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It's always a feel-good moment when the son of a former Blue is drafted by the team; it's even better when the young player is a native St. Louisan. That was the story in 2008, when the Blues drafted Philip McRae, the son of NHL journeyman Basil McRae. McRae was selected in the second round, 33rd overall.
He did not pan out.
Despite playing with the Blues briefly in 2011 (-10 in 15 games, one goal, two assists), McRae spent most of his time with the Peoria Rivermen before leaving in 2013 to play for the Finnish Liiga for both Tappara and the Espoo Blues. He was signed to a one year, two-way deal in 2014, and spent last season with the Chicago Wolves.
The log jam at forward for the Blues coupled with prospects younger and more talented than McRae meant that him playing long-term with the NHL club was not going to happen. Yesterday the unrestricted free agent signed a one-year deal with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, who are the affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. The 25 year old center will be surrounded by promising young talent.
He has played just 15 games at the NHL level, but 229 in the AHL, making him an experienced signing for the Condors.