Dillon Dube's NHL career is about to get a potential jumpstart, and it all hinges on a tryout. The St. Louis Blues are giving him a shot, but it's not a guaranteed ticket to the big leagues just yet. Today, the Blues announced that forward Dillon Dube will be joining their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, on a professional tryout (PTO) contract. Think of it as an extended audition. He'll need to seriously impress the coaching staff to earn a permanent spot.
Dube is expected to report to Springfield as soon as he receives his work visa. This is a crucial step, as international players often face delays in obtaining the necessary paperwork to play in North America. It highlights the complexities involved in bringing talent from overseas.
Now, let's delve into Dube's recent hockey journey. At 27 years old, he most recently laced up his skates for Minsk Dynamo in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). During the 2024-25 season, he tallied 11 points – four goals and seven assists – along with accumulating 25 penalty minutes over 42 regular-season games. These numbers tell a story, but context is key. The KHL is a different environment than the NHL, with varying styles of play and levels of competition. So, how will his KHL performance translate to the faster, more physical game of the AHL and potentially the NHL? That's the big question the Blues will be trying to answer.
And this is the part most people miss... Dube's path to this tryout is rooted in his draft history and NHL experience. Hailing from Golden, British Columbia, Dube was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the second round, 56th overall, of the 2016 NHL Draft. This demonstrates that he was once considered a highly promising prospect. He wasn't just an average player; he had the potential to be a significant contributor.
Over six seasons with the Flames, Dube amassed a total of 127 points (57 goals and 70 assists) and racked up 105 penalty minutes in 325 regular-season games. While these stats show he's capable of contributing offensively, they also raise a key question: Why isn’t he still with the Flames, or another NHL team? What led him to the KHL in the first place? Was it a matter of performance, contract negotiations, or something else entirely? This is where it gets controversial...
Some might argue that Dube's NHL career stalled, and this PTO is a last-ditch effort to revive it. Others might see it as a smart move by the Blues, giving a potentially skilled player a chance to prove himself. The truth likely lies somewhere in between.
Ultimately, Dube's success with the Thunderbirds will depend on his ability to adapt, showcase his skills, and demonstrate a willingness to work hard. Can he rediscover the form that made him a promising prospect years ago? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is this a good move by the Blues? Will Dube be able to leverage this opportunity into a full-time NHL roster spot? Share your thoughts below!
