Adam: Do you know when the Blues 2008-2009 schedule will be released and has the schedule format changed vs the division, West and Eastern Conference?

Jeremy Rutherford: The schedule usually comes out in July or August.

Yes there will be changes:
The Blues will play divisional teams six times per year, instead of eight. They will still play the rest of the West four times each. They will also play every team in the East at least once (it could be home or away).

Drew: JR - Two questions:
1. Do you think the Blues could steal another player from the Bruins by going after Kessel? Looks like he is in and out of the doghouse there kind of like Boyes was before we stole him.

2. Kessel brings speed and goal scoring but probably isn't as well rounded as Brad. Do you think he would fit in Murray's scheme?

Drew (guy in the Blues jacket at Nashville)

Jeremy Rutherford: Hey Drew . . . I got your email a few weeks ago. Hope you had a good time in Nashville.

Kessel is intriguing because he hasn't reached his potential. I know the Bruins had been rumored to be shopping him and nothing happened.

Perhaps Boston has lifted its ban on trading with the Blues now that Hannu Toivonen has slipped off the radar.

I think Kessel is worth looking into, but as a recent high draft pick, I think the Bruins would be asking for a lot in return. I don't see anything happening.

If he can score goals, he'd fit the system just fine.

Angry Dragon: Hi Jeremy,

Obviously one of the biggest problems this year was the power play. I couldn't tell you the number of times I saw the puck either get by the guys on the blue line or be knocked away by the opponents before they had a chance to set up. Who are we stuck w/ on D and is there anyone available that can anchor a power play?

Jeremy Rutherford: Erik Johnson will be at the point on the power play next year and I think you'll see him make some major strides. Eric Brewer will also be on the point, whether it's with the No. 1 or 2 unit.

I think a healthy Steve Wagner will also get some ice time on the PP. After the season, Paul Kariya raved about Wagner's play and couldn't wait for him to get healthy again.

Cory: JR, I was wondering if you knew anything about Kyle Beach.Some of the mock drafts have him going to the Blues with the fourth pick. If he truely is a top five pick wouldn't he be a better option, because he is a center as opposed to a d-man.

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues have some interest in Beach. I know they've watched him play numerous times. But everything I keep hearing is that the defensemen at the top of the draft are the best option after Stamkos. That's just what I'm hearing.

Neel: JR,

1) Is it a sure thing that Oshie will be signing and not returning to college for his senior year?
2) What's the story on Reto Berra? Did he have a good season and will he be in the mix here next year?
3) I'm seeing some great hockey in this year's playoffs. Please pass along to JD to stay the course with the game plan to keep building from within so that in the future we will see the Blues playing with the big boys well into May -- not just making the playoffs with no real chance of winning the cup.

Jeremy Rutherford: 1) I would handicap it 90-10 that Oshie will be in St. Louis.

2) Berra, I wrote early, didn't play much this season, which is disappointing to the Blues. He will not be in the mix next year.

3) You just told JD yourself. He has said before that he reads the Blues Talk forum, as do his wife and daughters.