues since 2014, after spending the three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League. Zach Parise of the Wild ended Allen's 1-0 shutout bid when he scored with 22 seconds remaining in the third period, forcing the overtime frame. Edmundson scored the winner at 17:48 of the overtime.^[33]

Paul Stastny (C) was activated before the fifth game on April 22, after missing 14 games; 10 in the regular season and the first 4 in the playoffs against the Wild. He scored the Blues' third goal in the third period, giving the team a 3-1 lead. Magnus Paajarvi (LW) wins the series with an overtime goal at 9:42. Jake Allen saves 34 of 37 shots in the 4-3 win. The Blues now play the Nashville Predators (41-29-12; 94 pts., 240-224 GF-GA), who swept the Chicago Blackhawks.^[34]

On April 23, the Blues assigned Jordan Schmaltz (D) to the Chicago Wolves, and recalled prospect Thomas Vannelli (D), 22, who was acquired in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft #47 in round 2.^[35][36]

Standings

Divisional standings

Conference standings

Schedule and results

Pre-season

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Statistics

Skaters

Final as of April 9, 2017

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Blues. Stats reflect time with the Blues only.
^‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Blues only.

Goaltenders

Final game on April 9, 2017 ^[40]

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Blues. Stats reflect time with the Blues only.
^‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Team only.

Playoffs

Final game on May 7^[41]

Roster

Updated FINAL ROSTER on May 7, 2017.^[42]
St. Louis Blues team information

#	Nat	Player	Pos	S/G	Age	Acquired	Birthplace
34	Canada !	Allen, JakeJake Allen	1.0 !G	L	26	2008	Fredericton, New Brunswick
21	Sweden !	Berglund, PatrikPatrik Berglund	4.0 !C	L	28	2006	Västerås, Sweden
41	Canada !	Bortuzzo, RobertRobert Bortuzzo	2.0 !D	R	28	2015	Thunder Bay, Ontario
19	Canada !	Bouwmeester, JayJay Bouwmeester	2.0 !D	L	33	2013	Edmonton, Alberta
28	Canada !	Brodziak, KyleKyle Brodziak	4.0 !C	R	32	2015	St. Paul, Alberta
6	Canada !	Edmundson, JoelJoel Edmundson	2.0 !D	L	23	2011	Brandon, Manitoba
15	Canada !	Fabbri, RobbyRobby Fabbri	4.0 !C	L	21	2014	Mississauga, Ontario
4	Sweden !	Gunnarsson, CarlCarl Gunnarsson	2.0 !D	L	30	2014	Örebro, Sweden
40	Canada !	Hutton, CarterCarter Hutton	1.0 !G	L	31	2016	Thunder Bay, Ontario
23	Czech !	Jaskin, DmitrijDmitrij Jaskin	7.0 !RW	L	24	2011	Omsk, Russia
12	Finland !	Lehtera, JoriJori Lehtera	4.0 !C	L	29	2008	Lempäälä, Finland
56	Sweden !	Paajarvi, MagnusMagnus Paajarvi	6.0 !LW	L	26	2013	Norrköping, Sweden
55	Canada !	Parayko, ColtonColton Parayko	2.0 !D	R	23	2012	St. Albert, Alberta
57	Canada !	Perron, DavidDavid Perron	6.0 !LW	R	28	2016	Sherbrooke, Quebec
27	Canada !	Pietrangelo, AlexAlex Pietrangelo (A)	2.0 !D	R	27	2008	King City, Ontario
75	Canada !	Reaves, RyanRyan Reaves	7.0 !RW	R	30	2005	Winnipeg, Manitoba
17	Canada !	Schwartz, JadenJaden Schwartz	6.0 !LW	L	24	2010	Melfort, Saskatchewan
71	Czech Republic !	Sobotka, VladimirVladimir Sobotka	4.0 !C	L	29	2017	Třebíč, Czech Republic
26	United States !	Stastny, PaulPaul Stastny	4.0 !C	L	31	2014	Quebec City, Quebec
20	Sweden !	Steen, AlexanderAlexander Steen (A)	6.0 !LW	L	33	2008	Winnipeg, Manitoba
91	Russia !	Tarasenko, VladimirVladimir Tarasenko	7.0 !RW	L	25	2010	Yaroslavl, Soviet Union
10	Canada !	Upshall, ScottieScottie Upshall	7.0 !RW	L	33	2015	Fort McMurray, Alberta
64	Russia !	Yakupov, NailNail Yakupov	7.0 !RW	L	23	2016	Nizhnekamsk, Russia

