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July 31
Blues Buzz with Andy Strickland
Summary by Nick Hand
1st Segment
Andy discusses the latest news around the league including the Chicago Blackhawks hire of Scotty Bowman and the reaction of the news around the league.
Listen to Segment 1
2nd Segment Jeff Marek from Hockey Night in Canada
Jeff Marek, host of HNIC Radio, joined Andy to talk about hockey; however, he and Andy also discussed the Summer Olympics in China due to the fact that Jeff is going to Beijing to cover the events for CBC.
On the NHL, Jeff talked about the hiring of Steve Tamellini as the GM in Edmonton, the reputation that is following Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis, and the never ending summer rumors involving Mats Sundin.
Jeff also talked about the hiring of Scott Bowman and what impact he will have on Hawks coach Denis Savard and GM Dale Tallon. Jeff also gave an early preview of 2009 entry draft prospects.
Listen to Segment 2
3rd Segment Don Granato, Head Coach of the Chicago Wolves
Don Granato talked about getting the new position with the Chicago Wolves and how the process came about. Don discussed the ownership of the Chicago Wolves and how they have been able to have continued success in the AHL.
Don also talked about what it was like to be a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs and why he wanted to get back into coaching. Don also discussed what he believes the future looks like for John Ferguson Jr., who he worked with in St. Louis and under in Toronto.
Listen to Segment 3
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July 29
Blues Introduce Restaurant Partner
SCP Worldwide announced today that Levy Restaurants, the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining, will be its official restaurant partner at Scottrade Center, home of the NHL St. Louis Blues.
Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is a James Beard and Ivy Award-winning restaurant company that transformed dining at major sporting and entertainment venues across the country, from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles to American Airlines Arena in Miami. Levy will serve traditional arena favorites and upscale menu items, featuring regional fare and innovative versions of St. Louis favorites throughout Scottrade Center’s 85 suites, 1,700 club seats, concession stands, portable carts and the newly-named Bud Light Blue Zone.
This marks the second partnership for the two companies this year as Levy Restaurants is also SCP Worldwide’s restaurant partner at the sports, media and entertainment company’s soccer-specific stadium – home of Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake – that is scheduled to open this October in Sandy, Utah.
“It is very meaningful for us to partner with Levy Restaurants and welcome them back into the Blues family,” said St. Louis Blues Chairman and Principal Owner, Dave Checketts. “Since day one of our ownership, we have striven to provide our fans and patrons the highest quality of service. Levy Restaurants fits right into that strategy as they are the best in the business. They will make an immediate impact at Scottrade Center as their presence and excellence will be felt throughout the arena making not only the food more enjoyable but the overall fan experience more memorable.”
Levy Restaurants is a familiar face to hockey fans, also catering NHL arenas including American Airlines Center (home of the Dallas Stars); Bell Centre (Montreal Canadiens); Pepsi Center (Colorado Avalanche); Philips Arena (Atlanta Thrashers); Sommet Center (Nashville Predators); STAPLES Center (LA Kings); and Verizon Center (Washington Capitals).
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July 24
Blues Buzz with Andy Strickland
Summary by Nick Hand
1st Segment
Andy talks about Bruins’ veteran Glen Murray clearing waivers as well as the Blues potential interest in Murray if he is bought out. Andy discusses Alex Pietrangelo and goaltender Jake Allen being selected to participate in Canada’s World Junior camp in Calgary as well as the Blues having 5 prospects participating in the U.S. World Junior camp.
Andy also discusses the ever on-going Mats Sundin saga as well as the Vancouver media ambushing Andy for his report. Andy also talks about how Pietrangelo is expected to start the season in the NHL.
Listen to Segment 1
2nd Segment with
Eric Boguniecki
Andy talks things over with Former Blue Eric Boguniecki who just signed an NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks today. Eric tells Andy about his journey to get back into the NHL after playing in Germany and the freak shoulder injury he suffered during Blues training camp years ago.
Eric talks about what he expects with Anaheim this season, his willingness to play with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate in Des Moines, and his 22 goal season with the Blues in 2002-2003.
Listen to Segment 2
3rd Segment with
Jamie Rivers
Jamie Rivers joined Andy to discuss his new contract with Dynamo Minsk of Belarus in the newly formed KHL.
Jamie talks about interest he received from NHL teams and how that factored into his decision to go back to Europe.
Jamie talks about the billionaire owners of the KHL and how they do a very interesting pay structure in the KHL.
Listen to Segment 3
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July 17
Blues Buzz with Andy Strickland
Summary by Nick Hand
Andy starts off the show by talking with callers about the current state of the Blues, the front office situation between the Canucks and the Blues, and the regular season schedule that was released today.
Listen to Segment 1
Mike Brophy, Senior writer with The Hockey News
Andy and Mike discuss the state of the NHL with the out of control spending seen in this year’s free agency period. Mike talks about the Brian Campbell signing by Chicago and the expectations that follow with the Blackhawks. Mike comments about other teams around the league including Toronto and Tampa Bay.
On the Blues, Mike’s belief is that the Blues are going in the right direction under the leadership of John Davidson and supports the Blues for not spending during this free agency period.
Mike speaks of how if the Blues would have signed a top-tier free agent this season, their prize would have been a first or second round exit from the playoffs as well as a future that is very similar to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Listen to Segment 2
Andy talks about his expectations for the Blues this season, how he ranks the Blues defense going into training camp, and what the Blues need from their forward to be competitive.
Listen to Segment 3
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July 17
Blues Announce 2008-2009 Schedule
The Blues 2008-2009 regular season schedule is out. The Note will play a newly balanced schedule that includes 24 divisional matchups, 20 games against each of the other two Western Conference divisions and 18 tests against teams in the Eastern Conference.
The season begins on Friday night, October 10th, at home against Nashville. Detroit's first-of-three trips to Scottrade Center will be October 22nd. Sidney Crosby and Pittsburgh comes to St. Louis for the first time in three years on November 1st. Most home games will feature 7:30 evening start times. The Blues will play each of the other 29 NHL teams at least once. The preseason begins for the Note on September 22nd in Los Angeles.
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July 17
Blues Sign Defenseman Andy Wozniewski
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has signed free agent defenseman Andy Wozniewski.
Wozniewski, 28, skated in 48 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, collecting nine points (two goals, seven assists) along with 54 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 33 games with the Toronto Marlies, recording 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) and 26 penalty minutes. The 6-5, 225-pound defenseman has played in 76 NHL contests all with the Maple Leafs, registering 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and 81 penalty minutes.
The Buffalo Gtove, Illinois native was signed as an undrafted free agent by Toronto on May 27, 2004.
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July 15
Blues Re-sign Woywitka
Andy Strickland reported on HockeyBuzz.com that the Blues have offered Jeff Woywitka to a two-way deal that will pay him $725,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL.
According to Andy, he has yet to sign but he has agreed to terms.
Woywitka will need to clear waivers to be sent down to the AHL.
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July 15
Blues Sign Forwards Cam Paddock And Steve Regier
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has signed free agent forwards Cam Paddock and Steve Regier.
Paddock, 25, played in 78 games last season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) San Antonio Rampage, registering 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists), along with 107 penalty minutes.
The North Vancouver, British Columbia native was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round, 185th overall in the 2002 Entry Draft.
Regier, 23, played in 65 games for the Bridgeport Tigers (AHL) last season, recording 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) and 60 penalty minutes. He has played in 18 NHL games all with the New York Islanders, notching 18 penalty minutes.
The Edmonton, Alberta native was originally drafted by the Islanders in the fifth round, 148th overall in the 2004 Entry Draft.
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July 14
Blues Re-Sign Center Jay McClement
St. Louis Blues’ President John Davidson announced today the club has re-signed center Jay McClement to a one-year deal.
“We are excited to have Jay in our core group of young players,” said Davidson. “He will provide some stability and experience on the penalty kill and we are expecting his offensive numbers to improve with the more ice-time he gets.”
McClement, 25, recorded a career high nine goals last season with the Blues while tallying 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 81 games.
The 6-1, 201-pound forward registered a career high 36 points (eight goals, 28 assists) during the 2006-07 season with St. Louis.
The Kingston, Ontario native has skated in 229 career NHL games, all with St. Louis, collecting 85 points (23 goals, 62 assists) along with 111 penalty minutes.
