2025 NHL Draft: Top Prospects the St. Louis Blues Could Target to Shape Their Future
Exploring three 2025 NHL Draft Prospects as Potential Picks for a .500 Blues Team
As the St. Louis Blues navigate a challenging season hovering around the .500 mark, the focus may begin to shift toward the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. With their current trajectory potentially positioning them in the middle of the draft order, the Blues could have an opportunity to secure a high-impact prospect to strengthen their future roster. This look highlights three promising draft-eligible players who could address key organizational needs and provide a significant boost to the team’s long-term success.
Logan Hensler - RD
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 196 lbs
Current Team: Wisconsin Badgers
Logan Hensler is a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman with notable upside. Known for his reliable two-way game, Hensler is projected to be selected within the top 15 picks in the upcoming draft.
Over the past two years, he played 121 games for the USNTDP, scoring nine goals and accumulating 60 points. At the 2024 U-18 World Juniors, he showcased his talent with one goal and six points in seven games, averaging 16:23 of ice time. In 2025, he made his debut at the U20 World Juniors, playing a supporting role on a deep Team USA roster. Despite his limited ice time of 12:12 over seven games, he contributed to their gold medal victory.
During his inaugural NCAA season, Hensler is playing for a struggling Wisconsin team that currently boasts a sub-.500 record. These challenges have hindered his ability to accumulate points and maintain a positive plus-minus rating. Despite these setbacks, Hensler retains some offensive capabilities. He frequently participates in the rush to generate opportunities for his teammates, although this strategy may evolve as he grows from junior to professional hockey.
Projection:
Hensler possesses the raw tools to develop into a top-pairing defenseman in the future. The Blues would likely welcome him to the cupboard of growing defensemen in their ranks.
Radim Mrtka - RD
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 210 lbs
Current Team: Seattle Thunderbirds
Radim Mrtka is a two-way defenseman from Czechia with an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and skating ability. He began the season in his home country, playing for HC Oceláři Třinec, splitting time between their U20 and top club. Across 20 games (10 in each league), he tallied 5 points, with 4 coming at the U20 level. Midseason, Mrtka transitioned to the WHL, joining the Seattle Thunderbirds, where the 17-year-old has thrived. In his first North American season, he has registered 2 goals and 16 points while showcasing elite shutdown ability against his peers.
Mrtka has represented Czechia at both the U18 and U20 levels. He logged 2 assists in 8 U18 games and 3 assists in 4 U20 games, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable international performer.
Projection:
With his size, athleticism, and ability to shut down opponents, Mrtka has the potential to develop into a cornerstone defenseman. While his game leans defensive, he has the tools to contribute offensively when needed.
Lynden Lakovic - F
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 190 lbs
Current Team: Moose Jaw Warriors
Lynden Lakovic, a forward with an exceptional combination of size and skill, is projected to be a top-15 pick in this draft class. Standing at 6’4”, he embodies the characteristics of a power forward and has the potential to evolve into a formidable playmaker. His strong skating and offensive instincts enable him to execute precise passes that create scoring chances for his teammates. Notably, Lakovic demonstrates remarkable work ethic along the boards and in the corners, displaying a willingness to both deliver and absorb hits to facilitate plays.
Lakovic shows significant potential but will need additional time to refine his game. Strengthening his physicality and consistency in puck battles, particularly near the net, will be essential. Additionally, improving his defensive play and puck management will be critical for his development into a reliable, well-rounded 200-foot player.
Projection:
Lakovic’s size and offensive prowess suggest top-six forward potential in the NHL. But his ability to develop a solid defense will be key in figuring out if he lives up to that potential and becomes a complete and powerful player.
Interesting list, but I think this is the draft to get a 2nd line center. Depending on where we pick, there is a host of guys that would definitely help especially if Dvorsky will need to move to the wing. We need some true center prospects and this is the draft to do it in the first round. Frondell, McQueen, Desnoyers, and O'Brien all COULD be there when we pick as 6th to 15th is all within reach.
Lakovic is a very soft player. Big and talented, but he just doesn't engage. Prefer a Malcolm Spence who has outplayed Porter Martone, when they play against each other or Bill Zonnon who is overlooked in the Q. Hensler and Mrtka are interesting. Mrtka may slip in the top 5 based on need. He is the latest and shiniest new toy like Simashev was. Someone will overdraft him. Hensler has been pretty blah this year, but....RHD is a need in our prospect pool. Nice article.