Awards and Milestones

Awards

Milestones

Regular season Player Milestone Reached Fabbri, R.R. Fabbri 1st NHL hat-trick[7] December 28, 2016 Pietrangelo, A.A. Pietrangelo 500th NHL game[45] January 12, 2017 Copley, P.P. Copley 1st NHL start in goal[46] January 21, 2017 Barbashev, I.I. Barbashev 1st NHL game[47] January 26, 2017 Barbashev, I.I. Barbashev 1st NHL goal[24] February 7, 2017 Berglund, P.P. Berglund 1st NHL hat-trick[25] February 11, 2017 Steen, A.A. Steen 800th NHL game[48] February 20, 2017 Reaves, R.R. Reaves 400th NHL game[49] March 3, 2017 Schmaltz, J.J. Schmaltz 1st NHL game[50] March 5, 2017 Schmaltz, J.J. Schmaltz 1st NHL point[29] March 31, 2017 Detailed records Western Conference Central Division Opponent Home Away Total Pts. Goals scored Goals allowed Chicago Blackhawks 1–1–1 1–0–0 2–1–1 5 14 11 Colorado Avalanche 1–0–0 0–0–0 1–0–0 2 5 1 Dallas Stars 3–0–0 0–1–0 3–1–0 6 13 14 Minnesota Wild 2–0–0 0–1–0 2–1–0 4 8 8 Nashville Predators 1–1–0 0–2–0 1–3–0 2 7 14 Winnipeg Jets 0–0–1 0–0–0 0–0–1 1 2 2 Total 8–2–2 1–4–0 9–6–2 20 49 50 Pacific Division Opponent Home Away Total Pts. Goals scored Goals allowed Anaheim Ducks 0–0–0 1–0–0 1–0–0 2 2 1 Arizona Coyotes 0–0–0 0–0–0 0–0–0 0 0 0 Calgary Flames 0–1–0 1–0–0 1–1–0 2 7 8 Edmonton Oilers 0–1–1 0–0–0 0–1–1 1 3 5 Los Angeles Kings 1–0–0 0–0–0 1–0–0 2 1 0 San Jose Sharks 1–0–0 0–0–0 1–0–0 2 3 2 Vancouver Canucks 1–0–0 0–0–1 0–0–1 1 5 5 Total 3–2–1 3–0–1 5–2–2 12 21 21 Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Opponent Home Away Total Pts. Goals scored Goals allowed Boston Bruins 0–0–0 1–0–0 1–0–0 2 4 2 Buffalo Sabres 1–0–0 0–0–0 1–0–0 2 4 1 Detroit Red Wings 0–0–1 0–0–0 0–0–1 1 1 1 Florida Panthers 0–0–0 0–0–0 0–0–0 0 0 0 Montreal Canadiens 1–0–0 1–0–0 2–0–0 4 7 4 Ottawa Senators 0–1–0 1–0–0 1–1–0 2 10 4 Tampa Bay Lightning 1–0–0 0–1–0 1–1–0 2 7 9 Toronto Maple Leafs 1–0–0 1–0–0 2–0–0 4 7 2 Total 3–0–1 1–1–0 4–1–1 9 19 15 Metropolitan Division Opponent Home Away Total Pts. Goals scored Goals allowed Carolina Hurricanes 0–1–0 0–0–0 0–1–0 0 2 4 Columbus Blue Jackets 1–0–0 0–1–0 1–1–0 2 6 9 New Jersey Devils 1–0–0 1–0–0 2–0–0 4 9 3 New York Islanders 0–0–0 0–1–0 0–1–0 0 2 3 New York Rangers 1–0–0 0–1–0 1–1–0 2 3 7 Philadelphia Flyers 1–0–0 0–0–0 1–0–0 2 6 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 0–0–0 0–0–0 0–0–0 0 0 0 Washington Capitals 0–1–0 0–1–0 0–2–0 0 6 11 Total 4–2–0 1–4–0 5–6–0 10 34 40 Transactions The Blues has been involved in the following transactions: Trades Date Details Ref June 24, 2016 (2016-06-24) To Calgary Flames Brian Elliott (G) To St. Louis Blues 2nd-round pick in 2016 Conditional 3rd-round pick in 2018 [51] June 24, 2016 (2016-06-24) To Washington Capitals 1st-round pick in 2016 WSH's 3rd-round pick in 2016 To St. Louis Blues 1st-round pick in 2016 [52] June 25, 2016 (2016-06-25) To Chicago Blackhawks 5th-round pick in 2017 To St. Louis Blues Florida Panthers's 5th-round pick in 2016 [53] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) To Buffalo Sabres Anders Nilsson (G) To St. Louis Blues 5th-round pick in 2017 [54] October 7, 2016 (2016-10-07) To Edmonton Oilers Zach Pochiro (F) Conditional 3rd-round pick in 2017 To St. Louis Blues Nail Yakupov (RW) [55] November 19, 2016 (2016-11-19) To Pittsburgh Penguins Danny Kristo (RW) To St. Louis Blues Reid McNeill (D) [56] February 27, 2017 (2017-02-27) To Washington Capitals Kevin Shattenkirk (D) Pheonix Copley (G) To St. Louis Blues Zach Sanford (LW) Brad Malone (LW) 1st-round pick in 2017 Conditional 2nd-round pick in 2019 [57] Free agents acquired Date Player Former team Contract terms (in U.S. dollars) Ref