Since arriving in St. Louis, Zach Dean has faced several hurdles. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, Dean was traded to the Blues in a deal that sent Ivan Barbashev the other way. Since joining the Blues, he has played only nine NHL games and spent three seasons in the AHL. His debut season showed promise, but injuries severely limited his second year, restricting him to just 11 games. Last season, he missed the start while in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Now healthy and on a one-year, two-way contract, Dean is aiming to make an impression on coach Jim Montgomery and the coaching staff during preseason and training camp. He’s already caught attention, as he’s been given a shot to center the top line with Connor McMichael and Pavel Buchnevich in tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Montgomery explained the decision: “Center with speed just to see what that looks like with McMichael and Buchnevich. It’s an opportunity for him to succeed.” The coach added, “There hasn’t been a lot of opportunity to see him, but he’s shown really well this year. I love his attitude, I love the way he’s playing.”
Dean has participated in both preseason games so far, making a notable impact. In the first game, he assisted Aleksanteri Kaskimaki on one of the Blues’ two goals, showcasing his speed with a break-in that created a 2-on-1 scoring chance. He entered the zone quickly, forcing a defenseman to pivot and opening a passing lane, which he expertly delivered to Kaskimaki for a goal. During the first game, Dean logged two shots and three hits in 16:18 of ice time. In the second, he was quieter, with no shots but two hits in 11:53. Advanced stats from NaturalStatTrick show that when Dean was on the ice, the Blues had solid Corsi and expected goals percentages—over 78% and 63% respectively in the first game—indicating his positive influence on puck possession and scoring chances.
With considerable competition for spots in the Blues’ bottom six, including reports that GM Alexander Steen is open to trades involving NHL-caliber forwards, Dean’s performance in preseason is crucial. If he continues to impress and display versatility, especially by contributing offensively and defensively, he could secure a place on the roster or at least be a strong candidate for future opportunities. His progress highlights his potential to become a regular NHL player and could significantly impact the team’s depth and future prospects.
Fan Take: This development is exciting because Dean’s rise from adversity shows the importance of perseverance and talent in the NHL. For hockey fans, watching young players like Dean push their limits can be a sign of a fresh, competitive era on the horizon for the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
