2007-2008 Blues Draft and Off-Season thread

[JCShutout]

LOL.

Someone on LGB.com posted this:

X $75,000

[thrill]

Good Article from NHL.com about Blues Prospects

The St. Louis Blues may have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs the last two seasons, after a 25-year run of earning playoff berths, but they are a franchise back on the upswing. The Blues have stockpiled numerous top-quality prospects at every position, with potential franchise defenseman Erik Johnson the crown jewel of the system.

In addition to Johnson, St. Louis boasts potential NHL impact players in forwards T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund and has assembled a core of young players who are already contributing at the NHL level -- Lee Stempniak, Jay McClement, and David Backes.

Defensemen

Erik Johnson -- The already lofty expectations for the first-overall pick in 2006 have grown even higher in the wake of a strong season that saw Johnson turn in a dominating performance at the World Junior Championships. In addition to back-to-back stellar performances for Team USA at the World Juniors, Johnson came on strong over the course of his freshman year at the University of Minnesota.

The Blues have done their best to temper people’s expectations -- even the most talented defensemen usually take several NHL seasons to truly come into their own. It’s unfair to expect Johnson to come in and dominate immediately.

Even so, the organization concedes that it’s hard not to get excited about Johnson. The 18-year-old possesses the complete package of assets NHL teams look for -- size (6-foot-4, 222 pounds), skating ability, skill with the puck, a heavy shot, positional savvy, calmness under pressure and the ability to play physically.

“I don’t know what there is to say about Erik that hasn’t already been said,” Jarmo Kekäläinen, the Blues assistant general manager and director of scouting, said. “Obviously, he has the ability to be an outstanding player in the NHL. But we also recognize that it everyone, especially defensemen, time to adjust to the NHL. There are always ups and downs for anyone in this league. Andy will bring him along at the level he can handle, but he’s already a self-motivated player.”

Ian Cole -- The 19th pick in ‘07, Cole was a crucial defensive cog for the Team USA Under-18 squad that won the silver medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships. He was named one of the top three players on the team, capping off a year of continuous improvement with the USA National Team Development Program (NTDP) last season.

Primarily known as a solid, physical defensive defenseman, Cole scored four goals at the Under-18 Worlds and was named one of the top three players on the American team. He will join the University of Notre Dame team this season.

Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson says the Ann Arbor, Michigan native has come a long way since he first met the young man.

“It’s hard to imagine now, but Ian was this little chubby kid when I first saw him – the son of a billet family. It was actually (longtime Notre Dame assistant coach) Andy Slaggert who recruited Ian, and it was easy for me to accept his recommendation,” Jackson said. “I have a lot of faith in Andy, and it was pretty clear that Ian has really developed as a hockey player.”

“Cole consistently shows passion and dedication, which is something that impressed our scouts,” Kekalainen said. “He’s physically and mentally a mature kid. Basically, he’s kept getting better and better and we think he’ll continue doing that.”

Jonas Junland -- Last season, the Blues’ third round pick (64th overall) in 2006 had what his Swedish countrymen call a “kannonsäsong”; a season in which the player progressed as if shot from a cannon.

The 19-year-old started the year as the eighth defenseman for Linköpings HC after coming off a shoulder injury the prior year. He quickly showed he was too far advanced for the Under-20 SuperElit level (six goals, 13 points, plus-eight in nine games), and rapidly laid claim to a regular spot for LHC’s Elitserien team. By the end of the season, the rookie of the year nominee was a mainstay for a team that reached the Swedish Finals, scoring five points in 15 playoff games.

Junland also had an outstanding World Junior Championships tournament for Team Sweden, registering two points and plus-five rating in seven games.

Goaltenders

Marek Schwarz -- The 20-year-old Schwarz saw his first NHL game action, albeit brief, with the Blues in 2006-07. He’s coming off a somewhat up-and-down first season for Peoria that saw him earn a spot in the AHL All-Star Game, but also saw him play inconsistently at times and finish with a save percentage just under 90 percent.

That’s no cause for alarm, given how young the 2004 first round pick (17th overall) still is. Goaltenders typically mature the latest of any position. Add in the fact Peoria iced a young team in general and, apart from one WHL season with the Vancouver Giants in 2004-05, this was Schwarz’s first taste of North American hockey. All things considered, it was an encouraging start.

