OT: Link to Thunderbirds playoff game

[STL fan in MN]

Dean appears to have the same, admirable work ethic as Bolduc. He looks waaay more solid than when I saw him in Anaheim last season. I bet he hit the weights when he couldn’t skate and found other ways to improve his power and control. This injury might have had some excellent side effects.
He will play for the Blues, sports fans.
Thank you very much, Vegas.

Yes, Dean is a hard worker. It’s why I never gave up on him. Him missing almost all of this season wasn’t good but it’s not like he performed poorly. He just didn’t perform at all because he was injured. No data isn’t the same as bad data. Now that he’s back, he has 3 points in his first 2 games since returning. Hopefully he can finish out the season strong and then have a good offseason and ready to hit the ground running when next season starts. I bet he plays some games for the Blues next season. He still has the same 3C potential I saw in him when we first acquired him. Perhaps the injury delayed his timeline a year or so but he’s still smart, a plus skater and hard worker. Pretty much all of the attributes that’d make for a quality bottom-6 player that can add some secondary scoring ability as well. He just needs some time and to stay healthy.

[Harry S Deals]

Dean would be a nice addition to the 4th line if the Blues decide to let Faksa walk. Could Frederic be a 3rd Center, providing more grit, size and speed with that thought that Dvorsky is coming?


Buch Thomas Snuggerud
Holloway Schenn Kyrou
Neighbours Frederic Bolduc
Torop Dean Walker

Sunny Joseph/Texier one of these two are likely moved by Army in my view

[STL fan in MN]

The TBirds killed that Tanner Dickenson double minor in the 3rd. They looked better with basically an intact line up still no Dylan Peterson

Yep, Peterson, MacEachern and Robertsson are still injured. They could really use those guys, especially the size and physicality of MacMac and Peterson.

Dean returned 2 games ago and Luff returned last night after being out over a month. Luff won’t really have any sort of NHL future for us but he’s a valuable AHL vet for the team. He and Peca are on AHL only contracts (not contracted directly with the Blues) but they’re the leaders and the guys we’re paying to show our prospects how to be good pros and how to play the right way. I’m glad they have both of those guys. The T-birds have more youth than most AHL teams so they really need those vets to help shepherd the kids. Without that, you end up with an aimless mess. Sort of like how Buffalo has been for years at the NHL level - no vets leading the way.

[seattleblue]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

[STL fan in MN]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

[STL fan in MN]

Dean would be a nice addition to the 4th line if the Blues decide to let Faksa walk. Could Frederic be a 3rd Center, providing more grit, size and speed with that thought that Dvorsky is coming?


Buch Thomas Snuggerud
Holloway Schenn Kyrou
Neighbours Frederic Bolduc
Torop Dean Walker

Sunny Joseph/Texier one of these two are likely moved by Army in my view

Not sure I’d be ready to pencil Dean in as 4C going into next season but I bet he plays a fair number of NHL games assuming he stays healthy and the Blues have a normal amount of injuries, requiring reinforcements from Springfield here and there.

And given he missed most of this season, I’d prob y prefer he start in the AHL next season anyway just to marinate some more and continue to develop his offensive game a bit. So hopefully he can be more of a 3C for us than a 4C.

[seattleblue]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

How's your prospects ranking looking right now?
(Let's assume Bolduc has graduated tonight will be his 3d playoff game to go along with 97 regular season games.)
We both had Dvorsky-Lindstein 1-2 and that hasn't changed for me.

[Frank Underwood]

T-birds hold on to win 2-1. Outshot 40-15. Team MVP Colten Ellis stole this one.

Would love to know what the Blues are thinking with respect to Hofer, Ellis, and the whole topic of goaltending going forward. Ellis is signed, so we are good there, but he is the same age as Hofer. Hofer still a RFA, but if Hofer’s agent wants too much money this summer, could he be moved? I doubt very much they trade Binnington and roll with the two young guys, but never say never. Maybe Edmonton offers a ton for Binny this summer because I can’t see McDavid staying there if they don’t fix the goaltending situation. Regardless, Blues are in a good position with three solid goalies, including two that are only 24.

[TBone]

Would love to know what the Blues are thinking with respect to Hofer, Ellis, and the whole topic of goaltending going forward. Ellis is signed, so we are good there, but he is the same age as Hofer. Hofer still a RFA, but if Hofer’s agent wants too much money this summer, could he be moved? I doubt very much they trade Binnington and roll with the two young guys, but never say never. Maybe Edmonton offers a ton for Binny this summer because I can’t see McDavid staying there if they don’t fix the goaltending situation. Regardless, Blues are in a good position with three solid goalies, including two that are only 24.

