St. Louis Blues Wise to Sign Quinton Burns to ELC – Hockey Writers – Blues Prospects

On August 23, St. Louis Blues announced the signing of defensive prospect Quinton Burns to a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) with an average annual value (AAV) of $870,000. Burns plays with the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and was drafted by the Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft in the third round, 73rd overall.

This signing has been a long time coming, and Burns has shown significant progress in showing why he is a good fit and how he can impact the Blues roster over time. Let’s take a look at what factors might make him eligible for this deal.

Burns Appears in International Competitions

Burns played with Team Canada in the World Junior Championship (WJC) Summer Showcase about a month ago. He played only two games with Team Canada White, where he did not collect points. However, he is not an attacking defenseman and plays a big role like Colton Parayko, which is where I think the Blues see interest in him.

Related: Blues’ Projected 2024-25 Roster Has Upgrades at Every Level

At the 2023 U18 WJC for Canada, he played three matches and scored no points, but it was enough to earn a bronze medal with Canada at the end of it.

There is no indication yet whether he will be considered for Team Canada at the 2025 WJC. However, with more experience and international performances added to him, his name should be in the middle.

Burns’ Slow Progress in the OHL

In just 154 games played with the Frontenacs, Burns scored 68 points in his OHL career. Despite that, if you take a deeper look at his stats, there is an increase over his last three seasons. In his first season (2021-22), he had four points in 48 games. Then, in his second season (2022-23), he had 29 points in 54 games and 35 points in 58 games in his third season (2023-24). While he isn’t known for producing points, his slow growth in that department is good and in the right direction.

In the upcoming 2024-25 season, Burns could have another breakout season. I’m going to put it at 40 points because his scoring production went up by six points last season, and it seems like his scoring production is going up a little bit more now. Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, his point production increased by 25 points, a big difference from his output between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

That said, regular scoring production isn’t the only thing he’s improved on, as he’s put himself in a reliable position on special teams. Last season he had 11 points, all of which came from power play assists. His 11 power play assists are enough to put him in the top 20 in that category.

Most notably, Burn’s aggressiveness is more prevalent in the OHL, as he was sixth in the league in penalty minutes last season. He was signed under Blues general manager (GM) Doug Armstrong for a reason, as Armstrong has selected and signed a number of defensemen in the past.

Where Burns Can Set In Long Term

In terms of development, Burns is not a player I can see quickly gaining a spot on the Blues roster. He will likely work as a defenseman in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Blues’ affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Burns’ defensive skills could come in handy over the next two or three years if the Blues plan to move Parayko and need someone to match his defensive style of play.

However, getting to that level will not be as quick or easy as it sounds. Burns also competes with other defensive prospects and young talents such as Theo Lindstein, Leo Loof, Michael Buchinger, and many others. Fighting for a roster spot, especially as a left back, will be a challenge.

If Burns wants to elevate his game and become a player the Blues see as a reliable defenseman on their main roster, it will have to be when he plays in the AHL. So far, the Blues’ program with the Thunderbirds has benefited and developed many of their defensive depth and forwards, such as Scott Perunovich, who was recently under contract renewal, Tyler Tucker, and Matthew Kessel.

With Alexander Steen stepping into the GM chair in 2026, the focus will be on the prospects and youth within the Blues’ AHL and NHL programs. This is the best sign of Burns.