Tynan Lawrence's Strong NCAA Start Makes Blues Pick Look Like An Early NHL Draft Selection Hit

When the St. Louis Blues selected Tynan Lawrence with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, many were quick to label the pick as great value.

Heading into the season, Lawrence was widely considered a top-five pick and the top center in the draft. An injury delayed the start of his season, and the jump from the USHL to a struggling NCAA school left Lawrence playing catch-up, which hurt his stock. 

He finished his freshman season with just two goals and seven points in 18 games. He had a strong showing at the U-18s, which helped calm some of the nerves scouts had, but the opinions about him had been finalized.

He fell to pick No. 11 and was the third center taken off the board, behind Boston University teammate and Vancouver Canucks prospect Caleb Malhotra and Winnipeg Jets second-line center Viggo Bjorck.

So far, Lawrence is doing everything in his power to make those teams regret their decisions. Through eight games, the 18-year-old has posted seven goals and 10 points, leading his team in both categories. 

Lawrence's skating remains his strong suit, but other elements of his game are improving rapidly. He appears confident with the puck on his stick again, creating space in transition and in the offensive zone. Lawrence's best ability has always been his puck control and playmaking, and although he has only three assists, it's more because his teammates fail to convert their chances than because Lawrence fails to create them.

But Lawrence's biggest improvement may be his shot, which looks heavy, accurate, and quick. There have been numerous occurrences where Lawrence has beaten a goaltender cleanly. Whether he's creating his own space or using a catch-and-release, Lawrence's goal-scoring has been outstanding. 

Additionally, Lawrence's defensive awareness remains potent. 

This leads up to an appearance at the upcoming World Junior Championship, where he is expected not only to make the team but also to play a prominent role. 

What excites the Blues the most is that Lawrence is just scratching the surface. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Lawrence still has room to develop physically while improving his game. At every level, Lawrence's skating, playmaking, and two-way game have shone, and he's on the right trajectory to do so in the NHL within the next couple of years. 

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