He was originally St. Louis second round selection, 57th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
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July 14
Blues Sign Forward Matt Foy
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has signed free agent forward Matt Foy.
Foy, 25, played in a career high 28 games last season with the Minnesota Wild, registering eight points (four goals, four assists), along with 28 penalty minutes.
The 6-2, 219-pound forward has skated in 56 career NHL games, all with Minnesota, tallying 13 points (six goals, seven assists) along with 48 penalty minutes.
The Oakville, Ontario native was Minnesota’s sixth round pick, 175th overall, in the 2002 Entry Draft.
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July 11
Report: Blues Sign Winchester
According to Andy Strickland on HockeyBuzz.com, former Dallas Stars forward Brad Winchester "signs a two way deal with the St. Louis Blues.
This will create a decent competition come training camp with players like Chris Porter and Yan Stastny also in the mix.
Winchester is a pretty good skater who adds size up front and is willing to use his knuckles if need be.
His relationship with Doug Armstrong obviously played a part in him choosing the Blues.
The deal should be finalized in a short period of time."
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July 10
Blues Sign Defenseman Mike Weaver
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has signed free agent defenseman Mike Weaver.
Weaver, 30, played in 55 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, registering one assist, 33 penalty minutes and a plus-one rating. The 5-9, 182-pound defenseman has played in 204 NHL games, recording 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) along with 93 penalty minutes.
The Bramalea, Ontario native was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Thrashers on June 15, 2000.
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July 8
Blues Sign Group II Free Agent Steve Bernier To Offer Sheet
Canucks Will Have 7 Days To Match Offer
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has signed Group II free agent forward Steve Bernier to an offer sheet worth $2.5 million for next season. The Canucks will have seven days to match the offer or receive St. Louis’ 2nd round draft choice in 2009.
“Steve is a good young player who would play a big part in our youth movement,” said Davidson. “Our coaches and scouting staff are extremely positive about him.”
Bernier, 23, was acquired by Vancouver from Buffalo in a trade on July 4, 2008 in exchange for a 2nd round draft choice in 2010 and a 3rd round draft choice in 2009. The 6-2, 225-pound right winger played for San Jose and Buffalo last season, totaling 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) along with 64 penalty minutes. Bernier has played in a total of 177 NHL contests, amassing 90 points (45 goals, 45 assists) and 128 penalty minutes.
The Quebec City, Quebec native was originally drafted by San Jose in the first round, 16th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft.
The Blues will have no further comment until a decision is made.
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July 8
Rivermen Name Davis Payne Head Coach
Team Hires 2006-07 ECHL Coach Of The Year
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that Davis Payne has been named Head Coach of the Peoria Rivermen.
“Davis has a very impressive resume as a head coach, which includes an ECHL Championship,” said Davidson. “We are excited about him developing our youth in Peoria and providing leadership for our veteran players.”
Payne, 37, spent last season as the assistant coach for the Rivermen. Prior to joining Peoria, he spent four seasons as head coach for the ECHL Alaska Aces leading them to the 2006 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship. He established a .691 (185-75-21) winning percentage in his four years at Alaska.
In addition to leading the Aces to the 2006 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship, he guided them to three consecutive trips to the Conference Finals; it was the first time in 15 years and only the second time in ECHL history that a team advanced to the ECHL’s Final Four in three straight seasons. At the time of his departure, thirty-eight (38) of Alaska’s 48 lifetime playoff wins came under Payne’s direction, as his winning percentage in the playoffs (38-21, .644) nearly matched that of his four regular seasons in Alaska.
Payne, who owns a 289-142-45 (.654 winning percentage) in seven seasons as an ECHL head coach between Alaska and the Pee Dee (S.C.) Pride, remains second all-time in ECHL history with 50 postseason victories, 12 of which came during his three years with Pee Dee.
He is a graduate of NCAA Division I Michigan Tech, and appeared in 22 NHL games with the Boston Bruins.
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July 3
Blues Buzz Review
Summary by Nick Hand
Andy Strickland's weekly show on Team 1380.
Doug Armstrong joined Andy Strickland for the Blues Buzz on Thursday where he spoke about the Free Agency period and how he perceives the signings throughout the league. Doug questioned the idea of building a team from free agent acquisitions and that he believes the way to win a Stanley Cup is to build from within.
On if it is tough to see other teams improve during the free agency period, Doug spoke about how many signings can hinder a team in the future when they are looking to lock up their young talent and that many times you do not get the value of what you spend in the free agency period.
On the contract sheet offered by Vancouver to Blues forward David Backes, the Blues felt that Backes is a big part of their rebuild and that it was necessary to match the offer to ensure that David is with the Blues for the next three seasons. Armstrong said that you can’t fault Backes for accepting an offer that gave him a significant pay raise.
On the Blues ability to sign a free agent, Armstrong said that the Blues were never in the running for players such as Campbell or Hossa but that the Blues are still speaking to some of the free agents still available this offseason.
On the state of the league and rising salaries, Doug talked about he never really blamed the players because all they ever did was say yes to contracts giving to them. The mistakes and the high contracts are not coming back to hurt teams because the salary cap keeps rising. If the salary cap levels off or goes back down to previous levels, those mistakes are going to put some teams in very difficult situations.
On if the Blues are going to sign a free agent, the Blues do not have anything currently on the front burner as the Blues are committed to the young players and would like to give them time.
Darren Dreger
On what Mats Sundin is going to do, Darren believes that he is going to wait at least a couple of more weeks before making his decision and still believes that we may have seen the last of Mats Sundin in the NHL. Mats agent J.P. Berry pushed Sundin yesterday to announce that he is not going to make a decision anytime shortly.
On how Sundin’s delay changed the free agency period around the league, Dreger believes that Sundin decision or lack thereof had little effect on teams like Vancouver because there are still good players in the market and believes it really didn’t change what Vancouver could have done on the first day of the free agency period.
On the signing of Marian Hossa, Dreger gives Detroit credit for signing him however also believes that Detroit lucked into the Hossa signing.
On the offer sheet given to David Backes by Vancouver, Dreger didn’t understand why the offer sheet was even given. Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis contacted the Blues and notified the Blues that an offer sheet was going to be given and the Blues told Vancouver that there is no reason to give the offer sheet because they (the Blues) were going to make the offer. At that point, Dreger questions why Gillis still gave the offer sheet knowing that the Blues would match it. In his opinion, giving an offer sheet such as the one given to Backes only creates enemies and does nothing to improve your club.
On the salary cap, Dreger spoke about the Columbus Blue Jackets and how they are trying to get to the salary cap floor of 40.7 million dollars. They are a franchise that is trying desperately to make the playoffs and have to give big money contracts to players such as Huselius just to get the players to play in Columbus and get to the salary cap floor.
Ryan Johnson
On whether or not he thought he would remain a Blues after last season, Ryan talked about how he thought he would remain a Blue but as time went on he saw how the situation would work out and that he would not be with the Blues.
On going to a Canada team, Ryan talked about how he excited to play for a team in Canada and believes it is a great opportunity for him.
On how he improved his game during his time in St. Louis, Ryan talks about how his game has become much better since his time in St. Louis. St. Louis provided him with great coaches as well as playing with unbelievable players during his time wearing the Bluenote.
On the last couple of years, Andy (Murray) gave Ryan increased responsibilities and with Andy he had to earn those responsibilities which helped him improve his game.
On the relationships he developed in St. Louis, the group of friends that he made in St. Louis are great people and are a special group to him. It is something that they are going to make sure that they keep going in the future because of how special they are.
The memory that stands out the most, Al MacInnis and Brett Hull jersey retirement ceremony are a couple of special nights that he will never forget as well as making the playoffs and losing to Vancouver in seven games his first year here. Ryan talked about how hard of a loss that series was because he felt that was the Blues best chance to win the Cup during his time in St. Louis.
On the current state of the Blues, Ryan wanted all Blues fans to know that they are in good hands with the current people running the Blues and that the Blues have a great future in front of them.
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July 2
John Davidson Talks Free Agency
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker on The Roll Home on Team 1380 on Wednesday.
John said they weren't surprised at the size of the offer from Vancouver for David Backes. He said that business is business, but if you are going to make an offer sheet, make a good one. JD said that if the Blues didn't match that offer sheet, they should just "close their doors."
