You know how some NFL teams pride themselves on being “quarterback factories?” Well, Blues GM Doug Armstrong seems like the kind of executive who wouldn’t shy away from building that same kind of identity — but with goaltenders. That mindset is part of why he shouldn’t hesitate to take a lesser-known prospect in the mid-first round.
That prospect? Joshua Ravensbergen. And seriously, how cool is that last name? There’s just something inherently awesome about the word “raven.” (And no, I’m not a Baltimore Ravens fan — though I do have a soft spot for a different group of birds that once called St. Louis home.)
Anyway, this is a great moment for the Blues to think about drafting a goalie. Jordan Binnington is 31 and has two years left on his contract, while Joel Hofer is entering his age-25 season and is a pending restricted free agent. Ravensbergen, on the other hand, won’t turn 19 until late November.
He’s still years away from NHL readiness — likely four or five — but that’s exactly what makes drafting him now so interesting. By the time Binnington’s contract expires, he’ll be 33 and potentially a good fit as a backup or 1B option. Hofer will be 26 and hitting his stride as a full-time starter. Meanwhile, Ravensbergen will be around 20 or 21, honing his skills in the AHL. Fast-forward a couple more years and he could be pushing for NHL time right as Binnington, then 36, starts to fade.
It’s a smart succession plan — and if Armstrong (or whoever’s in charge down the line) keeps drafting well, the Blues could turn into a steady goaltender pipeline. Sure, there will be misses along the way, but that’s part of the process.
The Blues could become a goaltender factory — and Ravensbergen might be the start of it.
Picking him would require patience from the fanbase, which is typical for goaltenders. But Ravensbergen is a first-round-caliber talent who might even arrive faster than expected. And with Binnington well into his 30s, the sooner the better.
Yes, the Blues still need skaters, but recent improvements in their prospect system give them the flexibility to take a swing at a goalie in round one — if Ravensbergen is still on the board. If he’s not, sure, take the best player available. But if I’m Doug Armstrong, and he’s there? I’m not passing him up.