Blues’ Zach Dean Handed Big Opportunity In Pre-Season Encounter Against Blackhawks

St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery has placed forward Zach Dean on the top line alongside Connor McMichael and Pavel Buchnevich for a pre-season matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Dean, a 23-year-old center, is competing for an NHL roster spot after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the club.

Dean was originally drafted in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights before being traded to St. Louis for Ivan Barbashev. After battling injuries and spending three seasons in the AHL, he impressed team staff across the first two pre-season games, recording one assist against the Dallas Stars.