09/10 stats
40-32-10 (90 points)
Regular season: Western Conference: 9thOverall: 15th
The high mark of the Blues was in their penalty kill which was a league leading 86.8%, but a real burn on the team was their lack of discipline, finishing 27th overall in penalty minutes.
The end of the season resulted in one fired and two retired. Despite the notable departures, the St. Louis Blues have maintained their nucleus and will once again be expected to carry on where they left off in 2008-2009.
Ten year veteran head coach Andy Murray was fired January 2nd in an attempt by (then) general manager Larry Pleau and President John Davidson to mix things up for the Blues and turn them around after a slow first half. Murray spent four years as head coach of the St. Louis Blues where he held a 118-102-40 record in 260 games as head coach. He was loved by fans, players, and management but the need for another direction was imminent by mid-season.
Davis Payne was hired as interim coach as he recorded a 23-15-4 record in his first time coaching at the NHL level. Following his successful second-half season performance, the interim tag was removed by management on April 14th. In June, Doug Armstrong would hire former NHL’er Scott Mellanby as assistant coach.
Although he hasn’t necessarily retired, one of the departures out of St. Louis this year is that of President and General Manager Larry Pleau. Pleau was hired in St. Louis in 1997, and despite sharing hockey operations with John Davidson from 2006 to present day, Pleau held the job until his decision to step down as GM and take another role within the team expectedly came through.
"It's kind of sad, there's no doubt about it...because you've been there for a long time," Pleau told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It's going to give me a lot more time with (my wife) Wendy. I've got no complaints. Thirteen years here, it was a great run.”
"The key thing is, the Blues are going to have a heck of a general manager for a long time."
Doug Armstrong replaces him as general manager after being hired on a two year contract in 2008 in a support role/vice president of player personnel . Prior to Armstrong’s hiring, he impressed heavily in his tenure with the Dallas Stars recording a 210-109-35-23 record. He won the Stanley Cup as an assistant manager with the Stars in 1999, before taking the head spot in 2002 and ultimately hiring head coach Dave Tippett. Armstrong has made an impact early, and having spent a full year behind Pleau he’s already comfortable in the organization. He will join Hall of Fame Broadcaster, and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson at the helm in St. Louis.
The biggest loss for St. Louis and the NHL is the retirement of veteran Keith Tkachuk. The 38 year-old Melrose, MA native played 18 years in the National Hockey League split between Winnipeg, Phoenix, (briefly) Atlanta, and St. Louis. Nicknamed “Walt” (by Eddie Olczyk), he was defined early in his career as a true sportsman, gentleman, and super-star athlete. He displayed great leadership qualities as he became captain of the Winnipeg Jets in 93’-94’, just two years into his career after being drafted by the team in 1990, 19th overall. Tkachuk stayed with the team through the relocation to Phoenix, a combined ten years for the organization. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues after struggling with injuries in 2000-2001, and despite a brief 18 games in Atlanta, he spent the last nine years of his career as the leader of the St. Louis Blues. During his time in St. Louis he hit many milestones and solidified himself as one of the best American born players ever in the National Hockey League. In 1,201 games Keith scored 538 goals and 527 assists for 1,065 points. He racked up 2,219 penalty minutes, and 212 powerplay goals. He has appeared in the NHL All-Star game five times, the Second All-Star team twice, and won an Olympic silver medal. "It's been a tough year with my health, so it's definitely the right decision to step away after this season," he said. "It's always hard. I played a lot of years and cherish every moment." Tkachuk said as he announced his retirement. "The thing I'm most proud of is the fact I'm retiring as a St. Louis Blue, St. Louis is a great place to play and live. It's been a great run playing for the Blues."
"I just hope I left a positive influence on my teammates and people I've met along the way, especially with the team we have right now," Tkachuk said. "I owe the game of hockey everything. The game doesn't owe me anything. I've been lucky to play in the National Hockey League and I'll never forget it."
He was one of the toughest power forwards in his era, and sadly, Keith retires not having ever raised Lord Stanley’s Cup. A true testament to how hard it is to achieve.
