Right-handed center Matvei Korotky is off to a strong start in his third KHL season with a goal in two games. Is the St. Louis Blues' 2025 seventh-round NHL draft pick a possible late-round gem?
The St. Louis Blues have had little trouble finding NHL-caliber players in the early rounds of the NHL draft as of late.
On their projected opening-night roster, four players were selected by the Blues in the first round, but another five were acquired via trades or free agency. Additionally, the Blues have first-round picks like Otto Stenberg, Theo Lindstein, Zach Dean, Adam Jiricek, Justin Carbonneau, Tynan Lawrence, and Maddox Dagenais waiting for their opportunity as former first-round picks.
Their U-25 talent is extensive, but it hasn't all come from the first round. Dmitry Buchelnikov, Milton Gastrin, Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, Juraj Pekarcik, Colin Ralph, Lukas Fischer, Love Harenstam, and Marcus Gildof are all on the Blues' radar as prospects, all of whom were selected in the second round or later.
But another late-round pick has put his name on the map. That is none other than Matvei Korotky.
Selected in the seventh round (211th overall) by the Blues in the 2025 NHL draft, Korotky was impressive in his sophomore season in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, scoring 14 goals and 27 points in 43 games.
Standing 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, Korotky is a skilled center with a heavy shot. His shot is likely his best offensive trait, as he doesn't need much time and space to show it off. In his KHL rookie season, Korotky notched five goals and nine points in 30 games.
But he is more than just a shooter, which should excite Blues fans. Korotky has power-forward traits and is willing to engage physically when the opportunity presents itself. But maybe more importantly, Korotky hounds down pucks on the forecheck.
With his speed and energy, Korotky often forces turnovers and creates instant offense. But as he has developed, Korotky has become more comfortable skating with the puck in transition. Using a combination of skilled hands and power, Korotky drives the puck to the net or slot, as he is always looking to move the puck into high-danger areas.
The now 20-year-old was likely a near throwaway pick as they gambled on some positive traits Korotky possessed. That gamble is looking to pay off early, as those traits- his shot and forechecking- have continued to develop while he has rounded out his game.
Korotky is likely still a ways away from competing for an NHL spot, but he is an interesting prospect who could, down the road, become a useful NHL player for the Blues or a trade chip.
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