it's going to be an interesting off season here in the midwest. I wonder how management will view this season. Last year they made it to the second round, but lost to the Kings in 4 straight. This year they battle the Kings a lot harder, but lose in the first round.
Six one goal games - can't blame the goalie or team defence. Just never got the timely goalscoring.
Macdonald was near invisible - he's a 'post-apex'
UFA, so can't see him returning
The real Chris Stewart showed up for the playoffs; that is to say the useless Chris Stewart reared his ugly head. Leading scorer in the regular season who did nothing in the playoffs. I hope the Blues find a sucker who will be fooled by his size and his stats
Hitch said the 'home grown talent' need to find the next level for the organization to become a championship calibre team. I take that to mean Oshie, Perron, Berglund, Pietrangelo as well as the kids, Tarasenko and Schwartz.
Pietrangelo is the easy one. He's a stud and clearly on an upward trajectory. He can be the best in the game
Tarasenko is likely the most talented forward in that group. Had a very good rookie season until his injury. Assuming all the forward UFAs are gone, and maybe Stewart as well, Tarasenko should have his minutes ramped up. The Blues have three #2 lines. They need a top line talent who can take over games - Hope that is Tarasenko.
Schwartz doesn't have Tarasenko's talent, but has the heart and the grit to go with his skill. Plays like TJ Oshie, but probably more finish.
Oshie, Perron and Berglund is were things get interesting.
Oshie always brings it. He may be the least skilled of the three, but plays with heart and energy. The only problem (not his problem, the Blues problem) is he's not a first line talent, even though he plays minutes like a top liner. Was easily the best of the three in this years playoffs. Has a long term contract.
Perron is probably the most skilled of the three, but perhaps more one-dimensional. He's not a defensive liability, but no one would characterize him as a two-way player. Rarely kills penalties unlike Oshie or Berglund, but skill wise, is maybe the closest to being a top line forward. Since I blasted Stewart, Perron wasn't much better vs the Kings. Also has a long term contract
Berglund keeps showing flashes of what he could be. Big skilled centermen are hard to come by. His 82 game pace had him in the 30-35 goal range, which would be awesome if he could find the consistency to play that way over a full season. Wasn't great, wasn't bad vs the Kings. Capable of being a difference maker in the playoffs, but like many of the Blues, he wasn't. RFA this summer
Too me it's a no brainer to move Stewart. I think Berglund being a center, and that position being so hard to come by protects him, and he will be re-signed. Would not be surprised if they move Perron in a package with Stewart to help sweeten the pot to try and land a top line player. That would also open up minutes for Tarasenko, Schwartz, and another young guy like Jaskin
On the blueline, Hitch liked Leopold, but with Bouw's contract and Pietrangelo getting a big raise, likely no room for Leo to return. Personally, I think Cole is an AHL D-man, but I'm likely in the minority among Blues faithful. Russell isn't much better. Blues need to find some depth on the blueline, but with Bouw and Piet eating minutes, not the most pressing need
In goal, Elliot re-established himself in the last two months, and the playoffs as the clear #1 goalie. I suspect the Blues try and move Halak to make room for Jake Allen, who showed well during his 15 or so games.