The other player to call it quits this year is veteran defenseman Darryl Sydor. He retires after 18 years in the National Hockey League. The 38 year-old defenseman has split his years between Los Angelis, Dallas, Columbus, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. He has played in two NHL ALL-Star games, and won two Stanley Cups (1999 and 2004).
“Darryl was a true pro throughout his entire career and especially for the St. Louis Blues organization,” said Blues President John Davidson. “I’ve known Darryl for a long time and he is truly one of the classiest professionals I have seen in this league.”
The Complete list of players making an exit through trade, free agency, and retirement isn’t actually all that long. Following the two retired players out the door of St. Louis are; Paul Kariya, Chris Mason, Lars Eller, Derek Armstrong, Mike Weaver, Hannu Toivonen, Jonas Junland, Danny Richmond, Ian Schultz, Julian Talbot, D.J. King, Cam Paddock, Bryce Lampman, Pierre-Cedrick Labrie, Nate Guenin, David Rundblad, Joe Fallon, and T.J. Fast.
Tkachuk, Kariya, and Mason are names not easily replaced, but between late (last) season trades and off-season signings the Blues have gotten much deeper for next year and beyond. All of the incoming (via trade) players have been locked up by Doug Armstrong. Late acquisition Jaroslav Halak, and third year Blues forward Alexander Steen have been inked for four years. Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and prospects Erik Johnson and David Perron have signed two year contract extensions, while T.J. Hensick, Cam Janssen, Vladimir Sobotka, Brad Winchester, Tyson Strachan, Ryan Reaves, Dean Arsene, Nicholas Drazenovich, and Matt D'Agostini have been re-signed for one year. Stefan Della Rovere, Tyler Shattock , Nikita Nikitin, and Anthony Nigro have been signed to entry level contracts, and Graham Mink, David Spina, Brennan Evans, Nathan Oystrick, and Dave Scatchard have been added for depth.
Jaroslav Halak will replace goaltender Chris Mason this year as Mason has now signed with the Atlanta Thrashers. Halak was acquired in June from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. Not a bad first move for newly appointed general Manager Doug Armstrong. He signs with the Blues for four years and will earn $3.75 million per-year.
“I’ve been looking forward to playing in St. Louis ever since the trade was announced,” Halak said. “I believe in my abilities and hope to do some good things for the Blues.”
After the long saga in Montreal failed to yield answers as to who would get the “desired” contract renewal, the Habs dealt Halak in favor of Carey Price. Halak was a hot commodity in the free-agent market after he carried the Montreal Canadiens all the way to the Eastern Conference finals.
"When you think of where he was drafted and the road trip he's had to become who he is today, he's excelled in all areas,” said Blues President John Davidson after acquiring Halak from Montreal on June 17. “He helped Montreal get in the playoffs, he played well in the playoffs, he played well in the Olympics. We're just simply excited to have him here in St. Louis.
"Our research tells us about his demeanor, which is very solid. He's one of those players who loves to play, loves to battle. He works extremely hard in practice, understands the position. At his age, we feel the best is ahead of him."
On the way, Halak staved off top teams such as the Eastern Conference winning Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penguins. In his 4th year pro for the Canadiens he recorded a 26-13-5 record with a 2.40 GAA and .924 save percentage with 5 shutouts. He followed up his stellar season with a 9-9 record in the post season with a 2.55 GAA and a .923 save percentage. The 25 year-old Slovakian also played for his country in the 2010 Winter Olympics posting a 3-3 record. Halak is a real talent, and will be for many years to come. With a much better defense in front of him and a pretty solid back-up in Ty Conklin, Halak should have a lot less pressure on him going into next year especially when you compare a city like Montreal to a city like St. Louis. 34 year-old Ty Conklin heads into a contract year with the St. Luois Blues, his second for the team, and 8th in the NHL. Conklin played a solid for the Blues in his first year with the team echoing his accomplishments in Detroit and Pittsburgh the two previous seasons. Conklin posted a 10-10-2 record with a 2.48 GAA and .921 save percentage with 4 shutouts. Conklin’s production increase and consistent play could make him a solid argument for one of the best backup/2A goalies in the NHL. Highly touted prospects Ben Bishop and Jake Allen will battle it out in Peoria for starting rights. If a call-up is needed due to injury of any extent, Bishop is likely to be first up as he comes into a contract year where he will become an RFA at the end of the season. Both goaltenders play very different styles, but are both very high up on the watch list for future NHL’ers.
