cabby7588 wrote:stlmark wrote:Of all the free agents, the only one I want the Blues sign is Dvorak. I think Sanford is a RFA though, right?
Interesting thing Cabby about Ryan Smyth. I actually haven't heard these rumors about us going after him. I would love to get him. Where did you hear this?
I'm looking forward to the decisions of TJ Oshie and EJ. I'm sure EJ will elect to turn pro, but I really want to see Oshie here also.
There was an article about it on the PD a few weeks ago. Looking all over for it, can't find anything.
The Blues need a scorer. They can throw Boyes at center if they get a winger, and Boyes at wing if they get a scorer. Just get someone who can score!
Stempniak - Weight - Backes
FA Scorer - Boyes - Cajanek
Metro - JayMac - Mayers
Some combo of R. Johnson, Hinote, Glumac, King, etc.
Assumes that Drake retires, Mayers gets the C, Weight and Jax keep the As.
Oshie is small. He'll need a good 3/4 of a year to 1 year in Peoria to get acclimated to the bigger game. When he eventually comes up, people need to not worry if he struggles a bit early. He plays like a power forward but is only 5'11-6'0. He'll have to adjust a bit at each level. Even Stempy and Backes (6'2, 200+lbs) had to adjust.
We need to move a Dman for a good prospect, move up in the draft.
Brewer - Polak
Jackman - McKee
Salvador - Woywitka
Walker a #7
That's with a potential trade of Backman at the draft table (most trade value in the offseason, one of the oldest - pure speculation), and EJ not playing in the majors (I expect it, but am not counting on it). That's still a passable D for a rebuilding year.
I don't expect us to do a ton better than our overall this year unless we go out and get 2 good FAs. If we're going to sign someone, I say ether get a star or no one, because we have enough youth who can do the same job as a moderately priced role player. Not to mention Jackman will be due a raise soon and under Murray he's become a really great positional Dman...
to help my cause...
Backman, who is supposed to be a point-sciring Dman:
61games 7g 11a 18pts +13
Jackman, the no-offense guy:
70games 3g 24a 27 pts +20
Backs has a ton of potential, but Jax is delivering on both ends of the ice. He has changed the nature of his game twice since coming to the majors (not doing as much hitting while moving to a more positional approach on the defensive side, while also learning how to help out on the rush). He has succeeded in both areas. I want that kind of heart and determination on this team... that and he's still tough as nails.
Heres to 5-7 over .500 while EJ, Oshie, Backes, Stempy, Woywitka and Polak slowly get better to move us towards the playoffs in 09'!
and get the 1st pick in the draft. Philadelphia, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Washington all slide down a spot. The Blues were unaffected.
