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The Athletic’s summer edition of its top NHL-drafted prospects for 2026 has spotlighted four promising players from the St. Louis Blues organization, showcasing the team’s commitment to building its future. Leading the charge is Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has drawn significant attention for his standout abilities.
Close behind McKenna in Scott Wheeler’s rankings are San Jose Sharks’ Ivar Stenberg, Philadelphia Flyers’ Porter Martone, and Sharks’ Michael Misa, but the Blues are well represented with Tynan Lawrence, Dalibor Dvorsky, Justin Carbonneau, and Adam Jiricek all earning first-round selections in recent drafts.
Among the Blues’ contingent, Tynan Lawrence stands out as the highest-ranked prospect, coming in at 27th overall and positioned in Tier 2 as the 11th-best center. At just 17 years old, Lawrence has already made a name for himself, previously considered the top center in the draft before an injury disrupted his season’s start. After dominating in the USHL, he made the leap to NCAA hockey, where he faced challenges but demonstrated his two-way game, strong skating, and creativity with the puck.
Dalibor Dvorsky, ranked 37th and positioned in Tier 3 as the 15th center, has shown great promise during his rookie season. His defensive acumen suggests he could anchor a third line while contributing to scoring, as he possesses a lethal shot that he showcased throughout the season. However, enhancing his skating explosiveness will be crucial for his development as a top-six center.
Justin Carbonneau, listed at 39th in Wheeler’s rankings and categorized as a Tier 3 prospect, is carving out a reputation for his aggressive play despite not fitting the traditional mold of a power forward. His success in the QMJHL has transitioned into the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds, where his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities have shone. While Carbonneau aims for an NHL roster spot, a likely start in the AHL could set the stage for a future call-up.
Adam Jiricek, often viewed favorably by Blues fans, is ranked 82nd overall and is the 14th-best right-handed defenseman in Wheeler’s list. Jiricek’s health has been a concern, but when fit, he has proven to be a formidable two-way player. His impressive performance at the World Junior Championships and in the OHL highlights his potential as a top-four defender in the NHL. With further development, he and Philip Broberg could form a dynamic defensive pairing for the Blues.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
