David Rundblad
Defense
Lycksele, Sweden
Shoots: left
DOB: October 8, 1990
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190 lbs
With their first pick, selecting 17th overall, the Blues chose Swedish defenseman David Rundblad. The silver medal winner in the 2009 World Juniors for Team Sweden has shown to possess a sharp shot from the blueline that allows him to be particularly productive in the offensive game. Rundblad uses stellar vision and speed to accompany soft hands in moving the puck up the ice. An offensive minded defenseman; Rundblad is not a “puck hog” and will not only use his accuracy for shots on net, but also in making perfect passes that land squarely on the tape of his teammates.
If David Rundblad has a short side, it is his inability to keep things plain in the defensive zone. Rundblad tends to find himself out of position at times and currently lacks the appropriate level of aggression necessary to shut down opposing offenses. If Rundblad is able to develop his defensive game, he could become a perennial All-Star in St. Louis. However, in his current form Rundblad is still a capable power play captain and a potential liability in his own end. Rundblad is signed with Skelleftea in the Swedish Elite League through 2010-11.
Brett Ponich
Defense
Edmonton, Alberta
Shoots: left
DOB: February 22, 1991
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 204 pounds
After being selected in the second round by the St. Louis Blues, 48th overall, Brett Ponich has the eyes of the Blues management and the hockey world upon him now. The Blues overlooked the rating process when they selected Ponich who was considered the 151st North American skater. Comparable to Chris Pronger (PHI) and Hal Gill (PIT), the aggressive defenseman feels his defensive game is solid and looks forward to continuing to develop his offensive game. Ponich has spent the last month in Portland, Oregon with his junior team readying for the Blues development camp in July. Ponich anticipates remaining in Portland for the coming 2009-10 season to continue to develop his game further.
Sergei Andronov
Right Wing
Penza, Russia
Shoots: left
DOB: July 19, 1989
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 183 pounds
The oldest player selected in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Blues will be 20 in a couple of weeks. His age and experience in the Kontinental Hockey League make him more ready for the NHL than most players within the draft. Overlooked in the last few drafts Andronov was the 24th ranked player in this year’s draft. He was selected by the Blues in the third round, 78th overall. At first glance Andronov’s numbers in the KHL do not appear too impressive (eight goals and four assists for twelve points). Yet it is also worthy to note here that most young players are not capable of large point tallies within that league. Andronov is blessed with good speed and technique without the puck, which makes him a prospect at the NHL level. Andronov has spent the last two seasons with Togliatti, a team that possesses a defense first mentality, yet lessening his point totals further. Given that fact, Andronov can be expected to have a strong second nature where it counts in the defensive zone and will be able to develop into a scorer at a more comfortable pace.
Tyler Shattock
Right Wing
Vernon, British Columbia
Shoots: right
DOB: February 2, 1990
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 190 pounds
Selected in the fourth round, 108th overall, Tyler Shattock experienced a breakout season this year for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League. In 68 games Shattock scored 69 points (30 goals, 39 assists) and logged 82 penalty minutes in his third full season in the league. His youth and size suggest a player just beginning to come to physical maturity and grace and therefore may continue to blossom as a player as he becomes more comfortable in his frame.
David Shields
Defenseman
Buffalo, New York
Shoots: right
DOB: January 27, 1991
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 216 pounds
The first of two Americans selected by the Blues came in the sixth round, 168th overall. David Shields is yet another sizeable defenseman with much upswing and ability. Named the Erie Otters most valuable player this season, Shields has shown a knack on defense for eliminating shooting lanes and opportunities for the opposition as he logged a differential of +24 this last season.
Maxwell Tardy
Center
Duluth, Minnesota
Shoots: right
DOB: October 27, 1990
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 168 pounds
Maxwell Tardy was the final selection by the Blues in the 2009 Draft. Selected 202nd overall in the 7th round, Tardy will need to continue to develop physically as well as within his hockey sense. A great high school player and a finalist for Minnesota’s “Mr. Hockey,” Tardy often finds himself physically overmatched by larger stronger players. While the weight room poses the simplest explanation for what may be the weakest overall point of his game, Tardy has much to offer and much to develop. Tardy sees the ice as well as anyone and has no problem carrying the puck through traffic. A level headed player with terrific lateral movement and grace, Tardy is a legitimate hockey player at the professional level. Tardy is currently signed on to play at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and will do good to take at least a couple of years with the Bulldogs to continue his development to the next highest level. Tardy was ranked as the 144th skater in the North American ranks.
You may contact the author at: john.strathman@prohockeynews.com
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