Blues draft Evan Fitzpatrick 59th overall
After dealing away Brian Elliott on Friday night to the Calgary Flames, the St. Louis Blues selected goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick with the 59th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Saturday.
Evan Fitzpatrick
Position: Goaltender
Height: 6-3
Weight: 206 pounds
Age: 18
Club: Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
Nationality: Canadian
| GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SP% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 18 | 26 | 8 | 3.42 | .896 | 2 |
Despite a questionable stat line, Fitzpatrick entered this year's draft as the top ranked goalie in North America, according to NHL Central Scouting.
Fitzpatrick came off his second season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, but first as the team's No.1. While his save percentage and goals-against average ranked just 12th and 14th respectively in the league, Fitzpatrick was peppered with the second most shots of any goaltender during the regular season.
The 18-year-old was drafted fourth overall by Sherbrooke in the 2014 QMJHL draft and has proven his worth. Fitzpatrick represented Canada at this year's Under-18 World Championship, at the 2014 Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and was perfect in his start in this season's CHL's Top Prospects Game.
As Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports notes, he could be an investment pickup, but has the potential to be a NHL star:
He will be a bit of a long-term investment as he will likely spend the next two years in the QMJHL, followed by some time at the AHL level before he is ready. With the right development though, he could be a franchise goaltender. In terms of style, Fitzpatrick’s game is reminiscent of Roberto Luongo, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on talent.
With Elliott now out of the picture and Jake Allen now set to take the reigns, Fitzpatrick provides the club with some future insurance.