The St. Louis Blues wanted their man, and made sure they got one of the best players in this year’s draft by trading prospect David Rundblad to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 16th pick in the first round.
That player: Vladimir Tarasenko, one of the most talented players available in the draft this year and whom would normally be a top 10 pick, or even top 5. Except he’s playing in the KHL, and there’s no guarantee that he’s going to make the move to the NHL.
He’s a superstar in the making over in Russia, so nabbing him this high was certainly a risk. Since the Blues had already had a first round pick they could afford to take a flyer on Tarasenko, especially if he does eventually make it on over to the US.