The defense of this team is looking very solid for next season, and will need to be to stand a chance against the deadly snipers amongst the Central Division. Veteran leader and captain, Eric Brewer, heads the Blues defense in a contract year. The 31 year-old 1997 1st round draft pick comes off his 11th NHL season, and 5th straight for the Blues. He tied Erik Johnson for 2nd in average time on ice, notching 8 goals and 15 points with a -17 rating. A true defensive defenseman, Brewer spends much of his time against other teams’ skill players. Another tough defensive D-man, Barret Jackman, heads into his 9th year pro as a St. Louis Blue. Drafted by the team in the 1st round in 1999, Jackman has scored 19 goals for 113 points in 457 games with a +10 rating. Jackman has the ability to bury forwards in the corners, and the strength to move them out of his goaltender’s sight line. Jackman led the team in average time on ice, at 22:40.
22 year-old 2006 1st overall Draft Pick Erik Johnson has signed a two year, $5.2 million contract in the off-season. The signing was crucial for GM Doug Armstrong, as Johnson will prove to be a centerpiece for years to come in St. Louis. His pucks moving, scoring, skating, and checking ability are all top notch at a young age. The 6’4 236lbs. framed kid is tough as nails, and will continue to grow and develop this year.
“I could not be more grateful and appreciative to sign an extension in St. Louis,” said Johnson. “I’m absolutely thrilled about where this team is headed and it remains my ultimate goal to bring a Stanley Cup to the city of St. Louis in the near future.”
After missing all of the 2008-2009 season with a devastating knee injury, Johnson bounced back notching 10 goals, 29 assists, 15 powerplay points, 79 penalty minutes, and a +1 rating in 79 games played. He led all Blues defenseman, and was 8th overall in points scored and he tied Eric Brewer for 2nd in time on ice per-game (21:26).The Bloomington, MN native also played for his country in the 2010 Winter Olympics scoring one goal with a +3 rating in six games to take home the silver medal. Also re-signed on the off-season was 27 year-old Carlo Colaiacovo to a two year, $4.25 million contract. The 6’1 200lbs. 2001 first round draft pick (of Toronto) will play his third year as a Blue, and can provide some grit and responsibility in the defensive zone. Colaiacovo’s 7 goals and 32 points were outshined by his +8 rating which was second best on the team.
20 year-old 4th overall draft pick of 2008, Alex Pietrangelo heads into his third year as a St. Louis Blue, but hopefully first full year on the team. His NHL career has been plagued with injury, having missed all but 8 games in his rookie campaign due to a blind hit from Ryan Hollweg. The setback from that missed time in development (physically and mentally) saw him in only 9 games last year before he was sent back to his Junior team in the OHL. At 6’3 206lbs. Alex mixes his size advantage with a strong skill set that makes him a very dynamic defenseman. Pietrangelo has excellent on-ice vision and great awareness. His offensive upside is tremendous in terms of his shot, mobility, and creativity and he can quarterback the power play. Additionally, he is solid in his own end, and possesses excellent defensive instincts. The sixth and seventh defensemen, Roman Polak and Tyson Strachan both head into a contract year, where they are both set to become restricted free-agents. The 24 year-old Czech, Polak, can deliver a punishing toll to oncoming forwards, and showed vast improvement in his second full season in the NHL posting 4 goals and 21 points with a +7 rating. Strachan, as usual, played a tough 8 games with the Blues last year, 22 less games played then the year previous. His opportunity for ice time will increase with the departure of Mike Weaver, Jonas Junland, and Danny Richmond. It will be heavily contested with, funny enough, yet another 1st round draft pick raring to break into the league, Ian Cole. Cole scored 5 points in 9 games in his AHL debut, and is a real solid all-around defenseman and a big boy to boot.
Five of the top-six defensemen are first round draft selections (Brewer, Jackman, Johnson, Colaiacovo, and Pietrangelo). Draft selection isn’t always entirely indicative of your level of play, but not one other team comes to mind that can say nearly every one of their (roster) defensemen is a first rounder. The “building from the back end” logic is often mentioned in the same sentence as their Central Division rivals, the Detroit Red Wings. The Blues look to be on that same path, and with a solid defense and great goalie tandem, they will look to their young star forwards to get the job done – even if the pucks in the opposition’s net aren’t overly plentiful. But they do matter.
