Leading up to the 2026 NHL draft, many draft experts linked the St. Louis Blues to center Tynan Lawrence. With the 11th pick, the Blues proved those theories correct, selecting Lawrence.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, Lawrence was often considered the best center in the draft, ahead of the likes of Caleb Malhotra and Viggo Bjorck. Unfortunately for Lawrence, an injury derailed the start of his season, and he didn’t adapt to college hockey as well as a 17-year-old as some would have hoped.

Despite that, Lawrence plays a very polished game with an attentiveness to the defensive side of the puck. But what makes Lawrence such an intriguing prospect is his offensive game. With his frame, skating, defensive refinement, and puck skills, Lawrence has all the makings of a future top-six center.

But Lawrence has work to do to prove that the 2025-26 season was just a blip. As he returns to Boston University for his sophomore season, here are three realistic goals Lawrence can achieve. 

It sounds simple, and it’s obviously easier said than done, but heading into the 2026-27 season, Lawrence has experience under his belt and a role that is expected to grow. The Terriers saw players like Cole Eiserman and Cole Hutson move onto the NHL last season, but they’ll be welcoming top NHL prospects like Malhotra, Haoxi Wang, and Xavier Villeneuve as they look to bounce back.

With the improved roster and experience, there’s no reason why Lawrence can’t be among the best players in the NCAA.

It’s a tall ask for Lawrence to win the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey, but he can be among the candidates when the season concludes. 

Most, if not all, projected Team Canada world junior rosters have Lawrence penciled in, but that doesn’t mean Hockey Canada believes he’s a shoo-in.

Lawrence has previously performed well on the international stage, standing out at the U-17s, U-18s, and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.  But pedigree alone won’t guarantee a spot on Team Canada.

Lawrence will need to impress at the World Junior Summer Showcase and improve his production in the NCAA to not only earn a role on the roster but also play meaningful minutes at 5-on-5 and on the power play.

While this is an attainable goal for Lawrence, the Blues could ultimately decide that another season in college hockey would serve him best and wait another season. But if he hits his first two goals, he’ll be in strong consideration to sign his entry-level contract.

Whether he starts in the NHL or AHL will depend on his physical readiness. 

The most important part is that Lawrence makes it a conversation. Using his skating and playmaking will make Lawrence successful offensively.

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