Step right up, hockey fans, to the latest edition of our ongoing series where we delve into the world of the St. Louis Blues since the 2000 season. If you’ve been keeping up with us, you’ll know that we’ve already ranked the Blues starting goalies and head coaches since 2000. But today, we have something special in store for you. For the first time in this series, we’ll be narrowing our focus to rank only the top ten Blues first-round picks since 2000. Get ready for some exciting insights and analysis as we break down the best of the best from the Blues’ draft history.
Let’s kick things off with Jay McClement, a standout center who made his NHL debut during the 2005-06 season. Despite a challenging season for the Blues, McClement shone brightly, notching 27 points in 67 games. Over the next four seasons, he became a key player for the team, setting career highs in assists and goals along the way. McClement’s contributions were instrumental in helping the Blues secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a long drought in 2009.
However, McClement’s time with the Blues came to an end in 2011 when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster deal. Though not flashy, McClement was a reliable presence on the ice, particularly on the penalty kill. His 52 goals with the Blues attest to his consistent performance over the years.
Next up, we have Patrik Berglund, who burst onto the scene in 2009 with an impressive 21-goal rookie season. Teaming up with T.J. Oshie and David Perron in the “Kid Line,” Berglund showcased his scoring prowess early on. He continued to be a strong offensive force for the Blues, culminating in a career-high 23 goals in 2017. Berglund’s time with the Blues may have ended in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, but he left behind a legacy of big moments and solid play.
Finally, we come to Robby Fabbri, a dynamic winger known for his offensive skills. Fabbri made an immediate impact in his rookie season, tallying 18 goals in 72 games. He proved his worth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing five points in the Blues’ first-round series victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. However, Fabbri’s career took a detour with multiple ACL injuries, ultimately leading to his trade to the Detroit Red Wings in 2019.
As we reflect on the top ten Blues first-round picks since 2000, it’s clear that these players have left their mark on the franchise. Each one has brought something unique to the team, whether it be scoring prowess, defensive reliability, or moments of brilliance. Stay tuned for more rankings and analysis as we continue to celebrate the best of the St. Louis Blues throughout the years.
