For a year, Michael Buchinger was perhaps the top defenseman in the Blues’ prospect pipeline.
As the franchise prioritized forwards in the early rounds of the draft, Buchinger was one of the organization’s highest-picked defensemen — the Blues selected him 88th in 2022 (the same pick as Leo Loof in 2020).
But then came 2023, when the Blues took Theo Lindstein at No. 29 and Quinton Burns at No. 74. And after that in 2024, the team picked Adam Jiricek at No. 16, Colin Ralph at No. 48 and Lukas Fischer at No. 56. And so, in a couple of draft cycles, the Blues restocked their blue-line cupboards, potentially sliding Buchinger in the pecking order.
Buchinger’s advantage? He’ll be turning pro this year, with some runway for gaining experience and responsibility.
“I think it’s just understanding how much of a jump it is and talking to people who have been through that period from junior to pro,†Buchinger said at this month’s development camp. “I think I’m expecting a faster and stronger game. Getting into some preseason games in the past, I think I have an idea of what the speed and physicality is like. I’m confident in myself that I’ll be able to make that jump, but I’m looking forward to it.â€
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Buchinger, an offense-leaning left-handed defenseman, just finished his junior career in the spring with Guelph in the OHL with 47 points in 52 games. He also missed six weeks following thumb surgery and returned from the injury in March with eight points in his team’s final 12 regular-season games.
In the playoffs, Buchinger had three points in four games as Guelph was swept by Sault Ste. Marie.
“Obviously, it was a tough time at first to find out I was going to need surgery for that and that I was going to be out for about six weeks,†Buchinger said. “I think over that time, I talked to a few people back home and some people here, and it was just how I needed to respond. I think I came back, responded well. I came back in time for playoffs, which was nice, and was able to get some good games in before the end of the season. I was happy with my response.â€
Buchinger likely is destined for AHL affiliate Springfield (Massachusetts) this season, where he should be in a position to quarterback a power-play unit.
The Thunderbirds lost their four highest-scoring defensemen in the offseason. Dylan Coghlan was a Hurricanes prospect playing in Springfield but now is with the Jets. Joey Duszak also played forward for Springfield last year but is under contract in the KHL. Calle Rosen is with Colorado now. And Wyatt Kalynuk remains an unrestricted free agent.
The Blues did sign European free agent Samuel Johannesson, though, and he ranked eighth among SHL defenseman last year in scoring.
While offense has been Buchinger’s strength, he said he feels more well-rounded as he turns pro.
“I think when I first came into the league, I was pretty offense-oriented, and my defensive game was something that needed work,†Buchinger said. “I think over the years and after getting drafted, it was something that I knew I needed improvement on. I’m happy with how I developed that part of my game. I think I developed my offensive game as well and just my creativity all around. So I’m pretty happy with how I developed.â€
Buchinger said he’s spoken to former Guelph teammate and current Bruins forward Matthew Poitras about the jump from junior to professional hockey. He also said he’s learned from the two exhibition games in which he played last season.
“I just think making the first decision, not trying to overthink, not trying to make a fancy pass,†Buchinger said. “Obviously at the pro level, everyone’s in that right position. Just understanding the systems and where guys are going to be and making a really quick, smart decision. I think the rest will take care of itself.â€
In Springfield, Buchinger will find a familiar face in Chad Wiseman. Wiseman was the coach in Guelph for the past two seasons and was hired as an assistant coach in Springfield this summer after Steve Konowalchuk was hired as the head coach. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong previously said that Wiseman will coach the forwards, so he won’t be directly coaching Buchinger.
How did Wiseman help Buchinger in Guelph?
“Just helped me become more of a responsible player,†Buchinger said. “My all-around game, I would say, he really preached defense and taking care of your own zone first. I think that’s something that’s really stuck with me. He always gave me a lot of leash to show my offensive capabilities, so I think I’m really fortunate to have him last year.â€