The St. Louis Blues are set to make a splash at the 2026 NHL Draft, holding three selections in the opening round. Their picks will be made on June 26 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, a venue that has previously hosted the event and will once again become the epicenter of hockey’s next wave of talent.
Among the prospects the Blues are eyeing are forwards Ethan Belchetz, Oscar Hemming and Wyatt Cullen, each bringing a distinct skill set that could address different needs within the roster. Defensemen such as Malte Gustafsson and Oliver Suvanto are praised for their gap control and net‑front presence, while playmakers like Ryan Lin and Xavier Villeneuve promise to quarterback a potent power play.
Scouting the talent pool
Analysts from EliteProspects.com and The Athletic have highlighted the high hockey IQ of Wyatt Cullen and the vision of Alexander Command, noting their ability to read the game at a professional level. Viggo Bjorck’s competitive edge and Tynan Lawrence’s physical engagement against larger opposition add further depth to a class that also includes Malte Gustafsson’s puck‑moving skills and Oliver Suvanto’s direct net‑front style.
Head coach Craig Counsell and general manager Doug Armstrong have indicated that the final decision will hinge on how each prospect fits the Blues’ long‑term vision, especially as the organization looks to blend home‑grown talent with strategic acquisitions. The blend of size, speed and offensive flair among the prospects could reshape the team’s depth chart heading into the next season.
What the analysts say
Analysts from NHL.com and Boston University’s hockey research group agree that the Blues’ selections could be among the most impactful in recent memory, citing the depth of talent across the 2026 class and the potential for immediate contribution at the professional level.