The Blues currently have a logjam in net with the recent acquisition of Hannu Toivonen and signing of Juuso Riksman. While there is a better-than-average chance that Riksman will end up going back to Finland, Schwarz also has to contend with Jason Bacashihua. Veteran Manny Legace should enter the season as the Blues’ starter.

In the long term, Schwarz will have to beat out not only Toivonen, but highly regarded Ben Bishop, Swiss goalie Reto Berra and Russian keeper Konstantin Barulin.

Ben Bishop -- In recent years, many NHL teams have placed scouting emphasis big, athletic goaltenders. Goalies don’t come much bigger or much more athletic than the Blues’ third round pick (85th overall) in 2005. The 6-foot-7 University of Maine keeper, who grew up in St. Louis, doesn’t just swallow up a lot of net. “Big Ben” also moves remarkably well for such a big goaltender. He has led the Black Bears to consecutive appearances in the NCAA Frozen Four.

Bishop shrugged off a groin injury this year to play several outstanding games at the most important time of the season. Returning home to St. Louis this summer, he decided to have a doctor look at his sore left knee. The knee had bothered him off and on all season. He discovered he had a slight cartilage tear, which was repaired by successful arthroscopic surgery. He should be fine for next season.

The consensus on the 20-year-old Bishop is that he is probably two to three seasons away from being NHL-ready. But when he arrives, has the potential to be a starter – and a very good one at that.

Centers

T.J. Oshie -- The 24th-overall selection in the 2005 Entry Draft, Oshie was hampered by a fractured thumb this past season, but continued to make strong progress throughout the WCHA season. The injury held Oshie to nine goals and 29 points through the first 28 games of last season, but he closed with a rush, scoring eight goals and 23 points over the last 15 games. The Blues had hoped Oshie, 20, would turn pro this season, but he opted to return to North Dakota for one more year.

“More important than just stats is his approach to the game. He comes to play, and works hard to improve in all game situations. He’s not big (5-foot-10, 183 pounds), but he gets involved physically and he’s elusive,” Blues Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting Jarmo Kekäläinen said.


Lars Eller became the first Danish-born and trained player to be selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft (13th overall in 2007)

Lars Eller-- The first Danish-born and trained player to be selected in the first round of the Entry Draft (13th overall in 2007), Eller emerged last season as one of the top junior-aged prospects in the world.

Known primarily as an excellent playmaking center and smooth skater, he can also score goals, as demonstrated with a two-goal performance in the Frölunda Indians’ Swedish SuperElit Under-20 championship winning game last season. For the season, he had 55 points, including 18 goals, in 38 games.

“Eller has all the tools to be a very good all-around NHL player, and the work ethic to improve every day,” says Kekäläinen. “All of our scouts really liked his approach to the game, as well as his skills.”

Eller recently underwent surgery to repair a small bone fracture in his left wrist. Doctors in Sweden and Danish doctors told him would heal on its own, but the Blues’ medical team recommended surgery. Next season Eller will join Allsvenskan team Borås to gain pro experience and ice time at the adult level. There’s a chance he could he could make his Elitserien debut with the Frölunda Indians at some point during the 2007-08 season.

“The cream rises to the top,” Kekäläinen said. “It doesn’t matter much from our perspective whether he plays the season in Allsvenskan or Elitserien, although obviously the elite league is a higher level of opposition. Ultimately, a player’s performance will make it obvious what level he should be playing at, and we have a lot of confidence in Eller.”

Patrik Berglund -- Last season, as an 18-year-old, the 25th overall pick in the 2006 emerged as one of the top scorers in Allsvenskan while playing for Västerås IK. In 35 games, the 6-foot-4, 190 pound Berglund had 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) and a plus-10 defensive rating. At the World Junior Championships, he had one goal and three points in seven games. He is still eligible for the 2008 World Juniors.

Originally, the plan for Berglund was for him to play one more season in Sweden for VIK. The Swedish regular season starts in September. It now appears that the youngster will miss at least the start of the season for Västerås, because the Blues want to continue evaluating him first-hand. He will first join other rookies in camp and then take part in the Blues’ main training camp before (likely) returning home.

Wingers

David Perron -- Perron received little fanfare last fall when he joined the Lewiston MAINEiacs from the Quebec Junior-A level St. Jerome Panthers. In fact, he went unselected in two consecutive QMJHL bantam drafts.

One year later, the late-blooming left winger is a first-round NHL draft choice by the Blues (taken 26th overall with the pick acquired from San Jose in the Bill Guerin trade) coming off a 39 goal, 83 point rookie season in the Q.