Though maybe not considered the official top pairing, my personal favorite line of T.J. Oshie, David Perron, and Patrik Berglund should by all accounts be a force to be reckoned with. With an average age of 22.5 between the three, they each individually posses the hands, feet, and on-ice vision that could make them the most talked about line in the NHL in short order. Should this be the line, or should we be lucky enough to see it real often, T.J. Oshie will be the centerpiece of it. We’ll call it line two, but the skill will undoubtedly be spread around in a mix of size and scoring ability. T.J. Oshie heads into his third year with the team. He tallied 18 goals and 30 assists his sophomore season. The Mt. Vernon, WA native led all forwards in ice time (18:19), was second on his team in powerplay points (15), and second on the team in shootout goals (5). He plays a heads-up game and is able to balance a high offensive skills set with the correct usage of his 5’11 frame. He has added muscle, and should be able to take care of himself on the wing, or the occasional center position. Oshie would be accompanied by left winger David Perron. Perron was re-signed in late July to a two year contract worth $4.3 million.
“David has proven to be a key forward on our club and we look forward to his continued development with us,” said GM Armstrong. “We are expecting David to grow into a complete player at this level.”
Perron tied Alexander Steen for third in points with 20 goals and 27 assists in his junior year. Perron raised his season total for goals last year, despite scoring a few points less than his sophomore season. Perron also took 60 PIMS this season, and displayed the ability to mix things up and use his 6’0 200lbs. frame to his advantage. Centering these two young stars is yet another one in himself. 22 year-old Patrik Berglund took the fourth most faceoffs on his team, and was 6th in majority win percentage. The towering 6’4 215lbs. Swede dropped off in terms of points in his sophomore season, but he’s surely not the first to ever do so. Berglund plays the center position with commanding size and strength, and has the ability to make a crisp pass or rifle an accurate shot. All three of these players are first round draft picks (Oshie 2005, Berglund 2006, Perron 2007) but only one of them has a contract beyond next year. Both Oshie and Berglund are headed into their last contracted year before becoming restricted free-agents. General manager Doug Armstrong will have his work cut out for him in making sure these prized possessions don’t slip through the cracks.
Re-Signed Alexander Steen, Andy MacDonald, and David Backes are likely to be on the top line in St. Louis. Alexander Steen re-upped with the Blues on the off-season by signing a four year $3.362 million per-year deal. The natural center spent most of his time on the wing last season, and finished in a tie with David Perron for third on the team in points with 47. He also tied Andy McDonald for team lead in goals with 24. Steen managed to also lead all forwards in plus/minus with a +6 rating. His second year for the Blues was his best in his five year career. 33 year-old Andy McDonald centers the top line heading into his fourth year with the Blues, and tenth of his career. McDonald led his team in points last year notching 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points. He finished 2nd on the team in faceoff win percentage (% 53.9), and led the team with 22 powerplay points . McDonald hasn’t been able to match his impressive numbers in Anaheim since he was traded to the Blues (December, 2007). His $4.7 million per-year contract hasn’t really matched his production rate so far. I think the development in the young guys around him should increase production from McDonald. He played much less time at center, going back to the left wing and finding inlet passes from his linemates. In his first two years with the Blues he combined for 29 goals. Compared to his 24 goal mark this year (his third best), McDonald is starting to look like a part of the team. David Backes was arguably the best (or at least most fun to watch) player on the team last year. In his fourth NHL season he tallied 17 goals, 31 assists, 106 penalty minutes and a -4 rating. The 26 year-old Blaine, MN native also appeared in the 2010 Winter Olympics netting one goal, two assists, and a +4 rating and won the silver medal. The 6’3 223lbs. right winger/center power forward runs through other players and creates open ice for himself and his linemates. Backes heads into his final contracted year as he will become a UFA at the end of the season. Doug Armstrong has proved he can get the job done in his short time at the top in St. Louis, and knows how valuable Backes’ services are in the long term. Hopefully, for the city, an extension will be made.St. Louis plays a very spread out offensive game over its’ four lines and despite losing the likes of Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk, the Blues may be seeing an increase in production from their checking lines.
