The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for the fifth annual Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, set for September 12-14 at TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minnesota. This marks the Blues’ third year participating in the event, where they’ll face the Minnesota Wild’s prospects on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m. and the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects on Saturday, September 13 at 6 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on stlouisblues.com and the Blues App.
The Blues’ prospects will also hold practices at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12, at Centene Community Ice Center before departing for Minnesota. With a talented roster of forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders, here are three key prospects to watch, plus two bonus players who could make waves, along with the full Blues roster for the Showcase.
Top Prospects to Watch
Zach Dean (#52, Forward)
Acquired via trade, Zach Dean is a dynamic forward whose development has been hampered by injuries. Drafted 30th overall by Vegas in 2021, Dean is looking to regain his form and showcase his two-way play. His ability to drive offense and compete in all zones makes him a player to watch, as a strong performance could signal his readiness to push for a bottom-six NHL role. Keep an eye on his health and how he controls the pace of play against top competition.
Justin Carbonneau (#68, Forward)
The Blues’ most recent first-round pick (2025), Justin Carbonneau was the standout at the team’s prospect camp, impressing with his speed, skill, and hockey IQ. His ability to create scoring chances and thrive in high-pressure moments will be tested against the Wild and Blackhawks. As a new addition to the organization, Carbonneau’s performance could cement his status as a future cornerstone for the Blues as soon as the 2026-27 season.
Dalibor Dvorsky (#54, Forward)
Dalibor Dvorsky is the Blues’ top prospect and the closest to an NHL role among this group. Selected 10th overall in 2023, the OHL standout (88 pts in 52 games with the Sudbury Wolves) combines elite playmaking with a strong 200-foot game. His vision, puck-handling, and ability to elevate linemates make him a must-watch. After scoring 21 goals and 45 points in 61AHL games, Dvorsky should remain an early call-up option should he start the season in the AHL once again.
Bonus Players to Watch
Dylan Peterson (#48, Forward)
At 6’4” and 192 pounds, Dylan Peterson brings the physicality the Blues crave. The Boston University product excels at winning board battles and creating space, though his offensive game is still developing. His gritty, power-forward style could shine in Minnesota, but he may need more time to round out his game for an NHL role.
Aleksanteri Kaskimäki (#65, Forward)
Aleksanteri Kaskimäki blends skill with an agitating edge, similar to a play style fans may be familiar with of former Blue Vladimir Sobotka. The Finnish prospect’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces and contribute offensively while getting under opponents’ skin makes him intriguing. His performance could elevate his potential as a versatile middle-six forward for the Blues.
Blues Prospect Showcase Roster
Forwards
- #28 Otto Stenberg
- #48 Dylan Peterson
- #52 Zach Dean
- #54 Dalibor Dvorsky
- #65 Aleksanteri Kaskimäki
- #68 Justin Carbonneau
- #76 Sam Stange
- #80 Simon Robertsson
- #84 Adam Jecho
- #85 Juraj Pekarcik
- #86 Antoine Dorion
- #93 Jakub Stancl
Defensemen
- #37 Adam Jiricek
- #41 Theo Lindstein
- #62 Michael Buchinger
- #73 Marc-Andre Gaudet
- #74 Anthony Kehrer
- #87 Will McIsaac
- #92 Quinton Burns
- #94 Lucas Fischer
Goaltenders
- #31 Will Cranley
- #45 Matthew Koprowski