What do the Oilers have that would be a fair trade for each goalie: Binner, Hofer and Ellis?

Personally I'm looking for size with some nasty to their game at either Top 9 forward or defense.

[somni]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

[STL fan in MN]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

How's your prospects ranking looking right now?
(Let's assume Bolduc has graduated tonight will be his 3d playoff game to go along with 97 regular season games.)
We both had Dvorsky-Lindstein 1-2 and that hasn't changed for me.

I’ll do a quick one on the fly here as I haven’t thought about it much in a while.

1. Dvorsky
2. Snuggerud
3. Lindstein
4. Stenberg
5. Jiricek
6. Fischer
7. Dean
8. Pekarcik
9. Stancl
10. Ellis
11. Kaskimaki
12. Ralph
13. Burns

Those top 4 I really like. Jiricek has the potential to be the best of the bunch or bust completely. This offseason and next season will be huge for him IMO.

The 6-13 group I could be talked into ordering in a number of different ways. Not a lot of separation in that group IMO. But these are the 13 I see as most likely being either NHL impact players (most likely the top 4-5 guys) and then middle of the lineup to depth contributors for the rest. Some in this group will obviously bust as that’s the nature of the beast with prospects and there’s only so many NHL jobs to go around.

The following group I still see as having solid NHL potential if they develop to their top-end potential but see them as having lesser odds of the 6-13 group above:

14. Peterson
15. Jecho
16. Korotky
17. Robertsson
18. Mrsic
19. Koromyslov
20. Kos
21. Zherenko
22. Buchinger

Solid AHL caliber guys that might see a cup of coffee in the NHL or KHL guys that might have a chance if they come over:

23. Loof
24. Johannesson
25. Skinner
26. Susuyev
27. Vorobyov
28. McIsaac
29. Mayich
30. Dickinson

Last tier is guys where I’ve seen enough to where I’d be shocked if they made it:

31. Andonovski
32. Gaudet
33. Abramov
34. Malmstrom
35. Dorian
36. Cranley

I think that’s everyone? Alexandrov and MacEachern I don’t consider prospects anymore but they’d be the 2 vets in Springfield I’d still consider to have minor NHL depth potential. Alexandrov is a clear top line forward at the AHL level but he’s a tweener in the NHL - not good enough offensively to really challenge any of our top-6 guys for their job and doesn’t remotely bring the intangibles needed to steal a job from one of our bottom-6 guys. Guys like Joseph and Texier clearly aren’t in Monty’s favor but I’d still easily take both of them over Alexandrov. He needs to find another gear or he’ll be heading back to Europe most likely. MacMac could be fine as a 4th line plug for the Blues and likely wouldn’t look out of place but Toropchenko currently does the role better and the little Aussie is an energy dynamo and is quite honestly 2-3x more skilled than MacMac so that’s why Walker has the job over him currently.

[STL fan in MN]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

Yeah, the defense as of today is fine IMO but you’re right in terms of their age and the future. Fowler really rounded out this group currently but obviously some things will need to be tinkered over the next 2-4 years as Father Time is undefeated unfortunately.

What the Blues need to do is somehow pull off another ROR type trade. A Buchy type trade. But maybe more on the defensive side…although 2C is still a need too. In the summer of 2018, the Blues had 3 good forward prospects in Thomas, Kyrou and Thompson and were able to trade one for ROR. Army needs to find a way to do that sort of trade again for the Bkues to take the next step IMO. And they have the assets to do it. The Blues have a number of quality prospects. In the next 12-24 months, they likely need to trade 2-3 of them for guys that can very likely add to our current core to hopefully take them over the top. However, finding that trade partner is easier said than done. But the Blues have the assets to make it happen if they really want to and the opportunity arises.

Short-term, the need is on offense IMO. But most of our top prospects are forwards so it’s easy to see the future there. Long-term, the need is on defense as like you point out, most are on the wrong side of 30 already. What this team could really use is a bonafide #1. I love Parayko but I struggle to say he’s truly good enough to be the #1 on a team good enough to win the Cup. And he’s getting there in age. Unfortunately, that’s the hardest player to find and while there are plenty of examples of that caliber of player changing teams, it’s still very hard to pull off. But to truly be Cup contenders as this current core likely peaks in 2-3 years, that’s really what they need to add if I’m being truly honest.

[seattleblue]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

Yeah, the defense as of today is fine IMO but you’re right in terms of their age and the future. Fowler really rounded out this group currently but obviously some things will need to be tinkered over the next 2-4 years as Father Time is undefeated unfortunately.