July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) Carter Hutton (G) Nashville Predators 2 years, $2.25 mil. [58] July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) David Perron (LW) Anaheim Ducks 2 years, $7.5 mil. [59] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Brad Hunt (D) Edmonton Oilers 1 year, $600,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Andrew Agozzino (LW) Colorado Avalanche 1 year, $600,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Wade Megan (C) Portland Pirates 1 year, $575,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Morgan Ellis (D) St. John's IceCaps 1 year, $575,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Alex Friesen (C) Utica Comets 1 year, $575,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Kenny Agostino (LW) Stockton Heat 1 year, $625,000 [60] July 9, 2016 (2016-07-09) Landon Ferraro (C) Boston Bruins 1 year, $700,000 [61] Free agents lost Date Player New team Contract terms (in U.S. dollars) Ref July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) David Backes (C) Boston Bruins 5 years, $30 mil. [62] July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) Troy Brouwer (RW) Calgary Flames 4 years, $18 mil. [63] July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) Steve Ott (C) Detroit Red Wings 1 year, $800,000 [64] Claimed via waivers Player Former Team Date Claimed Ref Ty Rattie Carolina Hurricanes February 19, 2017 [65] Lost via waivers Player New Team Date Lost Ref Ty Rattie Carolina Hurricanes January 4, 2017 [66] Brad Hunt Nashville Predators January 17, 2017 [67] Lost via retirement Date Player Ref Player signings Date Player Contract terms (in U.S. dollars) Ref June 16, 2016 (2016-06-16) Dmitrij Jaskin (RW) 2 years, $2 million [68] June 22, 2016 (2016-06-22) Scottie Upshall (RW) 1 year, $900,000 [69] June 27, 2016 (2016-06-27) Kyle Brodziak (C) 2 years, $1.9 mil. [70] June 28, 2016 (2016-06-28) Jordan Caron (RW) 1 year, $575,000 [71] July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) Jake Allen (G) 4 years, $17.4 mil. [72] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Chris Butler (D) 1 year, $600,000 [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Conner Bleackley (C) 3 years, entry-level contract [60] July 2, 2016 (2016-07-02) Jacob Doty (C) 1 year, $575,000 [60] July 5, 2016 (2016-07-05) Magnus Paajarvi (LW) 1 year, $700,000 [73] July 13, 2016 (2016-07-13) Ty Rattie (RW) 1 year, $650,000 [74] July 15, 2016 (2016-07-15) Jordan Binnington (G) 1 year, $600,000 [75] July 15, 2016 (2016-07-15) Pheonix Copley (G) 1 year, $708,750 [76] July 15, 2016 (2016-07-15) Jaden Schwartz (LW) 5 years, $26.75 mil. [77] July 27, 2016 (2016-07-27) Jordan Kyrou (F) 3 years, $2.775 mil. entry-level contract [78] August 2, 2016 (2016-08-02) Danny Kristo (RW) 1 year, $575,000 [79] September 23, 2016 (2016-09-23) Alexander Steen (LW) 4 years, $23 million contract extension [80] December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29) Robert Bortuzzo (D) 2 years, contract extension [81] February 24, 2017 (2017-02-24) Patrik Berglund (C) 5 years, $19.25 million contract extension [82] March 7, 2017 (2017-03-07) Tage Thompson (C) 3 years, entry-level contract [83] March 26, 2017 (2017-03-26) Evan Fitzpatrick (G) 3 years, entry-level contract [84] March 28, 2017 (2017-03-28) Jake Walman (D) 3 years, entry-level contract [85] April 6, 2017 (2017-04-06) Vladimir Sobotka (C) 3 years, $10.5 million contract extension (starting with the 2017-18 season; $2.725 million, pro-rated for 2016-17 season) [86] [87] Draft picks See also: List of St. Louis Blues draft picks Below are the St. Louis Blues' selections at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, to be held on June 24–25, 2016 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo.[88] Round Pick Player, Age Pos Nationality College/Junior/Club Team (League) Ref. 1 26 Tage Thompson, 18 C  United States University of Connecticut Huskies (Hockey East) [89][90] 2 35[a] Jordan Kyrou, 18 RW Canada Sarnia Sting (OHL) [91] 2 59 Evan Fitzpatrick, 18 G Canada Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) [92] 4 119 Tanner Kaspick, 18 C Canada Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) [93] 5 125[b] Nolan Stevens, 19 C Canada Northeastern University (Hockey East) [94] 5 144[c] Conner Bleackley, 20 C Canada Red Deer Rebels (WHL) [95] 7 209 Nikolaj Krag Christensen, 17 LW / C Denmark Rodovre (Metal Ligaen) [96] 7 211[d] Filip Helt, 18 LW Czech Republic Litvinov Jr., (CZREP-JR) [97] "NHL Draft Picks Tracker: First-round analysis from First Niagara Center in Buffalo" 26. St. Louis Blues (from Washington Capitals) - Tage Thompson, C, Connecticut (H-EAST) NHL Central Scouting final North American ranking: 20 2015-16: 36 games, 14-18-32 "A right-handed power forward, Thompson began the season on the fourth line but soon was playing top line minutes. He has a great shot and led the NCAA with 13 power-play goals. Thompson (6-5, 195) is tough to knock off the puck, and good at protecting it and taking it to the net. NHL.com quick hit: The Blues needed a big, strong center and Thompson, at 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds, has a giant frame that can get even bigger. With David Backes' future in St. Louis uncertain and Paul Stastny turning 31 next season, the time was right for the Blues to start to search for a future No. 1 center."[98] -- Draft notes[99] The Washington Capitals’ first-round pick went to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on June 24, 2016 that sent a first-round pick and Washington’s third-round pick both in 2016 (28th and 87th overall) to Washington, in exchange for this pick.[100] The St. Louis Blues’ first-round pick went to the Washington Capitals as the result of a trade on June 24, 2016 that sent a first-round pick in 2016 (26th overall) to St. Louis, in exchange for Washington’s third-round pick in 2016 (87th overall), and this pick.[100] a The Calgary Flames’ second-round pick went to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on June 24, 2016 that sent Brian Elliott to Calgary, in exchange for a third-round pick in 2018, and this pick.[101] The Washington Capitals' third-round pick was re-acquired as the result of a trade on June 24, 2016 that sent a first-round pick in 2016 (26th overall) to St. Louis, in exchange for a first-round pick in 2016 (28th overall), and this pick.[100] St. Louis previously acquired this pick as the result of a trade on July 2, 2015 that sent T.J. Oshie to Washington, in exchange for Troy Brouwer, Pheonix Copley, and this pick.[102] The St. Louis Blues’ third-round pick will go to the Buffalo Sabres as the result of a trade on February 28, 2014 that sent Ryan Miller, Steve Ott and conditional second and third-round picks in 2014 to St. Louis, in exchange for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, a first-round pick in 2015, and this pick (being conditional at the time of the trade).[103] The condition – Buffalo will receive a third-round pick in 2016 if Miller does not re-sign with St. Louis for the 2014–15 NHL season – was converted on July 1, 2014 when Miller signed with Vancouver.[104] b The Columbus Blue Jackets' fifth-round pick will go to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on November 15, 2014 that sent Jordan Leopold to Columbus, in exchange for this pick.