With the salary cap where it is, the Blues--being the equivalent to a small budget baseball team--can't go out and start throwing money at free agents who are going to be getting over paid to begin with.
The Blues are going to continue to listen to offers and possibly pick up a defenseman, but if not, the Blues first round pick this year will be getting an opportunity.
John said that they just can't compete with other teams' spending, and they are going to build within and it is going to take some time.
"After the struggles that we have had to go through the last two years it is not going to be an over-night turn around," John said.
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July 1
Blues Match Offer Sheet For Backes
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the Blues have matched the Vancouver Canucks offer sheet for Group II forward David Backes.
“Dave Checketts (Chairman and Principle Owner) was very supportive of this decision to sign David,” said Davidson. “David is a major part of our youth movement in St. Louis, and we expect him to play a huge role as we move forward.”
Backes’ offer includes a $1 million signing bonus along with
$1.5 million in 2008-09, $2.5 million in 2009-10 and $2.5 million in 2010-11.
Backes, 24, recorded career highs in all offensive categories, goals (13) assists (18) and points (31) this past season. He registered a career high while ranking second on the team with 99 penalty minutes and ranked first on the team with 240 hits. In addition, the 6-3, 216-pound center posted a career-high five-game point/assist streak from Jan. 11-Jan. 21, tallying five assists over the span.
The Minneapolis, Minnesota native was originally the Blues’ second round selection, 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
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July 1
Vancouver Canucks Sign Free Agent David Backes To Offer Sheet
Blues Will Have 7 Days To Match Offer
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the Vancouver Canucks have signed Group II free agent forward David Backes to an offer sheet worth $7.5 million over three years. The Blues will have seven days to match the offer or receive Vancouver’s 2nd round draft choice in 2009.
“We will review the offer and base our decision on what is best for our organization,” said Davidson.
Backes' offer includes a $1 million signing bonus along with
$1.5 million in 2008-09, $2.5 million in 2009-10 and $2.5 million in 2010-11.
The Blues will have no further comment until a decision is made.
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June 26
Blues Buzz Talks to Pietrangelo, Berglund
Summary by Nick Hand
Andy Strickland's weekly show on Team 1380.
Segment with Patrik Berglund
- Andy talks to Patrik about how he enjoys being with the Blues and what he feels he needs to do to make the team.
- Andy asked Patrik about playing against Lars Eller and to describe Eller’s play to the fans who have yet to see him.
- Patrik discusses the adjustment it is going to take to be in the NHL and how he is going to work very hard to make the club. Patrik discusses coming into St. Louis a couple of weeks before the development camp and paying his own way to get here.
- On losing the World Junior Championships to Canada, Patrik discusses how he felt Sweden was a better team and he was very disappointed losing to Canada in the Finals.
- On being compared to Mats Sundin, Berglund explains how Sundin is a great player and takes it as a huge compliment to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Sundin.
Segment with Alex Pietrangelo
- Pietrangelo talks about growing up playing hockey in Canada and how it is part of the culture in Canada.
- He also discusses coming down with mono and injuring his spleen during the OHL playoffs and if he thought it
would hurt his draft position.
- Alex explains the talks he had with the Blues prior to the NHL Draft and what went through his mind when he was drafted.
- Pietrangelo talks about how he is looking forward to playing with the Blues in the future and tells Andy what he thinks his chances are of making the Blues this upcoming season.
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June 25
Blues 2008 Exhibition Schedule
Will Hold Extended Training Camp In Peoria On October 2 and 3
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the Blues’ 2008 exhibition schedule will begin in Kansas City against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, September 22. He also announced that the team will hold an extended training camp in Peoria, Illinois from Oct. 2-3 with a skills competition with the Rivermen and a Blue/White scrimmage game being held on
Oct. 3 at the Peoria Civic Center-Carver Arena.
The Blues will play seven exhibition games, three of which will be at Scottrade Center. St. Louis’ exhibition opponents include the Los Angles Kings, Dallas Stars, Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
This will mark the third time in six years St. Louis will play an exhibition game in Kansas City. The last time was in 2005 vs. the Nashville Predators.
The Blues will hold an extended training camp in Peoria from Oct. 2-3 with a skills competition with the Rivermen and a Blue/White scrimmage. The team will hold an open practice on Oct. 2 and 3 with a Blue/White scrimmage game on Friday night at the Peoria Civic Center-Carver Arena.
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June 24
Johnson to Live with McInnis Again
Andy Strickland reported on the Daily Buzz that Erik Johnson will live with Al McInnis for the second year in a row.
The guys thought that it is weird for Johnson to live with him again, but they also pointed out that Sidney Crosby still lives with Mario Lemieux in Pittsburgh.
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June 23
Blues Developmental Camp Tuesday
The Blues open their Development Camp Tuesday morning at Scottrade Center. All practices are free and open to the public. Morning sessions will be conducted at 9:00 and 10:45. A final scrimmage is planned for Friday night at 7:00.
Notable prospects attending the camp include Patrik Berglund, Ian Cole, Lars Eller, T.J. Oshie, David Perron, Roman Polak and Steve Wagner. St. Louis natives Brandon Bollig, Michael Davies, Tony Dehart, Charlie Effinger, Jim Martin, Chris Saracino, Travis Turnbull and recent second-round pick Phillip McRae will compete as well.
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June 20
Blues Select Alex Pietrangelo
The St. Louis Blues today selected defenseman Alex Pietrangelo with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Pietrangelo, 18, a native of King City, Ontario, finished last season seventh among all OHL defensemen in scoring with 53 points (13 goals, 40 assists), playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs.
He participated in the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic and the 2008 CHL Top Prospects Game. He played his first OHL season with the Mississauga Ice Dogs of the OHL, collecting 52 points (seven goals, 45 assists) in 59 games played.
Pietrangelo represented Team Canada at the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Under-18 hockey tournament in the Czech Republic.
The 6-3, 211-pound defenseman was ranked 6th among all North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
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June 20
Blues Acquire Back-Up Goaltender
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the team has acquired goaltender Chris Mason from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 4th round draft choice, 111th overall, in the 2008 Entry Draft.
“Acquiring Chris really solidifies our goaltending position which was one of our goals going into this weekend,” said Davidson. “We are looking forward to a big day today at the draft.”
Mason, 32, played in a career high 51 games for the Predators last season, collecting a 2.90 goals against average and a .898 save percentage.
He posted a career high 24 wins for Nashville during the 2006-07 season leading them to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Red Deer, Alberta native has skated in 135 career NHL games, recording a 58-43-12 record along with a 2.61 goals against average and a .913 save percentage.
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June 20
Mayers Traded to Toronto
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has acquired a 2008 3rd round draft pick, 70th overall, from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Jamal Mayers.
“I want to thank Jamal for everything he has done for the Blues and the city of St. Louis,” said Davidson.
“We wish Jamal and his family nothing but the best in his hometown of Toronto.”
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June 19
Blues Buzz Previews Draft
Summary by Nick Hand
Andy Strickland's weekly show on Team 1380.
Segment 1
Andy discusses tomorrow’s draft and the direction he believes the Blues will take with the 4th overall pick. Andy talks about the trade speculation leading up to tomorrow and the coaching vacancies around the league. Andy believes that the Blues will take Pietrangelo ahead of Schenn if both players are still available with the fourth pick because of his hockey sense, passing and vision. One NHL general manager told Andy that Pietrangelo displays the same poise that he saw with Al MacInnis.
Listen to Segment 1
Segment 2 - Jarmo Kekalainen
From a draft standpoint, Jarmo discusses building through the draft and the patience it takes to rebuild the organization. Tampa Bay has all of the leverage in the draft with the first overall pick.
On Stamkos, he is going to be a good player who is going to be a quality scorer in the NHL, he believes he is just a notch under the “franchise player” tag which is currently giving to players like Sidney Crosby.
On later draft picks, the top 5 draft picks are pretty easy to predict but the ability to find a quality NHL player in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round is where your can further improve your club. On predicting who is going to go 2nd and 3rd overall, Jarmo says he wishes that he had a better idea of who the teams ahead of the Blues are going to take but you can get a sense by looking at the frequency in which teams visit with certain prospects.
On the luck of the draft and how difficult it is to predict where the prospects are going to be in a couple of years, it is a difficult process but that is what they get paid to do. It would be easier if you could draft these players at 20 years of age instead of 18 due to the fact that those two years have such an impact on the development of the players. Andy also gets Jarmo’s take on a couple of “dark horses” people around the league are talking about and the comparisons between this years draft prospects and current NHLers.
