Blues Surge Reshaping 2025 NHL Draft Pick Options

As the St. Louis Blues navigate the 2024-25 season, their draft outlook is taking shape. With just one pick in the first four rounds of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft—and a projected 14th-overall selection based on their current standing—GM Doug Armstrong faces a pivotal decision. The Blues’ prospect pool boasts promising names like Dalibor Dvorsky, Theo Lindstein, Otto Stenberg, Joel Hofer and more, but gaps remain, particularly on the right side of the defense and among scoring wingers. 

The Blues have talented players; there is no denying that. However, there is also a lack of true difference makers in the prospect pool who have declared themselves as such at the pro level. Prospects like Jimmy Snuggerud and Tomas Mrsic are racking up points and putting themselves among the top point producers in their respective junior leagues, but will need to reassert their dominance again at the professional level soon enough. 

With the draft approaching in June, and a recent surge in the Blues play, there is a bit of a drastic change from where this team was projecting to finish and draft only a month ago. With fresh eyes and a more solidified draft ranking, here’s a look at five viable prospects who could be on the Blues’ radar at 14th overall—or, in one case, a sleeper worth targeting if they can snag extra capital.

Radim Mrtka, RHD (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)

At 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds, Radim Mrtka is a hulking right-shot defenseman with a tantalizing blend of size and skill. His skating stands out for a player his size, and while his offensive game is still developing, his potential as a two-way force is undeniable. For a Blues team with aging right-side blueliners like Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko, Mrtka could be a long-term anchor. Pair him with a mobile lefty like Lindstein, and you’ve got a future pairing that blends grit and finesse. 

Why He Fits: The Blues thrive on strong defense, and Mrtka’s upside makes him a steal at 14th if he’s there. 

Why Hesitate: His rawness means patience—something St. Louis might not have as they aim to stay competitive.

Logan Hensler, RHD (Univ. of Wisconsin, NCAA)

Logan Hensler offers a safer bet on the right side. At 6-2 and 196 pounds, he’s a puck-moving, two-way defenseman who excels in his own end while contributing modestly offensively. Think of him as a younger, right-shot Nick Leddy—reliable, not flashy. Hensler’s 2024 and 2025 World Junior performances with Team USA showcased his ability to handle big minutes, making him a potential second-pairing stalwart.

Why He Fits: His consistency fills a depth need without risking a bust. 

Why Hesitate: His ceiling might not excite at 14th, especially if the Blues want a game-changer over a role player.

Justin Carbonneau, RW (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)

Justin Carbonneau, a 6-1, 192-pound right-winger, brings a scorer’s touch with 46 goals in 58 games this season. His size, speed, and diverse shot arsenal make him a prototypical modern winger, ideal for a Blues team thin on right-wing prospects beyond Jimmy Snuggerud. He could slot into a top-six role alongside a playmaker like Dvorsky. 

Why He Fits: His scoring fills a glaring need, and his Quebec roots echo past successes with players like David Perron. Why Hesitate: Defensive polish is a work in progress, and the Blues might prioritize two-way play over offense.

Ivan Ryabkin, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

Ivan Ryabkin, a 6-0, 198-pound Russian center, combines skill and physicality. His recent move to the USHL has scouts buzzing about his playmaking and top-line potential, though his defensive game needs refinement. He could shift to wing if the Blues’ center logjam persists, offering flexibility. 

Why He Fits: His creativity and edge align with St. Louis’ style, and success with Russians like Pavel Buchnevich bodes well. 

Why Hesitate: His move to the USHL has proven statistically beneficial. However, a move from the USHL is likely in the future to more difficult competition and how he performs is yet to be seen. 

Sleeper Pick: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F (Luleå J20, Sweden)

If the Blues can swing a trade to acquire late-first or early-second-round capital, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is worth a look. At 6-3 and 185 pounds, this Swedish right-winger boasts a lethal shot and a heady game, projecting as a 12-20 pick who could slide to 20-35. His scoring touch could bolster a thin right-wing pipeline, and his size adds a dimension the Blues lack outside of Snuggerud. 

Why He Fits: He’s a high-upside scorer with a frame to grow into, perfect for a patient development approach. 

Why Hesitate: Skating and defensive work need time, making him a project best suited for an extra pick, not 14th overall.