[105] The St. Louis Blues' fifth-round pick will go to the Edmonton Oilers as the result of a trade on February 27, 2016 that sent Anders Nilsson to St. Louis, in exchange for Niklas Lundstrom, and this pick.[106] c The Florida Panthers' fifth-round pick will go to the Chicago Blackhawks (then to the St. Louis Blues), as the result of a trade on March 2, 2014 that sent Brandon Pirri to Florida, in exchange for a third-round pick in 2014, and this pick.[107] The St. Louis Blues' sixth-round pick will go to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the result of a trade March 2, 2015 that sent Olli Jokinen to St. Louis, in exchange for Joakim Lindstrom, and this pick (being conditional at the time of the trade).[108] The condition – Toronto will receive a sixth-round pick in 2016 if St. Louis fails to make it to the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals[108] – was converted on April 26, 2015.[109] d The Pittsburgh Penguins' seventh-round pick will go to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on March 2, 2015 that sent Ian Cole to Pittsburgh, in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo, and this pick.[110] References ↑ "2016–2017 NHL Attendance – National Hockey League – ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved April 9, 2017.  ↑ National Hockey League (2013). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2014. Diamond Sports Data, Inc. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-894801-26-3.  ↑ Rutherford, Jeremy (January 3, 2017). "Happy Note: Blues do their part by beating Blackhawks". stltoday.com. Retrieved January 6, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Add Yeo, Wilson to Coaching Staff". NHL.com. June 13, 2016.  ↑ "Armstrong Ready for Free Agency". NHL.com. June 29, 2016.  ↑ "Thomas Added as Assistant Coach". NHL.com. June 30, 2016.  1 2 "Robby Fabbri gets first NHL hat trick in Blues win". NHL.com. December 29, 2016.  ↑ "Game Notes: Dec. 30 vs. Nashville". NHL.com. December 30, 2016.  ↑ "Blues recall Copley from Wolves". NHL.com. January 20, 2017.  ↑ "Coply will start against Winnipeg". NHL.com. January 21, 2017.  ↑ "Game Summary (January 21)". NHL.com. January 21, 2017.  ↑ "Players, coaches show support for Allen". NHL.com. January 21, 2017.  ↑ "Capitals score seven for second straight game". NHL.com. January 19, 2017.  ↑ "Blues assign Copley to Wolves". NHL.com. January 25, 2017.  ↑ "Hitchcock relieved of duties, Yeo becomes head coach". NHL.com. February 1, 2017.  ↑ "Ken Hitchcock fired as coach of Blues". NHL.com. February 1, 2017.  ↑ "Brodeur, Conklin to share goalie coach duties". NHL.com. February 1, 2017.  ↑ "Failures by Blues cost coach Ken Hitchcock his job". NHL.com. February 1, 2017.  1 2 "Jersey Retirement Ceremony". NHL.com. February 2, 2017.  1 2 "Blues' Retired-Honored Numbers". NHL.com. Retrieved February 3, 2017.  1 2 "Blues retire Plager's No. 5 to the rafters". NHL.com. February 2, 2017.  ↑ "Game Notes: Feb. 2 vs. Toronto". NHL.com. February 1, 2017.  Missing or empty |url= (help) ↑ "Fabbri out for season with ACL injury". NHL.com. February 4, 2017.  1 2 "Jake Allen makes 30 saves, Blues blank Senators". NHL.com. February 7, 2017.  1 2 "Blues Top Canadiens for fourth straight win". NHL.com. February 11, 2017.  1 2 "Allen named NHL's second star of the week". NHL.com. February 13, 2017.  ↑ "Brodziak to return ahead of schedule". NHL.com. February 17, 2017.  ↑ "Projected Lineup: Feb. 20 vs. Florida". NHL.com. February 20, 2017.  1 2 "Blues lose in shootout but clinch playoff berth". NHL.com. April 1, 2017.  ↑ "Blues clinch playoff spot for sixth straight season". NHL.com. April 1, 2017.  ↑ "Blues clinch third place in Central Division". NHL.com. April 8, 2017.  ↑ "Allen steals Game 1 with 51-save performance". NHL.com. April 13, 2017.  ↑ "Jake Allen makes 51 saves for Blues in Game 1 win". NHL.com. April 13, 2017.  ↑ "Blues eliminate Wild with OT Game 5 win". NHL.com. April 22, 2017.  ↑ "Blues assign Schmaltz to Wolves". NHL.com. April 23, 2017.  ↑ "Tommy Vannelli (elite hockey prospects)". EliteHockeyProspects.com. Retrieved April 24, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Announce Preseason Schedule - St Louis Blues - News". St. Louis Blues. June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.  ↑ "2016-2017 Regular Season Schedule/Results - St Louis Blues - Schedule". St. Louis Blues. Retrieved June 24, 2016.  ↑ "2015–2016 – Regular Season – St. Louis Blues – All Skaters – Summary – Points – NHL.com – Stats". NHL.  ↑ "2015–2016 – Regular Season – St. Louis Blues – Goalie – Summary – Wins – NHL.com – Stats". NHL. Retrieved April 9, 2017.  ↑ "2016–2017 – Playoffs – St. Louis Blues – Goalie – Summary – Wins – NHL.com – Stats". NHL. Retrieved May 7, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Roster". St. Louis Blues. Retrieved May 8, 2017.  ↑ "Tarasenko headed to NHL All-Star Weekend". NHL. January 10, 2017.  ↑ "Plager retirement ceremony set for 6:30 p.m.". NHL.com. January 23, 2017.  ↑ "Pietrangelo set for 500th career game". NHL.com. January 12, 2017.  ↑ "Copley will start against Winnipeg". NHL.com. January 21, 2017.  ↑ "Barbashev to make NHL debut in Minnesota". NHL.com. January 26, 2017.  ↑ "Game Notes: Feb. 20 vs. Florida: Steen plays in his 800th career game tonight vs. Florida". NHL.com. February 20, 2017.  ↑ "Yeo wants Blues to 'rise to the moment'". NHL.com. March 3, 2017.  ↑ "Schmaltz makes NHL debut in Colorado". NHL.com. March 5, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Trade Elliott to Calgary Flames". NHL.com. June 24, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Take NCAA Player In First Round". June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016.  ↑ "Blackhawks select nine players at 2016 NHL Draft". June 25, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Acquire Draft Pick for Nilsson". July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2016.  ↑ "Nail Yakupov traded to Blues by Oilers". October 7, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.  ↑ "Penguins Acquire Kristo From Blues". November 19, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2016.  ↑ "Blues deal Shattenkirk, Copley to Capitals". February 27, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Sign Free Agent Goalie Hutton". nhl.com. July 1, 2016.  ↑ "Perron Signs Two-Year Deal with Blues". nhl.com. July 1, 2016.  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Blues Add Depth, Agree to Terms with 9 Players". NHL.com. July 2, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Agree to Deal with Ferraro". NHL.com. July 9, 2016.  ↑ "Backes Writes Farewell Note to St. Louis". NHL.com. July 1, 2016.  ↑ "Flames sign Troy Brouwer to multi-year contract". NHL.com. July 1, 2016.  ↑ "Detroit agrees to terms with Steve Ott". NHL.com. July 1, 2016.  ↑ "Blues claim Rattie off waivers". NHL.com. February 19, 2017.  ↑ "Canes Claim Forward Ty Rattie from St. Louis". NHL.com. January 4, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.  ↑ "Predators Claim Brad Hunt on Waivers" (Press release). Nashville, Tennessee: NHL Enterprises, L.P. January 17, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2017.  ↑ "Blues Sign Jaskin to Two-Year Extension". nhl.com. Retrieved June 17, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Agree to One-Year Deal with Upshall". NHL.com. June 22, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.  ↑ "Brodziak Agrees to 2-Year Deal with Blues". NHL.com. June 27, 2016.  ↑ "Caron Agrees to One-Year Deal with Blues". NHL.com. June 29, 2016.  ↑ "Allen Signs 4-Year Contract Extension". NHL.com. July 1, 2016.  ↑ "Paajarvi Agrees to One-Year Deal". NHL.com. July 5, 2016.  ↑ "Rattie Agrees to One-Year Deal". NHL.com. July 13, 2016.  ↑ "Binnington Agrees to Deal with Blues". NHL.com. July 15, 2016.  ↑ "Copley Signs One-Year Deal". NHL.com. July 15, 2016.  ↑ "Blues, Schwartz Agree to 5-Year Deal". NHL.com. July 15, 2016.  ↑ "Kyrou Agrees to 3-Year Entry-Level Deal". NHL.com. July 27, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Sign Kristo to One-Year Two-Way Deal". NHL.com. August 2, 2016.  ↑ "Steen Signs 4-Year Extension". NHL.com. September 23, 2016.  ↑ "Bortuzzo agrees to two-year extension with Blues". NHL.com. December 29, 2016.  ↑ "Berglund agrees to five-year extension". NHL.com. February 24, 2017.  ↑ "Thompson agrees to 3-year entry-level deal". NHL.com. March 7, 2017.  ↑ "Fitzpatrick agrees to entry-level deal with Blues". NHL.com. March 27, 2017.  ↑ "Blues sign Walman to entry-level deal". NHL.com. March 28, 2017.  ↑ "He's back: Vladimir Sobotka to rejoin Blues". KMOV. April 6, 2017.  ↑ "Sobotka to return, signs three-year extension". NHL.com. April 6, 2017.  ↑ "St. Louis Blues - Draft Buffalo 2016 (June 24 & 25)". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Tage Thompson". NHL.com. June 24, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Select Thompson in First Round". NHL.com. June 24, 2016.  ↑ "Jordan Kyrou". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Evan Fitzpatrick". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Tanner Kaspick". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Nolan Stevens". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Conner Bleackley". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Nikolaj Christensen". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "Filip Helt". NHL.com. June 25, 2016.  ↑ "NHL Draft Picks Tracker". NHL.com. June 24, 2016.  ↑ "2016 NHL Entry Draft Pending Transactions". Pro Sports Transactions. Retrieved June 25, 2016.  1 2 3 "Blues Take NCAA Player In First Round". June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.  ↑ "Blues Trade Elliott to Calgary Flames". NHL.com. June 24, 2016.  ↑ "T.J. Oshie traded to Capitals; Blues get Brouwer". July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.  ↑ "Miller, Ott traded to Blues by Sabres for Halak, Stewart". February 28, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2014.  ↑ "Canucks sign Ryan Miller to three-year contract". July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.  ↑ "Blue Jackets acquire defenseman Leopold from Blues". National Hockey League. November 15, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.  ↑ "Oilers deal Nilsson to St. Louis for goalie and draft pick". February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.  ↑ "Panthers acquire Pirri in trade with Blackhawks". National Hockey League. March 2, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.  1 2 "Leafs' Jokinen to Blues for Lindstrom, pick". March 2, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.  ↑ "Hitchcock, Blues exit playoffs early again". April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.  ↑ "Penguins trade Bortuzzo to Blues for Cole". March 2, 2015. 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