Blues prospect is headed to play in Canada for the 2024-25 season
The trade period has begun in the QMJHL and one of the top organizations in the league has acquired St. Louis Blues’ prospect, Juraj Pekarcik.
Pekarcik, 18, was drafted by the Blues in the third round, 76th overall in 2023. He signed his entry-level contract back on May 29 after having a strong season in the USHL for the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Juraj grew up in Slovakia where he developed his game and skills, becoming an NHL prospect. He flew over to start his post-draft development in North America in America last season where he led the Saints in assists (50) and points during their playoff run with 10 in 11 games.
“It was a really good experience (playing in the USHL). Everything was different. New family. New friends,” said Pekarcik.
Now, the Slovak forward is heading north of the border to play in the QMJHL for the Moncton Wildcats, a team that already has a number of NHL drafted prospects, and a former first overall pick in the QMJHL and top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Caleb Desnoyers.
The Wildcats announced on Thursday they had acquired Pekarcik from the Acadie-Bathurst Titans, who originally drafted him second overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft.
“We believe Juraj has the skillset to be one of the premier forwards in the CHL,” said Wildcats GM Taylor MacDougall.
Since Pekarcik already has one year of experience playing major junior hockey in North America, his transition to the QMJHL should be rather seamless. Don’t be shocked if he is one of Moncton’s top three producers in 2024-25.
“First step is to win a (Memorial) Cup here with Moncton, that’s my dream for this year, and then one day be a part of the St. Louis Blues.”
Pekarcik's development path has come with a lot of travel and a suitcase that is always ready for his next adventure. This will be the third different country he’s played in since 2022.
During his draft year, he primarily played for HK Nitra in the top professional league in Slovakia. He also split his time between playing in the country's U20 division and their second-tier professional league.
After that, he spent the last season playing in the USHL in the USA.
It’s Canada’s turn to see the skills, versatility, and pro-level work ethic the Blues third-rounder brings to the table.