On if he glances at scouting services: Jarmo explains that he does and he respects their work. There are some similarities and some differences between the Blues list and different scouting services lists. The Blues put more value in the hockey sense and character of the prospects which can alter the Blues list.
On the chances of drafting a goaltender, Jarmo feels that the team needs a good goaltending prospect and if the best player available on the blues list is a goaltender they will take him.
If Doughty is taken at 2 and Bogosian at 3, is it possible that the Blues go off the board and take a forward? Jarmo explains that he cannot answer that question without giving away what the Blues are going to do and that the Blues will take the best player available at #4.
Listen to Segment 2
Segment 3
Andy talks with hockey super agent Don Meehan about this weekend’s draft. Don is the agent to what is believed to be 5 of the top 6 prospects in this year’s draft including Steven Stamkos. Meehan talks about time and effort that goes into getting a top tier prospect and it is a very long process that is a great challenge but at the same time it is a lot of fun.
On Drew Doughty, Don believes that he is an outstanding player that is the complete package. Don also talks about how this is a year of outstanding defensive prospects and that these prospects will play for NHL teams for the next 15 years.
Listen to Segment 3
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June 19
JD Previews Draft Weekend
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Jay Randolph, Jr., on The Roll Home on Team 1380 Thursday to preview the draft.
John started out talking about the top four defenseman prospects. "We'd be happy with any of the four. The only thing I can tell you is that Doughty will be the first defenseman to go," Davidson said.
John said that Ottawa is trying to move up to the #2, 3, or 4 spot, and that Tampa Bay will stay with Stamkos and there is a no chance of a deal with them.
It all depends on how the other teams have the guys valued for who will be available for the Blues to take.
Davidson talked a little about what he likes about each player:
- Doughty---strong guy, very good skater, very good shot. He's a very good player all over the ice. He's the whole package and he loves to hit.
- Bogosian---He skates well and is very strong one on one; can shut down anybody; turns the puck over a lot
- Schenn---not a guy who likes to skate the puck out of the zone, but a very good first passer. He's like a quarterback and can find other guys to pass to if his first option isn't open. He's a big mean guy, and he's being compared to Scott Stephens.
- Pietrangelo--really good transition defenseman and very smart with the puck; Of the four he would likely need another year in junior hockey; very outgoing and strong personality; Looked at everyone in the eye instead of staring at his feet when talking to JD and others.
If the Blues take a defenseman, they are looking for someone to be paired up with Erik Johnson for 10 years, and for someone whocan get the puck moved out of the zone on power plays.
John said that management is responsible for not having better back-up goaltending, and they will do something about it. They need a veteran to back-up Manny, and they aren't sure if they will find one via trade or free agency.
Davidson understands the fans wanting them to draft a forward, but the Blues feel it would be crazy to draft Filatov at #4 because all the scouts agree that he isn't worth that high of a pick. John said that they feel that whichever defenseman who is available will be a better pick because there is no one out there with the upside of Ovechkin or Malkin.
John said they would consider swapping with the Islanders if they think they could get one of the defenseman with their pick.
They have had a ton of meetings and the final board should be put together soon, and Jarmo will be in charge and the draft will be in his hands.
"You have to be patient to build a team that will win the playoffs."
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June 17
Blues Draft Preview
Blues Assistant GM and Director of Amateur Scouting Jarmo Kekalainen joined Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker on The Roll Home on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon to preview the NHL Draft this Friday.
"I feel great about it. I'd rather be drafting 30th overall, but I think we will get a good player at #4," Jarmo said.
Jarmo doesn't think that coming over to the United States is an issue with the top foreign players who are drafted because the best players in the world want to play in the best league in the world.
The Blues are still working on the order of prospects on their board, but they are leaning towards a top defenseman.
Jarmo thinks all four of the top defensemen---Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn, and Alex Peitrangelo are projected to be top 4 or top 2 defensemen for years to come.
"These guys are as close to being ready as you can be for a draft of 18 year olds, and two out of those four may be able to step in next year and play in the NHL," Jarmo said.
The four are in the same category of Erik Johnson in terms of becoming a top defenseman. They are all a little different--Peitrangelo is more offensive. Doughty is the closest one to being able to play right away because of his experience in the World Juniors for Team Canada. He looked bored in junior hockey last year.
Puck control is a very important aspect of the game, and Jarmo has always said that a defenseman who can move the puck up to the forwards is the key to a good offense.
The Blues have the #4 pick overall and 2 picks each in the second, third, and fourth round.
Jarmo said they are always looking to fill the depth chart, but it's dangerous to pick just from need because it is usually 4-5 years for the players to get to the NHL and needs change.
The Blues' main principle is to stick to the list, but if there is a player at a position they don't necessarily need but who is ranked much higher they will take the better player.
As the draft goes along the players are less likely to make it to the NHL, but the Blues only draft players who they think really have a chance to make it.
Jarmo thinks Lee Stempniak can bounce back and have a good goal scoring year, and the Blues took him in the 5th round.
The scouting staff interviews each potential top pick, and they talk to the players' coaches and trainers.
"We feel that whoever we get at #4 will be a great player in the league for many years," Kekalainen said.
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June 16
Blues Extend Qualifying Offers
Andy Strickland reported that the Blues have extended qualifying offers to Jay McClement, David Backes, Jeff Woywitka, and Hannu Toivonen. The players can't fully accept the offer until July 1, and Larry Pleau will be in Ottawa Thursday to discuss extensions with Backes and McClement, who are both arbitration eligible.
Toivonen signed a deal with a team in Finland to play this year so this will allow the Blues to retain his rights incase he tears it up over in Europe.
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June 13
Blues Buzz Recap
Andy talks about the possible moves the Blues could make this off-season and discusses the unlikely scenario of the Blues buying out the contracts of Dan Hinote and Jay McKee. He also commented on the excuses that the Blues players made last season including what they felt was a poor ice surface at the Scottrade Center.
Segment 2
Andy’s guest for the evening was Matt Ebbs, General Manager of International Scouting Services (ISS), who broke down the upcoming NHL Draft by sharing his expertise about the prospects. Matt talks about how the draft is extremely deep for defenseman and which of these defensemen would best serve the Blues with the 4th overall pick.
Matt gives detailed analysis about the top prospects in the draft and his opinion on where he believes these prospects will go. In addition, Matt also mentions a couple of dark horses in the draft and a couple of players that Blues fans may want to keep an eye on in the 2nd and 3rd round.
Segment 3
Blues Director of Broadcasting Bruce Affleck joins Andy to talk about the upcoming Hockeyfest the Blues are hosting at the Scottrade Center on June 20th-22nd. Bruce gives the schedule of events for the weekend including the Draft Party, Autograph Sessions, and the Celebrity All-Star Game.
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June 4
Blues Acquire Rights To T.J. Fast
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the team has acquired the rights to defenseman T.J. Fast from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for 5th round draft choice in 2009.
Fast, 20, played in 71 games this past season with the Tri-City Americans of Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 54 points (17 goals, 37 assists) along with 92 penalty minutes and a plus-29 rating. He ranked fifth on the club and first among team defenseman in goals, assists and points.
The 6-1, 190-pound defenseman recorded nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 16 playoff games and helped lead Tri-City to the WHL’s Western Conference Finals.
The Calgary, Alberta native was originally drafted by the Kings as their second round selection, 60th overall in the 2005 Entry Draft.
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May 29
Blues Extend GM Pleau to 2009-10
Doug Armstrong Named VP of Player Personnel Will Assume General Manager Role in 2010
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has extended the contract of Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Larry Pleau through the 2009-10 season. Davidson also announced the club has named Doug Armstrong as Blues Vice President of Player Personnel. He will assume the General Manager duties beginning in 2010.
“Larry has been very valuable to this organization for many years,” said Davidson.
“Under his watch we have locked up our young players with long term deals and continue to stockpile many up and coming prospects. Doug’s accomplishments in Dallas are quite impressive, with two Western Conference titles, two President’s Trophies and a Stanley Cup. To be able to add someone with Doug’s resume and hockey I.Q. gives us yet another trained set of eyes in our organization along with Larry, Al MacInnis, Jarmo Kekalainen, Kevin McDonald and myself as we continue to grow the St. Louis Blues.”
