It didn’t take long for Jaden Schwartz to make a decision regarding his future as professional hockey player. Just two days after his sophomore season at Colorado College ended he’s following his heart, his sister Mandi’s advice, to the NHL. He’ll join the St. Louis Blues in Chicago fresh off signing a three year Entry Level Contract (ELC) Monday.
The 14th overall selection in the 2010 entry draft is the Blues highest rated North American prospect. Schwartz’s highly successful season in the USHL with Tri-City spilled over in to his two year NCAA career. He was a key figure in the Tigers 2011 Frozen Four appearance and scored 32 goals and 88 points in 60 games. On the international stage Schwartz wore the “C” for Team Canada at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships. In 8 total games of WJC play between 2011 and 2012 he registered 3 goals and 8 points.
Statistical history may tell the tale of a high skilled forward, but does not describe the type of player fans will see on the ice.
Schwartz is a gifted playmaker thanks to his patience with the puck, vision and hockey sense. He skates well enough that perceived size deficiency, listed as 5’10” and 193 lbs., should not be a concern. His mental composition is what allows his talents set him apart from others. Schwartz is a “size of the fight in the dog” type. When
I spoke with him for a Q&A last season he made a point to mention that scoring in the dirty areas is about being in the right position and having a good stick, not just size. It’s not skill alone that he gets by on, but a deep understanding of what to do and when to do it.
Some may question the rationale for using one year of Schwartz’s ELC on the final 15 games and the playoffs rather than opting for an ATO contract and an introductory stint in the AHL with the Peoria Rivermen. The move does break from the protectionist trend of not rushing prospect development. But every such scenario must be handled based on the needs and capabilities of the specific player.
Comments from made by General Manager Doug Armstrong today indicate that the Blues feel that Schwartz is mature enough to handle the late season intensity and the uncertainty surrounding the returns of Alex Steen and Matt D’Agostini factored in to the decision.
The opportunity to add a quality difference maker with the only cost being a minimal increase in payroll, around $128,000 prorated for 15 games, is simply one that cannot be passed up. Keep in mind if Schwartz signed an ATO he would only be available to the Rivermen. There is no one on their roster that could be recalled with the blend of skill and hockey sense Schwartz possesses. Not Phil McRae, TJ Hensick, Brett Sterling, or Evgeny Grachev.
Given that a year is being burned off his contract it’s doubtful Schwartz will spend much time in the press box once he gets up to speed. So long as he can assimilate in to Ken Hitchcock’s system. A pretty safe bet he can considering one area of improvement highlighted in our chat last year was how playing at the collegiate level helped his defensive game.
Schwartz will wear the number 9 and is not expected to play Tuesday in Chicago. A reasonable target would be Saturday in Tampa or even next Wednesday in Anaheim. There are not many full practices this juncture of the season and it may be that long till he can get a couple in.
Bluenotes
- No word on if the Blues will sign Jaden's brother Rylan to an ATO. Since he went undrafted he is free to sign with any NHL team. He could also remain at Colorado College for his senior year.
- Jaroslav Halak was named the third star of the week. In three games he went 3-0-0 with a 1.00 GAA and a .962 save percentage. A well deserved accolade for the netminder who would be in the Vezina discussion if not for his slow start.
- Speaking of Halak... how impressive was he Sunday? As the Blues wore down on the back half of the back to back set he rose to the occasion. Frustrating RJ Umberger more than once. Stops which preserved the Blues 2-1 victory. Patrik Berglund and David Perron were the goal scorers.
- The Blues stingy penalty kill is on the verge of making history. Their consecutive kill streak is now at 47 after shutting down the Blue Jackets eight times in Columbus on Sunday. Assistant Coach Brad Shaw is showing once again what he can do with a dedicated group that gets solid goaltending. From 2007-08 through 2009-10 Shaw orchestrated a penalty kill that ranked 7th, 3rd, and 1st respectively in that time frame.
- TJ Hensick was returned to the Rivermen after Jamie Langenburnner’s activation from IR. Far from a surprise since Hensick was recalled for 11 games but was scratched in all 11.
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