The NHL draft isn’t until Saturday, but the St. Louis Blues – who hold the first pick – already have their minds made up.
Barring any irresistible trade offers, general manager Larry Pleau says they’ll take defenseman Erik Johnson. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound 18-year-old spent the last two years playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program. He’s rated No. 1 amongst North American prospects.
The draft starts at 5 p.m. central time. The Blues are picking first overall for the first time in franchise history.
