Matthew DeFranks | Post-Dispatch
Jakub Stancl has had his tastes of professional hockey before.
There were the eight games in the SHL in 2022-23 and the seven games in the SHL in 2023-24 sprinkled through his career in Sweden. There were the 10 games in the AHL with Springfield (Massachusetts) at the tail end of last season after his season in Kelowna ended.
Now, in the fall, Stancl will get his shot at pro hockey for a full season. What does he expect?
“How good the older guys are and how (much) stronger and faster everything is,” Stancl said. “Lots of improvement that I have to do in the summer now. I think when I’m confident, I’ll be good.”
Stancl was a fourth-round pick in 2023 by the Blues and will join a handful of other St. Louis prospect turning pro in North America this season. Defensemen Theo Lindstein and Quinton Burns will make the jump, as will forwards Stancl and Juraj Pekarcik, all members of the 2023 draft class. Of course, the Blues will also get a full North American season out of Otto Stenberg (2023 first-rounder) and a full pro season out of Jimmy Snuggerud (2022 first-rounder).
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Of the entire group, Stancl might own the most pro-ready frame of the bunch. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds, Stancl has used his build to become one of the best players at the World Junior Championship across the past two seasons.
In the 2024 version of the event, Stancl had six points in seven games, but then he burst through last season with seven goals and 10 points. His seven goals led the entire tournament, and his 10 points were tied for second behind American defenseman Cole Hutson’s 11 points.
Stancl played with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League in 2024-25, arriving in North America after three years in Sweden, where he played when he left his native Czechia. He finished second on the team with 57 points in 58 games, behind Andrew Cristall’s 60 points in 28 games before his trade to Spokane.
“It was a good transition for him going from Europe last year, coming over to CHL this year, had a really good year at the CHL and then come to our AHL team,” Blues assistant general manager Tim Taylor said. “Got a good grasp for what pro hockey is about so far.”
Because Kelowna missed the WHL playoffs (it had the worst record in the Western Conference), Stancl joined Springfield for an extended period of time at the end of the season. He picked up one assist in 10 games, starting with third-line minutes and then getting bumped up to the second line with center Hugh McGing.
“The rinks are smaller and shorter than in Europe. It took me a couple games, but then I got used to it pretty good, I think,” Stancl said. “The season, I think it was pretty good. When it ended, I got moved to Springfield, so that’s been a real plus. Taking the positives, and can’t wait for the next one. … I got to know the guys. I think, for sure, it helped me a little bit, so I know what to expect. I’m excited for it.”
Stancl played center with Kelowna but lined up exclusively at wing for the Blues at last year’s prospect tournament and with Springfield in the minors.
“I think just overall get stronger, faster,” Stancl said of his intended improvements. “I’m trying to improve my skating now in the summer. Smaller area, getting to the net front and I think I’ll be good.”
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong speaks with the media on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after the team acquired center Pius Suter. (Video courtesy St. Louis Blues)
Ethan Erickson | Post-Dispatch
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