“This ownership group has treated me great since Day One as they have given my wife and me tremendous support as we battle this illness,” said Pleau.
“Our goal since I got together with JD was to build a Stanley Cup contender and we are improving this franchise every day. I am proud that I will finish my career as a Blue and look forward to working closely with Doug as he begins his career in St. Louis. His knowledge and creativity will definitely improve the St. Louis Blues.”
“I am excited to be part of the Blues’ organization and work closely with JD and Larry in their efforts to bring St. Louis a Stanley Cup, said Armstrong.“ “With the young talent coming up in this organization, the future is extremely bright.”
Pleau was hired as the 10th general manager in Blues history on June 9, 1997. During his 11-year tenure as general manager, the Blues have posted a 387-333-100 record, while capturing the Presidents' Trophy during the 1999-2000 campaign as the NHL’s top regular season team. The club also posted a 260-153-63-16 record from 1997-1998 to 2002-2003, marking the best six-year span in franchise history. In 2002, Pleau received the Lester Patrick Trophy which is presented annually for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
From the time Pleau has been the General Manager of the Blues, the team has acquired players through trades such as Keith Tkachuk, Brad Boyes, Doug Weight, Scott Mellanby, Dallas Drake, Andy McDonald and Chris Osgood. In addition, the club has made key free agent signings such as Paul Kariya, Manny Legace and Bill Guerin. Pleau also has been involved in each of the Blues’ drafts since his arrival to St. Louis and the team has drafted Barret Jackman, Erik Johnson, David Perron, David Backes, Lee Stempniak, T.J. Oshie, Lars Eller and Ben Bishop.
Pleau served as the assistant general manager of silver medal-winning Team USA at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and was named General Manager for Team USA for the 2003 and 2004 (bronze medal) IIHF World Championships and at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He was named The Sporting News "Executive of the Year" following the Blues success in 1999-2000, when the team posted a 51-20-11 record and in 2000 was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Armstrong, 43, has spent the past 17 seasons with the Dallas Stars organization including the last six seasons as the Stars General Manager. From January 25, 2002, to the start of the 2007-08 season, Armstrong led the Stars to the third most regular season point total (427), collected the third-most wins (190) and the second most home victories (110) and points (240) in the entire NHL. Dallas won two Pacific Division Championships (2002-03, 2005-06) and qualified for the playoffs four times over the span.
He has been a part of the Stars organization in each of the club’s 14 years in Dallas and has helped lead the franchise to two President’s Trophies, two Western Conference titles and the 1999 Stanley Cup championship.
Armstrong was able to retain a strong core of NHL players during his time in Dallas, including Brenden Morrow, Jere Lehtinen, Philippe Boucher and Marty Turco. He also acquired the fourth-most draft selections in the first three rounds over the past six seasons for the Stars.
Prior to being named the team’s seventh general manager, Armstrong served nine years as the assistant general manager under Bob Gainey. As Gainey’s assistant, he worked on contract negotiations and season scheduling, while handling the day-to-day operations of the hockey department.
A native of Sarnia, Ontario, Armstrong is the son of NHL Hall of Fame linesman Neil Armstrong who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
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May 19
Hockeyfest Tickets Are Available
Tickets went on sale this morning for the Blues' first annual Hockeyfest. The event begins on June 20 and runs through the 22 and will feature autograph sessions and a NHL Draft party. Current Blues players, alumni and Hollywood celebrities will play a game on that Sunday.
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May 15
Blues Buzz recap for May 15th
Summary by Nick Hand
Segment 1- Andy talks about a variety of topics that occurred this week in the NHL including the Maple Leaf situation, the firing of Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville, current head coaching vacancies around the league, and the Vancouver hiring of Scott Mellanby to their front office. Andy also discusses the current structure of the Blues front office, the team’s interest in Dave Nonis, and the continuing influx of young talent that should be present next season with the recent signings of T.J. Oshie and Lars Eller.
Listen to Segment 1
Segment 2 and 3- Former Blues Defenseman Jamie Rivers
Andy talks it over with Jamie Rivers on his experiences playing professional hockey in Russia. Rivers explains the cultural differences playing in Russia and the language barrier with his teammates. Rivers also shares great stories about some of the situations he experienced throughout the season including having his apartment down the hall from the team’s front office, how the team’s coach was giving an ultimatum to win or be fired before a regular season game, the practice and conditioning schedule in Russian hockey, and the overall quality and skill of all of the players in the league. Rivers also commented on the passion the Russian fans have for the sport of hockey, the pay system of Russian hockey, and the traveling that takes place throughout the season.
When Rivers was asked to comment on the Stanley Cup playoffs, he responded that he sees a Detroit-Pittsburgh final with Detroit edging Pittsburgh to win the Cup. He talked about how he believes Detroit’s secret to success is the roster stability they have displayed throughout this successful run as well as the quality goaltending they have been receiving from Chris Osgood since he took over for Hasek in the first round series against Nashville.
Listen to Segment 2Listen to Segment 3
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May 14
Blues Talk to Nonis about New Position
According to Andy Strickland, the Blues have spoken with former Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis about a new management position with the organization, that would report to current Blues GM Larry Pleau.
Pleau's contract expires in June, but he will likely be extended.
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May 14
Oshie Says His Dream's Coming True
T.J. Oshie joined Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker on The Roll Home on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
T.J. said it's a dream come true to sign the contract, but he wants to have a good summer so he can have his dream of playing in the NHL come true.
Oshie said he is very excited, and he is very thankful that the Blues supported his decision to stay in school the past couple years. He thinks he is more mature on and off the ice now after getting those extra seasons under his belt at North Dakota.
He said he likes scoring goals while playing physical, and he likes to create excitement for the fans, including making big hits.
T.J. acknowledged he had some bad influences in college, and he said there should be no concern about what happened.
"I'm ready to grow up and be mature and play some hockey," he said.
Oshie thinks that playing with other young guys will be beneficial now and in the future because the guys will have played for years together and grow together.
He has spoken with Andy Murray one on one only a couple times, but he knows how Murray likes to run things, and T.J. is confident that their relationship will grow.
Oshie was told that he will love moving to the NHL from college because there is less clutching and grabbing. T.J. said he doesn't watch too much hockey because he gets too excited and wants to play so he hasn't watched too much of the playoffs.
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May 13
Davidson Discusses the New Additions
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker on The Roll Home on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
T.J. Oshie came in last night, signed his contract this morning, and I think he chances are pretty good of making the team. If he is willing and able and smart enough to, he will play center. If not, he will play the wing. He is like Brian Sutter but a better skater. If he doesn't make our club he will play in Peoria.
John said that T.J. is stronger this year and more mature. He is 100% healthy now, and JD thinks he is a better player now having played another year in college.
Lars Eller just played for Denmark in the World Championships, and got some great experience. He is only 19, and he has great offensive skill. His dad is in the Denmark hockey hall of fame. Lars has great command of the English language, and he has a great hockey mind. Because of his age, the Blues will have to offer him back to his club in Sweden if he doesn't make the team.
Both Oshie and Eller will play in a camp at the Mills Mall in late June.
Davidson talked about how young the Blues were and how young they will be next year if Oshie and Eller make the team. He said that the guys have to come in prepared and in shape and they will get better by gaining experience in the league.
"There is not another team in the NHL who have as many legitimate prospects (as the Blues)," Davidson said.
JD said that the Blues would love to move up to #1 in the draft, but he doesn't think that will happen. The Blues have had calls from teams wanting to move up to their position, and they are listening to the offers. "If we can better ourselves we'll do it. We aren't afraid to make a move."
JD said that it is his call if the Blues will go after free agents. He said that there aren't a whole lot of good players on the market this off-season, but some players may become available if their teams don't resign them. John said that it has to be the right fit for the Blues to sign someone.
The Blues have had to find a way to attain as much talent through youth as possible. JD said that including this year, the Blues will have 6 first rounders in 3 years.
JD said it's pretty exciting for him to see the kids like Perron, Oshie, Eller come up through the system.
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May 13 UPDATED 1:40pm
Blues Sign Top Picks Eller, Oshie
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the team has signed 2005 first round draft pick, T.J. Oshie and 2007 first round pick Lars Eller.
