Dvorsky ready for next challenge on path to future with Blues

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Dalibor Dvorsky got acclimated with what will one day be his new fan base at St. Louis Blues development camp by leaving quite a favorable impression.

Last week, the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft showcased the skills the Blues hope one day soon turn into a franchise-altering player.

"We'll see. I don't want to answer anything now," Dvorsky said of his goal to make it to the NHL. "I'll just do my absolute best to make the team as soon as possible.

"I feel good here. It's a great environment, great people, also really like the practices. So far, I love it here."

The Blues, who had three first-round picks in the draft, had the 6-foot-1, 201-pound center high on their list. They had received favorable reports from their European scouts, where St. Louis has a strong presence, and really like what Dvorsky (6-foot-1, 201 pounds) can bring. They signed him to a three-year, entry level contract on Friday.

"He's a tremendous player with character, two-way ability," Blues director of amateur scouting Tony Feltrin said. "He proved at the U-18 versus his age group the scoring ability, makes tremendous plays, makes players around himself better. Lots of potential there, really liked the player."

It seemed each time the 18-year-old had the puck on his stick during the four-day camp, the crowd noticed with plenty of oohs and aahs. During one of the scrimmages, the left-handed shot pulled off a spin-o-rama in the slot and backhanded a shot bar down that drew quite the appreciation from those in attendance.

"That's what I'm here for," Dvorsky said. "I'm here to make an impression and to just show myself to the people who believe in me. I'm not here for just a hat and t-shirt.

"I just try to be myself out there always and just try to do my best always when I'm on the ice."

The St. Louis staff already has taken notice.

"He's pretty impressive," Blues director of player development Tim Taylor said. "I would say his elusiveness on the ice. He made a couple plays where he went inside on a [defenseman] and looked like he was slowing the play down and he was gone past him. Obviously saw his good shot, that spin-o-rama on the backhand. He possesses the puck and he's very smart."

After splitting time between Slovakia's U-18 and U-20 national teams along with playing for AIK in Sweden's Nationell and HockeyAllsvenskan, Dvorsky will move up to play with IK Oskarshamn of the Swedish Hockey League this season. It's a league Dvorsky said he feels will suit him well and help prepare him for the NHL.

"Every player has his own different path," Dvorsky said. "I choose the way of Sweden and I'm happy I did that. I think it's been good for me. I've learned so much there. Of course, it's challenging.

"Hockey is challenging all the time, but I like the challenge."