The Blues inked 2012 first-round pick Jordan Schmaltz to a three-year, entry-level contract on Thursday.
Schmaltz, 21, is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound righthanded-shooting defenseman who was the No. 25 overall pick in 2012. He played three seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he posted 13 goals and 64 points in 125 games.
As a junior this season, Schmaltz had 28 points in 42 games and was an all-National Collegiate Hockey Conference selection. His decision means he will forego his senior season of eligibility.
"It’s exciting to take the next step in my playing career,” Schmaltz told the Grand Forks Herald Thursday night.