"We're hopeful that Junior continues to improve his game and becomes a solid National Hockey League player for us in the seasons to come."

Armstrong then used one of the team's main positions of strength to make a trade on the night of the draft that netted the Blues' 2003 1st round choice -- defenseman Shawn Belle. The price they paid goaltender Jason Bacashihua. But with 3 quality goalies in the system and a need for young defensemen, Armstrong had no problem making the trade.

"The depth that we had at the goaltender position gave us the ability to deal for Shawn," Armstrong said. "You can never have enough good young defensemen coming up through the system."

The nineteen year-old Belle is a very strong skater, taking out the Bobby Orr Fastest Skater Award at the 2003 CHL Top Prospects Skills Competition just prior to the draft last year. He's considered a good 2 way defenseman.

Other Stars draft picks that have not started their professional careers in North America that have a good chance to one day wear the green Star at American Airlines Center include right wing Loui Eriksson, center Marius Holtet, left wing Jussi Jokinen, defenseman Matt Nickerson, defenseman Elias Granath, goaltender Eero Kilpelainen, right wing Brandon Crombeen, center Yared Hagos winger Vojtech Polak and goaltender Tobias Stephan. All these [layers are considered solid National Hockey League prospects and should push for a roster spot in years to come.

"Hockey Fans might not know these names now, but we're watching their development on a daily basis during the hockey season," Armstrong said.

Eriksson is considered to be the top prospect in the organization. This skilled left winger was named Best Rookie in the Swedish Elite League this past season.