“I am happy that the Blues have been patient with me over the past couple of years,” said Oshie. “I am now ready and proud to wear the Blue Note next season. I would like to thank my family, who have supported me all these years. I would also like to give a special thanks to all the programs, coaches, and all of my teammates who have made an impact on my life and hockey career.”
“I am really excited about signing with the Blues,” said Eller. “It has always been my dream to play in the NHL and I am one step closer to achieving my ultimate goal.”
“We are happy to have T.J. and Lars in the fold as both players will be important assets for this hockey club as we move forward,” said Davidson.
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May 8
Blues Buzz with Andy Strickland
Jon Cooper, head coach of the St. Louis Bandits, joined Andy Strickland for the Blues Buzz show on Thursday night. Cooper talked about the joy of winning back-to-back NAHL National Championships last Sunday at the Hardee's IcePlex in Chesterfield, the development of the team throughtout the season, and his future as a coach.
Strickland was also joined by Bill Watters, who is a former Assistant General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and is a current co-host of Hockey Central on Roger's SportsNet in Canada as well as the host of The Bill Watters Show on AM 640 in Toronto. Watters talked about the firing of Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice and the future direction he believes the Maple Leafs will take.
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May 7
Eller Close to Being Signed
Andy Strickland reported on his Daily Buzz segment on Team 1380 that the Blues expect a deal to be done soon with Lars Eller, their first pick in last year's draft.
Andy said that there is a very strong chance that Lars can make the Blues team next year. Eller is playing in the World Championships as a 19 year-old right now.
Strickland also reported that TJ Oshie wants to wait until his classes are complete before he finalizes his contract.
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May 5
Blues Playing in World Championships
David Backes, Lee Stempniak and Jamal Mayers are competing in the World Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia.
Mayers has one point for Team Canada in two wins. Backes and Stempniak have both been held off the scoreboard, but Team USA is 2-0 after beating Latvia on Friday and Slovenia yesterday.
The U.S. closes out its round-robin with a
showdown against Canada on Tuesday afternoon.
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April 17
David Perron Discusses Rookie Season
Blues forward David Perron joined Andy Strickland on the Blues Buzz on Team 1380 Thursday evening.
David said that during the season sometimes it was hard mentally and frustrating for him. "Even though I didn't score as much as I wanted to in the last 20-25 games, I think I played better and that's what is important."
He said he wanted to play every night, but he learned how to play as a team. Even though the team didn't have as great of a season as they wanted, he thinks he had a good year.
Perron said that the young guys like David Backes, Lee Stempniak, and DJ King helped him a lot with his English, handling money, where to eat, how to get around in a car, and other things.
David said, "By the end of the year my English got better, and I pretty much understand everything (now)."
David said that he had conversations almost every day with Andy Murray about all different topics including where he was living and his play on the ice.
"Talking with (Murray) helped me a lot," David said.
He told Murray at end of year that he bought into what he told him because Andy is so passionate just like David himself.
on Training this Summer?---Perron said he is going to try to get stronger this summer so he can play better "in the corner with the big guys." He said that sometimes he takes training too seriously.
Perron said he is not sure if he will take part in the development camp or not.
on the young players coming next season?---David said he is excited to play with TJ Oshie and the other guys coming. Perron said he will probably learn from the new guys, and hopefully, they learn from him too.
Listen to David Perron Interview
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April 17
Erik Johnson Surgery Successful Today
According to Andy Strickland on the Blues Buzz on Team 1380 Thursday, Erik Johnson underwent successful shoulder surgery today in Cleveland, Ohio.
However, the doctors found some other damage and after fixing that, rehab will take a little longer than previously thought. The Blues said they think Johnson will get back on the ice in August.
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April 14
Andy Murray Talks about Season
St. Louis Blues Coach Andy Murrray joined
Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker on The Roll Home on Team 1380 on Monday afternoon to talk about this past season for the Blues. Murray said that the Blues lost 21 "one goal" games, that Manny Legace was overplayed, and that he, himself, also needs to do a better job.
Coach Murray said that he accepts criticism, but that it bothers him when his relationship with the players is questioned. He doesn't think he had a relationship issue at all with any player. Murray said, "There will be issues with players, but there are not relationship problems. Players know they can come in and talk to me. There may be issues, but I don't think there is a problem."
on Power Play?---Andy said that the power play problems weren't because of the assistant coach who is in charge of power play strategy because it is Murray's strategy. He said what was alarming about the power play was the number of chances they had to score and didn't. He said that because the Blues lacked another power play point man, they had to play Brad Boyes out of position. Murray said it got better in the second half of the season with the maturity of Erik Johnson when he was able to distribute the puck around. Coach said the fact that Kariya only had 16 goals all season shows they didn't score enough. Murray said he's hoping to address issue of playing Boyes out of position by acquiring another power play point shooter.
on Leadership?---Murray said they can be stronger in that area. The core leadership group is pretty good, but can do a better job. biggest problem this season was their play after trade deadline.
on what Murray can do better?---He said he can do a number of things better. He needs to continue to hold players accountable, and make sure players are energized every night. He's still gathering info and trying to figure out how to get better.
on Young Players?---Murray said that in the year-end meeting, David Perron talked about how much he learned, and he appreciated how he was handled. Perron learned how to conduct himself on and off the ice. Murray said Erik Johnson matured and is a quality young guy. Murray is hopeful T.J. Oshie will be able to step in and play next year.
on David Perron?---Murray said he had a number of individual talks with Perron about things both on and off the ice. "He was the most appreciative of anybody."
Murray said that Perron understood how they used him during the season. In reference to not playing him much in Montreal, Murray said they knew David was tired at the end of that road trip and didn't want him to get labeled as not a great player in front of the fans in Montreal because that could haunt a player for the rest of his life.
on Conditioning?---Murray didn't think there was any issue of players being overworked in their conditioning. He said, "I think we should've worked our guys harder in certain situations. We were one of the healthiest teams in the league. I think our conditioning work was outstanding."
on Additions this Summer?---Murray said they need a big, strong centerman, and he's hopeful Patrik Berglund can fill that need. More grit up front, and he hopes Oshie can provide that. Need one or two more pass moving defenseman---probably get one in draft. Those additions will be made with young players, and he said they will stick with the youth movement.
on Coaching Staff?---The plan right now would be to keep the staff together. It's under review right now. "I like all the guys I work with."
Listen to Andy Murray Interview
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April 11
Cole Advances to NCAA Championship
Blues prospect helps Notre Dame past No. 1 Ranked Michigan
Blues defensive prospect Ian Cole will play in the 2008 Frozen Four Championship game on Saturday night.
Cole helped Notre Dame to a 5-4 win in overtime over the No. 1 ranked Michigan Wolverines on Thursday night. Notre Dame will meet Boston College, who eliminated North Dakota.
Cole, 19, was selected in the first round, 18th overall by the Blues in the 2007 Entry Draft and is currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native has played in 41 games this season, registering 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) and 40 penalty minutes.
The 2008 Frozen Four Championship game will take place Saturday at 6 p.m. Fans can watch the game on ESPN.
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April 10
Backes & Stempniak To Play In
World Championships
USA Hockey announced that Blues forwards David Backes and Lee Stempniak were named to the 2008 United States Men’s National Team for the IIHF Men’s World Championships to be held from May 2-18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Both players will be appearing in their second consecutive World Championship for Team USA.
Backes, 23, skated in 72 games for the Blues this season, recording 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) along with 99 penalty minutes. He ranked first on the team and fifth in the National Hockey League with 240 hits. Backes ranked second on the club in penalty minutes (99). The Minneapolis, Minnesota native was originally St. Louis’ second round selection, 62nd overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Stempniak, 25, played in 80 games with the Blues this season, recording 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) and 40 penalty minutes. In the 2007 World Championship, he played in seven games and registered 10 points (six goals, four assists). The West Seneca, New York native was originally drafted by the Blues in the fifth round, 148th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
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April 9
Legace Will Not Need Surgery
According to Andy Strickland on the Roll Home on Team 1380, Manny Legace will not need to undergo surgery on his knee as previously was feared.
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April 8
John Davidson Discusses Andy Murray, Perron, Draft, & Power Play
Blues President John Davidson talked with
Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker Tuesday afternoon on The Roll Home on Team 1380.
Davidson said that each person involved with the Blues can do better this coming season. He said that nobody is off the hook, including Coach
Andy Murray, and that "we all need to get better. Andy (Murray) can improve. There's no question about that."
