Seventh-Round Steal? Korotky Stock Rising for St. Louis
St. Louis Blues prospect Matvei Korotky is making noise in Russia. The 7th-Round pick is showing NHL potential after a breakout 2024-25 season.
Drafted 211th overall in 2024, Matvei Korotky was a long-term project for the St. Louis Blues. But one year later, he’s made undeniable strides — jumping from the MHL to KHL stints and dominating the junior postseason.
His growth this season raises real questions: Could the Blues have found a diamond in the rough?
Year-over-Year Growth
In 2022–23, Korotky put up just 14 points in 48 MHL games with SKA-Varyagi. He looked more like a depth piece than a future NHLer. But in 2023–24, he seemed to find his stride with 38 points in 51 MHL games for SKA-1946 and a break out performance with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 18 playoff games — massive production spikes that show he’s learning to leverage his size and shot.
This season, he also earned a 30-game trial in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, producing modestly (5 goals, 4 assists), but it’s rare for a teenager to earn regular minutes in that deep lineup.
Korotky’s Tools and Playing Style
Korotky is a power forward with a heavy shot and good instincts around the net. Scouting reports highlight how well he gets open in scoring areas and his ability to attack soft ice. His skating is average, but he uses his frame (6’0”, 194 lbs) effectively. He’s added more layers to his game — including better puck protection and flashes of playmaking off the rush but still has plenty of work to do as his body and playstyle matures.
KHL Exposure and Playoff Push
While his KHL production wasn’t eye-popping, simply surviving in SKA’s lineup at 19 is a statement, especially when that includes seeing a few games in the top-six alongside Ivan Demidov.
More recently, Korotky is thriving in high-pressure MHL playoff games as their top line center with 6 points in his last 5 contests, including multiple clutch efforts in OT.
Upside and Projection
Korotky’s upside likely tops out as a third-line NHL winger with power play utility — think a trigger man who can crash the net, kill penalties, and complement skilled linemates. If his skating improves, he could push higher. He’s still unsigned and under Russian contract until May 31, 2027, but the Blues have his rights and plenty of time to monitor his development in Russia.
For a 7th-round pick, Korotky has already exceeded expectations. The combination of physical maturity, shooting skill, and playoff production suggests real NHL potential. If the development curve continues, the Blues may have landed a valuable piece at the very end of the 2024 draft.