The St. Louis Blues didn’t surprise anyone by taking defenseman Erik Johnson with the top overall pick in Saturday’s draft.

It was the first time in franchise history the team held such a distinction. Johnson becomes just the fifth American to be drafted No. 1 overall and the first defenseman since 1996.

He spent last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program where he was rated the best defenseman in both offensive and defensive zones.



Missourinet