The 19-year-old Perron’s strongest traits are his soft hands and stickhandling ability. He isn’t the biggest player (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) or the swiftest of skaters, but makes up for it with his ability to anticipate the play.

“I’m not looking to come here in September for training camp just to make an impression, just to have the experience. I want to make the team right away,” Perron said recently.

It’s more likely that Perron will return to the Quebec League for one more season, because he may need additional time to round out his two-way game and add additional strength. Even so, the Blues are impressed by the player’s skill level and determination. Perron has spent the summer playing hockey, often driving an hour from house to play and practice for three to four hours a day.

“He’s driven to succeed, and we like to see that,” Kekalainen said. “He had the self-confidence to show teams in the Quebec they underestimated him and he made our scouts take notice.”

Simon Hjalmarsson -- When the Blues selected Frölunda Indians junior right wing Hjalmarsson in the second round (39th overall) in 2007, his linemate, first-round pick Eller, went over to the Blues’ draft table to tell the team they’d made a wise choice.

Kekäläinen, however, says the Blues’ decision to draft the Swedish winger had nothing to do with the fact he and Eller played together. St. Louis selected him strictly on his own merits.

“Ideally, would it be great for us to be able to bring Eller and Hjalmarsson over to North America at the same time?” Kekalainen asked. “Sure. We already know they have some chemistry together. But they’ll develop at their own pace, and we’ll see from there.”

Hjalmarsson is regarded as one of the best finishers to come through the Swedish junior ranks in quite some time. He has a very quick shot release, can puck the puck upstairs even from in close and is accomplished on the backhand as well as the forehand. He is also a nifty stickhandler and a good passer.

Jay Barriball -- Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round (203rd overall) of the 2006 draft, Barriball has raised his stock considerably over the last year. The 20-year-old’s rights came over to the Blues in the deal that sent veteran Bill Guerin to San Jose.

Barriball is small (just 5-foot-9), but plays like a pinball, crashing the net fearlessly and initiating contact along the boards. He also has finishing ability, as his 20 goals and 43 points in 44 freshman games last year the University of Minnesota attest.

Tomas Kana -- The 2006-07 season is one the Czech national junior hockey teams would like to forget, but the play of 19-year-old Tomas Kana was one of the bright spots.

Selected in the second round (31st overall) in ‘06, Kana established himself this past season as a regular with Czech Extraliga (top league) team HC Vitkovice. He scored a respectable nine goals and seven assists in 44 games. Keep in mind that the Extraliga is a veteran-heavy circuit in which young players typically have trouble earning ice time. Additionally, the Extraliga does not award secondary assists.

At the WJC in Sweden, Kana was one of the few players on a disappointing Czech team to post a solid performance, scoring two goals and five points.

Kana, who can also play center as well as wing, is an aggressive forechecker and relatively physical player (he’s had as many as 155 penalty minutes at the Czech junior level) who has shown the top of competitiveness the Blues like to see from their prospects.

[JCShutout]

New Strickland...

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?blogger_id=5

Touching story about a youth hockey player that died, some random notes and...

The Blues have already surpassed their entire season ticket revenue from all of last season. Single game tix will go on sale within the next 30 days.

Woo-hoo!

[thrill]

http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-ho ... for-blues/

Rookie winger David “White Skates” Perron is still a longshot to make the Blues coming out of training camp. But team president John Davidson got fired up watching the lad play for Team Canada in the Super Series against Russia.

The Canadians won all four games in Russia, two in Ufa and two in Omsk, by a combined 10-0 score. The eight-game event shifts to Canada this week for games in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Red Deer and Vancouver.

This event features many of the top young prospects from both countries. Perron, one of the Blues’ three first-round picks in the ‘07 NHL Draft, has more than held his own.

Perron has the potential to become an impact offensive player in the near-term. If he does, he held squelch concerns Blues fans had when the club passed on sexier offensive commodities like Angelo Esposito (who bowed out of this event with an injury) to take center Lars Eller and defenseman Ian Cole earlier in the first round.

Alexi Cherepanov, another big-time offensive talent the Blues passed on, hasn’t impressed thus far in the tourney.

For more on this event, check out the NHL.com coverage.

I loved the Perron pick. Offensively talented, raw and plays with a chip on his shoulder. I would love for him to make the team out of camp.

[cardinalkarp]

Anyone here that has season tickets and wants to sell a couple games?? If so shoot me a PM.