"In some ways we should've been better than we were and in some ways we overachieved. We're going through the process."
- on Murray Playing Young Kids?---Davidson said that Patrik Berglund and TJ Oshie should make the team next year and that Erik Johnson and David Backes played a lot this year. He said each player who comes along is different and each one has to be handled differently.
- on David Perron?---Davidson said that David Perron "comes from a different area of Quebec," and that they had to teach him how to eat, how to train, how to do everything. He continued that he played in over 62 games, averaging 12.5 min per game, and produced for the team. JD said that Perron matured and came twice as far as Johnson did, and that the team won't have to deal with the same things next year.
- on the Draft?---JD compared prospect Steven Stamkos to Joe Sakic, and he said that the Blues are sending representatives to a remote part of Russia to watch potential draft picks play. JD said the only way for the Blues to do it is to build from within with the Draft.
- on Free Agency?---it may help depending on the way the draft goes. Last year more high end players were available. Davidson said they are in a position where they don't want to sign a player to a 6, 7, or 8 year contract. They want to develop players within the organization, and JD said if it doesn't make sense they won't do it.
"We are getting there with the development of offense from within; We are tyring to find skill from within the organization."
on Leadership in Locker Room?--- JD thinks Eric Brewer is a very good captain, and in some ways the culture has to change. They need proper leadership for players to develop. "Leadership can help develop young players
a lot quicker and better," Davidson said.
- Power Play?---JD talked to Al MacInnis about helping with power play, and he isn't comfortable devoting the time needed right now to be a fulltime coach because he wants to spend time with his family, and he coaches a team that travels all across North America.
- Offseason Surgeries?---Manny Legace is traveling around the country for 2nd opinions on his knee. Eric Brewer is going to have much needed shoulder surgery, and Erik Johnson will have minor shoulder surgery as well.
- Blues leave St. Louis?---John said, "No, absolutely not. I've never heard that. I see no reason for it. Not a chance." JD said that just because his house is for sale doesn't mean he is leaving. JD said that the Blues have "no financial issues whatsoever."
Listen to John Davidson Conversation
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April 8
Mayers To Play In World Championships
Hockey Canada announced today that Blues forward Jamal Mayers was named to the 2008 Canadian Men’s National Team for the IIHF Men’s World Championships.
Mayers, 33, tied a career high by playing in 80 games with the Blues this past season, recording 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) and 91 penalty minutes.
Mayers has spent the previous 10 seasons with the Blues, the longest running tenure on the team. He has played in a total of 595 career games, registering 158 points (71 goals, 87 assists) along with 756 penalty minutes.
The Toronto, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Blues as their fourth round selection, 89th overall in the 1993 Entry Draft.
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April 7
Blues Will Pick Fourth in 2008 NHL Draft
In Monday night's draft lottery, the Blues received the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The Blues odds of winning the first overall pick were 10.7 percent. Tampa Bay received the No. 1 overall pick.
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April 7
Mike McCarthy & Al MacInnis To Represent Blues At Draft Drawing
Drawing Will Be Televised On VERSUS & NHL Network at 7 p.m.
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Vice Chairman Mike McCarthy and Vice President of Hockey Operations
Al MacInnis will represent the club this evening when the National Hockey League draws the order for this year’s draft. The Blues have a 10.7% chance of winning the 1st overall selection.
The NHL Draft Drawing is a weighted system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and will take place Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. St. Louis time at the NHL’s New York City office.
The League, in cooperation with TSN, further announced that the results of the Draft Drawing will be televised live by TSN in Canada; VERSUS in the U.S.; and NHL Network in the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, the results will be streamed live on NHL.com and TSN.ca and broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio.
The 30-minute, live program – titled “Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery” – will begin at 7 p.m. and will originate from the NHL on TSN studios in Toronto. TSN’s James Duthie will host the program, with Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie and analyst Mike Milbury.
The Draft Drawing involves Clubs that do not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, or the Clubs that acquired the first-round drafting positions of those non-playoff clubs.
Per NHL rules, the club selected in the Draft Drawing may not move up more than four positions in the draft order. Thus, the only Clubs with the opportunity to receive the first overall selection are the five teams with the lowest regular-season point totals, or the Clubs that acquired an eligible Club’s first-round draft pick. No club will move down more than one position as a result of the Draft Drawing. Therefore, the Blues will pick 1st, 4th or 5th at this year’s draft.
Under the weighted system, the club with the fewest regular-season points will have the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and will pick no lower than second.
Based on team finish, the percentage chance of being selected in the Draft Drawing is:
Tampa Bay - 25.0%
Phoenix - 3.6%
Los Angeles - 18.8%
Nashville (from FLA) - 2.7%
Atlanta - 14.2%
Vancouver - 2.1%
St. Louis - 10.7%
Chicago - 1.5%
N.Y. Islanders - 8.1%
Anaheim (from EDM) - 1.1%
Columbus - 6.2%
Buffalo - 0.8%
Toronto - 4.7%
Carolina - 0.5%
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will take place at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario. The first round will take place on Friday, June 20 commencing at 6 p.m. (St. Louis time) and the subsequent rounds (two through seven) will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 21.
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April 5
Blues Prospects Lars Eller And Simon Hjalmarsson Lead Frolunda J20 To League Championship
Eller Notches Two Goals To Lead Team To Victory
St. Louis Blues prospects Lars Eller and Simon Hjalmarsson have captured the Swedish Junior-20 SuperElit Championship playing for Frolunda.
Eller, 18, tallied a pair of goals in the championship game. He played in nine games for Frolunda J20, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) along with 10 penalty minutes. The first round, 13th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft also played for Frolunda of the Elitserien League and Boras HC of the Allsvenskan League this season. The 6-1, 198-pound native of Rodovre, Denmark also represented Team Denmark at the 2007 World Junior Championships, tallying six points (three goals, three assists).
Hjalmarsson, 19, skated in 37 games for Frolunda J20, ranking second on the team with 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists). The second round, 39th pick overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, also appeared in 10 games for Boras HC of the Allsvenskan League, recording six points (two goals, four assists). The 5-11, 161-pound forward also represented Team Sweden at the Under-19 and Under-20 Junior Championships.
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April 1
Blues Prospects Reach Frozen Four
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues prospects Ian Cole, T.J. Oshie and Aaron Palushaj will represent their colleges at the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four.
Press Release
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March 31
Blues Nearing End of Season
Post-Dispatch Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford joined Randy Karraker on the Roll Home on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Rutherford said that if it weren't for Manny Legace the Blues
Paul Kariya is in a down part of his career, and the Blues don't have the finishers outside of Brad Boyes that Kariya had in Nashville the past couple years, which reflected in his play.
Rutherford thinks this will be a very young team next year, which doesn't bode well for the playoffs, and unless they try a quick fix and go after a goal scorer this offseason. "Any money the Blues spend this offseason needs to be spent on offense," Rutherford said.
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March 31 (5:30p)
Blues No Worse Than 4th Pick
Andy Strickland reported that the Blues can have no worse than the 4th overall draft pick because of their record even though the top picks are determined by a lottery system.
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March 26
Good Effort For 2 Periods Isn't Enough
Bernie Miklasz says he is tired of hearing the excuse of giving a good effort. He said they are supposed to give a good effort, and they were outworked in the 3rd period.
Bernie and Randy Karraker went on to discuss Paul Kariya's performance this year and wondered if he has ever really bounced back from concussions earlier in his career.
They compared Kariya's deal to Adam Kennedy's contract with the Cardinals because of how each have underperformed the first year of a 3-year contract.
Bernie and Randy hope the Blues go with the young players they have coming up next season and don't tie themselves up with long term contracts for declining veterans this offseason.
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March 25
Blues Talk about 2007-08 Season
Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker talked about the Blues on the Roll Home on Team 1380. Miklasz said he is "calling BS on the excuse of youth" for the Blues' troubles this season. He said that many players haven't played up to their potential including Lee Stempniak, Andy McDonald, and Paul Kariya.
They talked about the veterans letting the team down, and talked about Andy Murray needing to find a new power play coach this offseason.
Bernie said there is no excuse to finish 14th after finishing 10th last year.
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March 21
Blues Assign Yan Stastny To Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has assigned forward Yan Stastny to the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
He made his Blues debut on February 16 at Nashville recording a goal and has skated in 12 games with St. Louis, registering two points (one goal, one assist).
