The Blues add more size and depth to their blueline on Day 2 of the NHL Draft
The Blues continued to improve the depth of their defense prospect pool by adding left-shooting defensemen Lukas Fischer and Colin Ralph.
With their first pick in the second round, 48th overall, the Blues drafted 6-foot-4, 226-pound defender Colin Ralph.
Ralph, a late 2005 birthdate played for the Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep program where he recorded 66 points in 57 games in the USHS-Prep division and 16 points in 14 games in the Prep Hockey Conference.
Ralph is a physically gifted athlete who skates remarkably well for a defender his size. Brock Otten, Director of Scouting with McKeen’s Hockey had glowing remarks for the 18-year-old’s skating.
“He moves effortlessly. With terrific agility, tight crossovers, and great reach, Ralph is nearly impossible to beat off the rush,” said Otten.
Ralph projects as a modern-day shutdown defenseman who uses his mobility and towering size to end his opposition’s attack. He's a mean defenseman to play against.
OHL’s Sarnia Sting Lukas Fischer was the organization’s second pick in the second round at pick No. 56. He is the son of former NHL defender Jiri Fischer and has plenty of room to grow into his frame.
The Blues recognize the raw upside in their new 6-foot-3 left-shot defenseman. Fischer played on a young rebuilding team in Sarnia this past season, where he was tasked to be a minute-munching player on their blueline and play in all situations.
That’s difficult to go through in your draft season, but Fischer made the most of his opportunity to showcase his well-rounded skillset.
Similar to Colin Ralph, Fischer defends the rush with his incredible four-way mobility. His foot speed without the puck and in closing gaps is terrific. Additionally, he has that long reach to keep attackers to the outside and force them away from high-scoring areas.
Maybe there’s more offensive potential that we haven’t seen yet due to the lackluster talent on Sarnia’s team. And if so, the Blues could have struck gold with Fischer.
If not, Lukas projects as a two-way, puck moving defenseman. An NHL comparable for him would be Florida Panthers Gustav Forsling
After adding Adam Jiricek with their first round, 16th overall selection on Day 1 of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, St. Louis now has a very strong prospect pool both in the forward and defense positions.
Blues fans should be excited for the up-and-coming talent within the organization.