woodstown@excite.com: I understand the desire for a Chris Pronger/Doug Harvey style veteran, shut-down defenseman to mentor EJ and Petro, and I don't think it's a bad idea. I don't think Pronger would've developed the way he did without big Al pointing him in the right direction... However, looking back at the Islanders dynasty with Potvin and the Oilers with Coffee- these organizations allowed their talent to mature together. Do you feel EJ and Petro (and the rest of the D) can develop into leaders without a strong mentor? Are there any current examples of strong teams that built for the cup through the draft? Even NJ seems to be trading more and building less...

Jeff Gordon: This is a fair point. You would not put Brewer, Jackman or McKee into the Hall of Fame mentor category. Captain Al was unique that way. However, the coaching staff has the responsibility to develop players. MacInnis, as part of that group as needed, can provide some mentoring. Trading a ton of commodities to get an on-ice teacher doesn't make sense. If your coaches can't develop these kids, then hire new coaches.

Go Cards Go Blues: With Bishop getting called up yesterday, do you see him getting some ice time soon? Wasn't expecting that move, but it'd be great to see the hometown kid get another NHL game or two under his belt while he's here. I have no doubt he can handle it.

Putting my bias as a fan aside though, I was a bit surprised to see this move. Mason is obviously hot right now, and the schedule is thin until late next week in the home stand. There's obviously a reason JD made this move though. My guess is that the Blues are anticipating giving Mason a rest about a week from now, but I trust your gut feeling more than my own. Would love to hear your thoughts...

THANKS GORDO!

Jeff Gordon: Bishop won't necessarily play, unless something bad happens to Mason. The idea all also was to flip flop Holt and Bishop in the back-up role here. This allows Rick Wamsley to work with both guys and for both guys to get a look at NHL-caliber shots.

My guess is that Mason will continue to start every game as long as the team is alive and as long as he can take the load.

Glenn: Which new young players do you see making their debuts with the Blues next season? The Blues have a good young strong talent base. Goaltending seems to be the only area of concern and Bishop is still young and promising enough. Do you see the blues making a deal for a young goalie or maybe another vet to team with Mason next year?

Jeff Gordon: The Blues will need another goaltender -- and one that is younger than Mason. That will also Bishop and Allen to develop without being rushed.

As for break-in players next year, Pietrangelo, Junland and possibly Eller could go to the front burner. Cole will stay in college unless he believes he will get his NHL shot right away -- which is unlikely, given the depth here.

sltest: Where does Jungland fit in? It seemed as though he would have made the team out of camp without the injury, now he’s an AHL all-star. If he doesn’t make it to the club next year will this impact other blues prospects from crossing over and playing in Peoria?

Jeff Gordon: Junland is still adjusting to the North American tempo. These guys don't like to spend more than a year in the AHL without getting a look, so, yes, it is important to move them along the trail if possible. In the past, guys like Backman waited too long to come over and stunted their growth as a result.

sltest: To me it seems like Detroit’s success starts with their checking line centered by Draper is also their energy line, allowing the wings to use three scoring lines not just the traditional two scoring, one checking, and one energy line. Is this a model for the Blues or is that too aggressive for Murray’s style?

Jeff Gordon: We've seen Andy balance scoring over three lines as much as possible, then use the fourth line to bang around. But injuries cut into his ability to have three lines that are dangerous on the counterattack. Not only did Kariya disappear, but McDonald missed a lot of time. So did Oshie. We've seen better balance lately.