Stastny, 25, has played in 34 games for the Rivermen this season, collecting 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) along with 48 penalty minutes.
The Quebec City, Quebec native is the son of former Blue Peter Stastny and was originally Boston’s eighth round selection, 259th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Yan and Peter became the second father and son combination to play for the Blues on February 16 at Nashville. Bob and Brent Johnson were the first.
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March 20
Blues Prospect T.J. Oshie Named To 2007-08 All-WCHA First Team
Named As Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist
St. Louis Blues prospect T.J. Oshie has been named to the 2007-08 All-WCHA’s first team. In addition, Oshie has been named as a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award which is given annually to college hockey’s most outstanding player.
Oshie, 21, a junior at the University of North Dakota, led the Fighting Sioux this season with 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists). He finished fourth in WCHA scoring with 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 27 league games. Last season, Oshie was named to the WCHA’s third team.
The Mount Vernon, Washington native was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round, 24th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
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March 19
Bernie Miklasz and Randy Karraker talked about
David Perron's limited playing time in Montreal on the Roll Home on Team 1380.
They questioned if the young guys coming up next year will really play, and they said John Davidson's credibility is on the line when he comes on talk shows talking about the kids but Andy Murray doesn't play them.
Click HERE to listen.
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March 19
Blues Sign Forward Julian Talbot
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the team has signed forward Julian Talbot.
Talbot, 22, has played in 65 games with the Peoria Rivermen this season, registering 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) along with 39 penalty minutes. His 20 goals this season ties him for first on the Rivermen.
The Wahnapitae, Ontario native played in his first professional season last year with the St. Louis Blues’ ECHL affiliate, the Alaska Aces, appearing in 66 games, recording 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) and 54 penalty minutes.
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March 17
On the Roll Home Monday, Randy Karraker says the it really bothers him that the Blues have gone from on the brink of contending for 8th place to likely ending the season with the least wins in the league.
Randy said that, "Positives from earlier this season are completely wasted because (Blues players) don't have mental toughness. They have no accountability. They don't utilize the talent they have; don't look like they are coached very well, and there's no chemistry on the ice."
Bernie said he never thought he would say it, but Andy Murray enters next season with his job on the line. Bernie said,"If the Blues tank again next year, there is no doubt that Andy Murray will be gone."
Click HERE to listen to their conversation.
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March 13
John Davidson interview from Tuesday's Roll Home uploaded.
Click HERE to listen
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March 11
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie and Randy on the Roll Home Tuesday on Team 1380.
Here is a partial summary:
- on difference between first half and second half of the season?---John said the main difference is the lack of goal scoring. He said they didn't think they'd have the trouble they have had. John said, "When you don't score it tends to snowball. We're not going to panic as an organization; we're going to stick with our plan and move forward."
- on what went wrong this season?---John said they are going to look at everything. They feel Andy Murray is a terrific coach, and as an organization they are going to figure out what went right and what didn't work. John said they need more of a #1 center than Tkachuck. He said Andy McDonald will be a good player for the Blues after he has a full summer off this year (he played all through playoffs last year). John said they knew the Center position would be a problem so they drafted some centers this year, "We are chipping away at getting parts." JD said they brought in Cam Janssen because they wanted to bring in a young energy player to help protect the other young stars they have coming up soon.
- on Blues' previous drafts being the problem?---JD agreed that it's fair to say that the Blues are in this position because of drafts before Yarmo Kekelanian took over. John referred to the Pittsburgh Penguins and said that sometimes a team has to go through rough times and get top draft picks in order to be a great team. He said that the Blues must do well in the draft and get the best players they can. He said, "You have to pay a price and you have to develop players to grow and it takes time."
- approach on goaltending for rest of year?---Toivonen had a really rough stretch, but JD would like to see him worked in a little bit to see if he can recapture what he had early in the season. "I'd like to see Toivennen play some games."
- on if trading Bryce Salvador has affected Eric Brewer's play on the ice?---John said he doesn't think it should make a difference. He said Bryce is a quality guy who made a difference for the Blues, but he doesn't think Brewer would be that affected by having a new partner.
- on Cam Janssen?---Davidson would like to see Cam become a better player at handling the puck. "He loves hitting people and defenseman don't want to go back there and get the puck when he's out there, but we'd like to see him develop his game."
- on Ben Bishop?---JD said the University of Maine goalie Ben Bishop passed his physical today, signed his amatuer contract and is headed to Peoria. JD said he will hopefully get worked into the rotation and get in some games this season.
- other notes?---John said that since Andy Murray took over the record was really good, but since this January the record has been discouraging. He said the organization needs to figure out why there is a lack of scoring, lack of power play, and why top scorers aren't producing. John said that the Blues have to continue to figure things out, but that Erik Johnson and David Perron are going to be great players.
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March 11
Blues Sign Maine Goaltender Ben Bishop
Click HERE for Press Release
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March 11
Blues Recall Defenseman Roman Polak From Peoria Under Emergency Conditions
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has recalled defenseman Roman Polak under emergency conditions from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Polak, 21, has played in 28 games for the Rivermen this season, recording six assists along with 15 penalty minutes.
The Ostrava, Czech Republic was originally drafted by the Blues in the 6th round, 180th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
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March 10
BLUES HOST HOCKEY 101 CLASS FOR WOMEN
The St. Louis Blues will host the 2nd annual Ladies & Left Wings, a hockey 101 class for female hockey fans, on Saturday, March 29 at 1:30p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to tour Scottrade Center and learn hockey basics from Blues alumni and broadcaster Kelly Chase. Other guests, such as longtime women’s amateur hockey player Cathy Dunkin and FOX 2 reporter Shawn Lindsey, will assist Chase as he explains equipment, rules, and strategy. Class wraps up with a Q & A session and dinner, just before the Blues take on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Tickets for Ladies & Left Wings are $100 each and include the hockey 101 class, a plaza center ticket to the Blues vs. Blackhawks game, a post-class celebration and more. Season ticket holders may purchase class-only tickets for $50 each. Seating is limited and the event sold out last season.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Blues at 314.589.5998 or 314.622.2524. Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Louis Blues 14 Fund, the Blues charitable trust. For more information, visit www.stlouisblues.com.
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March 6
Andy Strickland's report during the Daily BUZZ on Team 1380:
- The Blues have had very little dialogue recently with free agent to be Ryan Johnson, who is among league leaders in blocking shots among forwards. The Blues did offer him a contract before the trade deadline, but Johnson turned it down. It is believed Ryan is seeking $1 to $1.5 million.
- Andy said it doesn't make sense that the Blues aren't playing Cam Janssen. He said it makes it seem that management and coaches aren't on the same page because John Davidson said there was a real need for an agitator like Cam, but he isn't in the lineup. Strickland said why wouldn't you want to into Detroit with someone who makes life miserable for the opposition.
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March 5
Andy Strickland's report during the Daily BUZZ on Team 1380:
- University of Maine's season will likely end this weekend, so expect the Blues to get Ben Bishop in Peoria this season.
- The Blues can't call anyone up from the AHL for the rest of the year unless they have an emergency situation such as an injury and have less than 12 forwards.
- If the Blues could bring a forward up Andy would bring up Charles Linglet because he is a top 10 scorer in the AHL and he's great on the power play. Andy added that the knock on Linglet is his skating, and he might not skate well enough to play in the NHL.
- Marek Schwarz has rebounded well after his disaster in Chicago. He has won his last 9 games---6-0 in Alaska and 3-0 in last 3 games in Peoria.
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March 4
Andy Strickland's report during the Daily BUZZ on Team 1380:
- Blues' Coach Andy Murray considered bringing his players back on the ice after their loss Saturday night, and Murray told the players to keep their equipment on after the game Saturday night, but decided against it.
- Blues' 2007 First Draft Pick Lars Eller was named the first star in a game against the top team in the league in the
Swedish Elite League.
- The Blues were offered $200,000 each to play a preseason game next year in Kansas City. The same offer was extended to Chicago, Detroit, and Minnesota.
- TJ Oshie's North Dakota team is ranked in the top 5 in NCAA hockey, and if they go all the way to the Frozen Four, he has little chance of playing for the Blues this season. However, he could still end up playing for Peoria if he signs an amatuer tryout and the Rivermen make the playoffs.
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