The St. Louis Blues have recalled top prospect Zach Dean from the American Hockey League (AHL). Dean is in his debut professional season, having scored eight goals and 13 points in 47 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds. It’s been an up-and-down year for the rookie, who has recently heated up after a 12-game scoring drought, scoring nine points in his last 12 games
Dean was picked 30th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2021 NHL Draft, and the team traded him to St. Louis ahead of last year’s Trade Deadline in exchange for forward Ivan Barbashev. The transaction has paid off for both sides, with Barbashev producing 20 goals and 53 points in his first 87 games with Vegas, as well as 18 points in 22 playoff games last season as the Golden Knights sought their first Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Blues have acquired a former first-round prospect who is about to make his NHL debut.
Dean is a lightweight center with quick skating and a great ability to make plays in the middle lane. Dean has spent much of his first year as a pro adjusting to the physicality along the boards and in the corners, and he is getting better at making plays through contact. His call-up coincides with fellow top QMJHL prospect Zachary Bolduc’s NHL debut, as well as the recall of 23-year-old Matthew Kessel, indicating that St. Louis is looking to evaluate their youthful assets. Bolduc has subsequently scored one goal in nine career games, with 11 shots, one penalty, and a -1.
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