In an alternate universe, Blues prospect Dylan Peterson could have been mulling over his hockey career in the next couple of weeks.
Originally a third-round pick by the Blues in 2020, Peterson attended Boston University for four seasons, setting himself up to become a potential free agent the August after his graduation. Teams only have the rights to college players for four years after they are drafted, and players can choose to become free agents on Aug. 15 if they still remain unsigned.
So Peterson finished four years of college. But then he signed with the Blues in April and joined AHL affiliate Springfield (Massachusetts) for three games at the end of the season.
“For me, it was just always the Blues,†Peterson said at last month’s development camp. “From the moment I got drafted, everyone has been so good to me. I come here in the summer (for development camp).
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“They’ve worked with me through the years, whether it’s player development, off-ice nutrition, things like that. It just made sense to me. It just felt like a really good fit. It was honestly a really easy decision. There wasn’t really any testing the waters or anything like that. I’m grateful.â€
Peterson, 22, is a right-handed-shooting forward who consistently has flashed his above-average speed to go with his 6-foot-4 frame. In college, it resulted in 60 points in 119 games, highlighted by his 20-point senior season.
When Peterson arrived in Springfield on an amateur tryout (so that his entry-level contract could start in the fall), he had one assist in three games.
“He came in last year after his season at BU, obviously disappointing losing in the final game, but he came in and played really well,†Blues assistant general manager Tim Taylor said. “He was such an inspiration those (three) games in Springfield. He’s the direction we’re going: big and can skate. He brings both those elements to his game. We’re excited for him. We’d like to see how he does in a full year at pro.â€
At development camp in July, Peterson also caught the eye of Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, who said “the size and the pace of our group now, I’ve been impressed with,†and that included Peterson.
“He’s looked good,†Armstrong said. “He looks like a man. He’s a big, strong guy that can skate.â€
Peterson will be one of a handful of fresh faces in Springfield this season, as Michael Buchinger (20), Simon Robertsson (21), Samuel Johannesson (23) and Marcus Sylvegard (25) are expected to be AHL rookies. The Blues are also trying to bring 20-year-old Aleksanteri Kaskimaki over from Finland to the AHL.
“Just getting that taste of what pro is like, I think it’s going to go a long way,†Peterson said. “Now, I don’t have to go into next year just wondering: What’s this going to be like? I kind of have an idea. Really grateful that I had that opportunity.â€
Peterson was drafted as a center but primarily played right wing in college.
“He seems to be ready,†Taylor said. “There’s a kid that’s ready to go. He’s ready to make that jump. He’s really excited. It’s a hard league. Turning pro from any U.S. colleges and CHL, that hardest jump is that level to the AHL.
“AHL to NHL, guys are going up and down, up and down all the time. There’s not much of a difference. There is a difference but not much of a difference on an everyday scale. These guys, that biggest jump is from college to pro hockey, and he made it last year.â€
Peterson left BU without winning a national championship but did help the Terriers make it to the Frozen Four in both 2023 and 2024. Last season, BU was the No. 2 seed in the tournament — led by No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini — before losing to eventual champion Denver in the semifinals.
“Maturity-wise, I’m older now,†Peterson said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be on two really good teams at BU that went far and help lead those teams. I think it helped me mature as a player, mature as a person. I think, at the end, it’s going to go a long way just having that extra couple years to mature and get myself ready for what’s ahead.â€