NHL Power Rankings: Top 10 Western Conference Forwards

Apr 16, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (17) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Wild in the first period in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

10. Jaden Schwartz 

Schwartz continued to grow as a player in his second full season with the St. Louis Blues, netting 28 goals with 35 assists. His 63 points this season were seven more than he tallied in the 2013-14 season, despite playing five fewer games.

Things didn’t go as well for Schwartz in the playoffs, as he scored just one goal with two assists in an opening-round loss to the Minnesota Wild. Finding the net in the postseason has given the Blues problems, and Schwartz was no exception to the goal-scoring drought.

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However, Schwartz is one of the best young forwards in the conference at just 23-years old. The former first-round pick in the 2010 draft is quickly meeting his lofty expectations in St. Louis and should continue to progress as he enters his prime. Schwartz is a respectable possession player as well, posting a 52.8 Corsi-for percentage this past season, according to War On Ice.

The Blues will need to see continued progression from Schwartz entering his third full season and likely the beginning of his prime. Schwartz has gone from a promising prospect to an essential top-six contributor who the Blues will rely upon more often.

Next: No. 9: Johnny Gaudreau

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