My wife is a huge Minnesota Wild fan and I normally try to get some tickets to the games here. Don't worry I always drown out her cheers (although they haven't fared well against them the last couple years).

[cardinalkarp]

Is the Blues marketing team desperate or something? I just heard something about buying season tickets and getting a dinner w/ Paul Kariya. Did I hear that wrong?

[MrCrowesGarden]

Is the Blues marketing team desperate or something? I just heard something about buying season tickets and getting a dinner w/ Paul Kariya. Did I hear that wrong?

I don't know if you did or not because I'm not in the area, but I don't doubt it. Anyone who bought season tickets the day they announced the Kariya signing got an autographed Kariya jersey.

[JCShutout]

Is the Blues marketing team desperate or something? I just heard something about buying season tickets and getting a dinner w/ Paul Kariya. Did I hear that wrong?

I don't know if you did or not because I'm not in the area, but I don't doubt it. Anyone who bought season tickets the day they announced the Kariya signing got an autographed Kariya jersey.

He did hear correctly. If you buy this week, dinner with Kariya after Fanfest this Saturday.

Yeah they want to sell tickets. They lost like 60% of their season ticket holders the last 2 years. They've gotten probably 70% (of those lost 60%) back, but the ones they're missing are the lower bowl/expensive seats.

Anyone going to fanfest this Saturday?

http://blues.nhl.com/community/fanfest.htm

Scottrade Center
Saturday, September 15
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free to all fans

Hockey season is almost here and fans of all ages will not want to miss Blues FANfest! During this special training camp event fans can get their first glimpse of the Blues on the ice, and enjoy games and activities on the concourse!

Celebrate the return of St. Louis Blues hockey!

Meet your favorite Blues players during public autograph sessions and other concourse activities! Players will host games and activities on the concourse at various times throughout the day. (Please check back for schedule).
All fans attending FANfest will receive one ticket voucher for a designated Blues pre-season game!
Enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn and soda throughout the day!
Be the first to purchase your single game tickets for the 2007-08 season. Single game tickets go on sale at the box office at 10 a.m. on September 15. The box office will be staffed with special guests throughout the day.

The new RBK-Edge St. Louis Blues jersey will be unveiled and on sale to the public for the first time at the BlueNote Authentics Store.
Please check back for a complete event schedule and map.

Training Camp Schedule - Saturday, Sept. 15
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. - Team Plager Practice
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. - Team Sutter Practice
1:40 - 2:40 p.m. - Team Gassoff Practice
GAME: Team Plager vs. Team Sutter - 11:30 a.m.

Concourse Activities include:

Kids Zone with:

Face painting and Blues tattoos
Ident-A-Kid - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Get a free driver's license-like card that contains a child’s photograph, fingerprint and description.
Jr. BlueNote Club Registration
Dress Like A Blue: Try on the equipment that the Blues wear!
Autograph Sessions (Times and Players TBD)
Blues Basement Sale
Slapshot
Joust
Bungee Run
Giant Trike Races
Mystery Blues Bag - Win some great prizes from the Blues and their sponsors! $20 donation to the St. Louis Blues Fourteen Fund.
You Make The Call - Take home a VHS tape with a Blues clip of you as the announcer for a $10 donation to the St. Louis Blues Fourteen Fund.

[robbotis]

Anyone here that has season tickets and wants to sell a couple games?? If so shoot me a PM.

My wife is a huge Minnesota Wild fan and I normally try to get some tickets to the games here. Don't worry I always drown out her cheers (although they haven't fared well against them the last couple years).

That's great. My wife is a Wild fan too. I even cheer for them, when they aren't playing the Blues. We go to a cioule games a year. I cheer for the Wild except, for the one or two times a year the Blues are in town. The Wild's arena, the Xcel is sweet.

[cardinalkarp]

Anyone here that has season tickets and wants to sell a couple games?? If so shoot me a PM.

My wife is a huge Minnesota Wild fan and I normally try to get some tickets to the games here. Don't worry I always drown out her cheers (although they haven't fared well against them the last couple years).

That's great. My wife is a Wild fan too. I even cheer for them, when they aren't playing the Blues. We go to a cioule games a year. I cheer for the Wild except, for the one or two times a year the Blues are in town. The Wild's arena, the Xcel is sweet.

My wife is originally from North Dakota and she lived in Minneapolis for a few years and became a HUGE fan. I'm actually a fan of the Wild as well but if they are playing the Blues then that's put aside.