What the Blues need to do is somehow pull off another ROR type trade. A Buchy type trade. But maybe more on the defensive side…although 2C is still a need too. In the summer of 2018, the Blues had 3 good forward prospects in Thomas, Kyrou and Thompson and were able to trade one for ROR. Army needs to find a way to do that sort of trade again for the Bkues to take the next step IMO. And they have the assets to do it. The Blues have a number of quality prospects. In the next 12-24 months, they likely need to trade 2-3 of them for guys that can very likely add to our current core to hopefully take them over the top. However, finding that trade partner is easier said than done. But the Blues have the assets to make it happen if they really want to and the opportunity arises.

Short-term, the need is on offense IMO. But most of our top prospects are forwards so it’s easy to see the future there. Long-term, the need is on defense as like you point out, most are on the wrong side of 30 already. What this team could really use is a bonafide #1. I love Parayko but I struggle to say he’s truly good enough to be the #1 on a team good enough to win the Cup. And he’s getting there in age. Unfortunately, that’s the hardest player to find and while there are plenty of examples of that caliber of player changing teams, it’s still very hard to pull off. But to truly be Cup contenders as this current core likely peaks in 2-3 years, that’s really what they need to add if I’m being truly honest.

It's becoming ripe to make this kind of trade because 1. they have the prospect assets AND 2. landing this player would fit the window they are in, so if we can see that they can see that.

[STL fan in MN]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

Yeah, the defense as of today is fine IMO but you’re right in terms of their age and the future. Fowler really rounded out this group currently but obviously some things will need to be tinkered over the next 2-4 years as Father Time is undefeated unfortunately.

What the Blues need to do is somehow pull off another ROR type trade. A Buchy type trade. But maybe more on the defensive side…although 2C is still a need too. In the summer of 2018, the Blues had 3 good forward prospects in Thomas, Kyrou and Thompson and were able to trade one for ROR. Army needs to find a way to do that sort of trade again for the Bkues to take the next step IMO. And they have the assets to do it. The Blues have a number of quality prospects. In the next 12-24 months, they likely need to trade 2-3 of them for guys that can very likely add to our current core to hopefully take them over the top. However, finding that trade partner is easier said than done. But the Blues have the assets to make it happen if they really want to and the opportunity arises.

Short-term, the need is on offense IMO. But most of our top prospects are forwards so it’s easy to see the future there. Long-term, the need is on defense as like you point out, most are on the wrong side of 30 already. What this team could really use is a bonafide #1. I love Parayko but I struggle to say he’s truly good enough to be the #1 on a team good enough to win the Cup. And he’s getting there in age. Unfortunately, that’s the hardest player to find and while there are plenty of examples of that caliber of player changing teams, it’s still very hard to pull off. But to truly be Cup contenders as this current core likely peaks in 2-3 years, that’s really what they need to add if I’m being truly honest.

It's becoming ripe to make this kind of trade because 1. they have the prospect assets AND 2. landing this player would fit the window they are in, so if we can see that they can see that.

Oh there’s no doubt the Blues see it. I wasn’t happy with Army for a couple years there but the man’s not an idiot. He knows what he’s doing and hopefully Steener will be a smart GM as well. The question I have is if he’ll be successful in finding a trade partner for the type of deal(s) he needs to make. It always takes two to tango so that’s what makes it hard sometimes.

[dhsux]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

Yeah, the defense as of today is fine IMO but you’re right in terms of their age and the future. Fowler really rounded out this group currently but obviously some things will need to be tinkered over the next 2-4 years as Father Time is undefeated unfortunately.

What the Blues need to do is somehow pull off another ROR type trade. A Buchy type trade. But maybe more on the defensive side…although 2C is still a need too. In the summer of 2018, the Blues had 3 good forward prospects in Thomas, Kyrou and Thompson and were able to trade one for ROR. Army needs to find a way to do that sort of trade again for the Bkues to take the next step IMO. And they have the assets to do it. The Blues have a number of quality prospects. In the next 12-24 months, they likely need to trade 2-3 of them for guys that can very likely add to our current core to hopefully take them over the top. However, finding that trade partner is easier said than done. But the Blues have the assets to make it happen if they really want to and the opportunity arises.

Short-term, the need is on offense IMO. But most of our top prospects are forwards so it’s easy to see the future there. Long-term, the need is on defense as like you point out, most are on the wrong side of 30 already. What this team could really use is a bonafide #1. I love Parayko but I struggle to say he’s truly good enough to be the #1 on a team good enough to win the Cup. And he’s getting there in age. Unfortunately, that’s the hardest player to find and while there are plenty of examples of that caliber of player changing teams, it’s still very hard to pull off. But to truly be Cup contenders as this current core likely peaks in 2-3 years, that’s really what they need to add if I’m being truly honest.

