Jake Walman

Walman's development with AHL clubs Chicago and Binghamton fell short of expectations, managing just 20 points and a minus-7 in 59 games. The Blues wanted him to bulk up (he checked into 2017-18 training camp at 170 pounds) and he did, measuring in at 202 pounds by the end of the AHL season. Walman's chances at an NHL call-up are more likely now, but it will only be for injury relief as the Blues are returning their top-seven blueliners from last season.

Walman, a 2014 third-round pick (82nd overall) by the Blues, had a breakout season in 2015-16 as a sophomore at Providence University. The Canadian-born Walman led all NCAA defensemen in goals (13), power play goals (8), points per game (1.04) and game-winning goals (4) -- all that in a season shortened to 27 games because of a December shoulder injury. In March 2016, Walman eventually underwent surgery on the injured shoulder from which he was still rehabbing and unavailable to participate in the Blues' prospect camp in July. The left-handed shooter has all the skills that project him as a top-4 defender whose NHL-caliber shot from the point makes him a trigger man for the power play. Now 20, the Blues were hoping Walman would be ready to turn pro, but he lost valuable development time due to the surgery. As such, Walman will return to Providence for his junior year.