Blues GM looking for best player available with highest pick of his career
ByAndrew Pek
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong and his staff traveled to Buffalo for this week's NHL Scouting Combine, holding their highest pick in 13 years with the 10th overall selection at the 2023 NHL Draft.
As he alluded to local media at a roundtable discussion at Centene Community Ice Center, Armstrong is excited about the opportunity to use his draft assets for a number of different possibilities.
In 19 years as a lead NHL executive - both in St. Louis and previously in Dallas - this marks the first time that Armstrong has had a Top 10 pick at his disposal. Since taking over as GM in 2010, Armstrong's highest draft pick had been No. 14, where he selected Jaden Schwartz in his first draft leading the franchise.
"It's exciting because you're looking at a level of player that we haven't looked at (often) in the past," said Armstrong. "When you're picking in the late 20s, you're hoping to find players that can play in the League. When you're picking in the Top 10, you're looking to find guys that can have more of an impact."
Understanding that any given draft pick may need multiple years to develop before reaching the NHL, Armstrong and his scouting team are focused on finding the best player available regardless of position. The Blues have selected a forward with each of their last eight first-round picks.
"(I won't be) rubbing a crystal ball and saying 'We have to take a defenseman or a center right now because in five years we might need him'… So much can change. We take best available rather than positional," said Armstrong.
Armstrong has the utmost confidence in his scouting team - led by Director of Amateur Scouting Tony Feltrin - as they evaluate and interview prospects in Buffalo this week.
"Our staff spends a better part of 18 months seeing those (prospects)," said Armstrong. "I trust these guys, they've done a really good job for us. They set the list and I go off that list with them."
The 2023 NHL Draft begins on June 28 at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can follow live coverage and additional content on social media and at stlouisblues.com/draft.