Jay McClement led his team in total faceoffs taken, and was third in win percentage. With Tkachuk gone, McClement finds himself the best suited for third-line center and penalty killer. The 27 year-old 2001 draft pick of the Blues has found his game and is a great role player within the team as he scored 11 goals and 29 points last year. The Blues really need 28 year-old Brad Boyes to elevate his game this year. Boyes notched an unimpressive 14 goals and 42 points in his third (full) season with the Blues. In the two years prior, he netted 43 and 33 goals respectively. To come anywhere close to his cap hit ($4.0 million) in terms of value, Boyes must find the back of the net more often. After (both) Vladimir Sobotka and T.J. Hensick were acquired in June via trade, they have both signed with the Blues for one year. The two should provide some third line scoring depth for the Blues this coming season. Sobotka plays a very high tempo forechecking game. Through in his three years with Boston he only accounted for six goals. With the added ice time and responsibility, the 23 year-old should blossom in St. Louis. T.J. Hensick plays much the same type of game. He spent most of his time in the AHL last year where he scored 20 goals and 50 assists. He’s been developing in Colorado, much like Sobotka in Boston, and may find his step quickly in St. Louis. Neither of these center/wings have much size, but they both posses a great deal of speed and tenacity.
Brad Winchester and Cam Janssen are the foundation for size, grit, and muscle through this Blues roster. Expect them at times to be inserted with the smaller, underdeveloped forwards from time to time in a protective role. Brad Winchester stands 6’5 at 231 lbs. He accounted for 8 points in 64 games last year and was third in the team in penalty minutes with 108. Cam Janssen led the team in that category with 190 PIMS, 20 of which were majors. He’ll never be a point producer in any capacity in the NHL, but he’s solid muscle and can lay a beat down with pleasure. Brandon Crombeen, too, is a tough right winger that will bounce between the checking lines. Crombeen was 2nd in penalty minutes for the Blues with 168, and in major penalties taken, 18. Though he will likely be the odd man out from time to time, all three of these tough guys are coming into a contract year, and will literally be fighting for a new deal all season long. This especially holds true as the Blues have acquired 20 year-old tough kid Stefan Della Rovere from the Washington Capitals. Playing for Barrie, he racked up 479 penalty minutes in his four years in the OHL. The call-ups are slimmed down ahead of next year, as Matt D’Agostini rounds out the offensive depth. D’Agostini played 47 games last year between Montreal and St. Louis.Nine roster forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender have expiring contracts at the end of this year. Doug Armstrong will make his money as he wheels and deals for the future of the St. Louis Blues.
As mentioned in the opening statement; despite loss of some veteran presence, the nucleus of the team remains intact. I would not count this Blues squad out of the Playoffs at all, but to break in they must find consistency. More experience puts less pressure on the goaltending, which is solid to begin with. The Blues will be driven with a different approach for a full season with coach Davis Payne at the helm. They are currently the third youngest team in the NHL, and should be one of the more exciting teams to watch. The combination of youth and experienced youth should round out the Central Division once again as one of the toughest in the NHL. This should be an exciting year for the Blues, as I expect many of their youngsters will have a breakout year.
- Kendall Grubbs
Transactions to Date:
In:
Davis Payne (head coach)
Scott Mellanby (assistant coach)
Jaroslav Halak
T.J. Hensick
Vladimir Sobotka
Stefan Della Rovere
Tyler Shattock
Dean Arsene
Nikita Nikitin
Anthony Nigro
Graham Mink
David Spina
Brennan Evans
Nathan Oystrick
Dave Scatchard
Out:
Andy Murray (head coach)
Keith Tkachuk
Daryl Sydor
Paul Kariya
Chris Mason
Lars Eller
Derek Armstrong
Mike Weaver
Hannu Toivonen
Jonas Junland
Danny Richmond
Ian Schultz
Julian Talbot
D.J. King
Cam Paddock
Bryce Lampman
Pierre-Cedrick Labrie
Nate Guenin
David Rundblad
Joe Fallon
T.J. Fast
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