It's becoming ripe to make this kind of trade because 1. they have the prospect assets AND 2. landing this player would fit the window they are in, so if we can see that they can see that.

Oh there’s no doubt the Blues see it. I wasn’t happy with Army for a couple years there but the man’s not an idiot. He knows what he’s doing and hopefully Steener will be a smart GM as well. The question I have is if he’ll be successful in finding a trade partner for the type of deal(s) he needs to make. It always takes two to tango so that’s what makes it hard sometimes.

Kind of scary when it's about moving some of the guys we might be talking about. Just can't miss on something like this.

I know DA will still be around to help Steen if it falls a year away..... and it's good to know that.

[STL fan in MN]

Stancl and Fischer did not play in this one but Stenberg did. The best way to describe him is "part of the solution."

Yeah, I only caught a part of one game near the end of the season that Fischer played in and he looked overwhelmed tbh. But that’s also not surprising. He’s a young 18 and this is arguably the 2nd best pro league in the world. I really like his future but in limited minutes he’s -6 in 3 games for the T-birds. His time will come but it’s not today and that’s fine.

Stancl looked more pro ready to me in the little I’ve seen of him but again, the T-birds seem to have a few better options today. I bet he has a good rookie season for the T-birds next season though.

Stenberg being a solid contributor immediately at age 19 is certainly notable. Agree that I really like his future. I don’t think he’ll be an offensive dynamo but he’s simply a great all-around player with no real weakness. Well, I guess he’s 5’11” so slightly undersized but he plays with plenty of snarl, aggression and loves to drive to the net so I don’t really consider that a weakness either. Should be a very solid middle-6 winger for the Blues for years. But a Swiss Army knife type that could complement a 1st line or even be effective on a 4th line as he brings those types of energy/tenacity qualities too.

Thanks for you input guys.
It's sounds like the Blues are 2-3 years away with these prospects having an impact. And Thomas will only be 28 years old (can't believe he's on 25 right now).

They'll need to correct the defense as most of the players on now are on their career downside. Perhaps some of the prospects accumulated can be used as assets to "fix" the D.

Yeah, the defense as of today is fine IMO but you’re right in terms of their age and the future. Fowler really rounded out this group currently but obviously some things will need to be tinkered over the next 2-4 years as Father Time is undefeated unfortunately.

What the Blues need to do is somehow pull off another ROR type trade. A Buchy type trade. But maybe more on the defensive side…although 2C is still a need too. In the summer of 2018, the Blues had 3 good forward prospects in Thomas, Kyrou and Thompson and were able to trade one for ROR. Army needs to find a way to do that sort of trade again for the Bkues to take the next step IMO. And they have the assets to do it. The Blues have a number of quality prospects. In the next 12-24 months, they likely need to trade 2-3 of them for guys that can very likely add to our current core to hopefully take them over the top. However, finding that trade partner is easier said than done. But the Blues have the assets to make it happen if they really want to and the opportunity arises.

Short-term, the need is on offense IMO. But most of our top prospects are forwards so it’s easy to see the future there. Long-term, the need is on defense as like you point out, most are on the wrong side of 30 already. What this team could really use is a bonafide #1. I love Parayko but I struggle to say he’s truly good enough to be the #1 on a team good enough to win the Cup. And he’s getting there in age. Unfortunately, that’s the hardest player to find and while there are plenty of examples of that caliber of player changing teams, it’s still very hard to pull off. But to truly be Cup contenders as this current core likely peaks in 2-3 years, that’s really what they need to add if I’m being truly honest.

It's becoming ripe to make this kind of trade because 1. they have the prospect assets AND 2. landing this player would fit the window they are in, so if we can see that they can see that.

Oh there’s no doubt the Blues see it. I wasn’t happy with Army for a couple years there but the man’s not an idiot. He knows what he’s doing and hopefully Steener will be a smart GM as well. The question I have is if he’ll be successful in finding a trade partner for the type of deal(s) he needs to make. It always takes two to tango so that’s what makes it hard sometimes.

Kind of scary when it's about moving some of the guys we might be talking about. Just can't miss on something like this.

I know DA will still be around to help Steen if it falls a year away..... and it's good to know that.

Yep, totally. It’s why the GMs get paid the big bucks. As like you said, these types of decisions can basically make or break a franchise for a solid decade or more. Hopefully Army/Steen are able to make the right moves needed.