End of Season Thought on the Future

[Bluesfan1978]

Kyrou did improve his defensive play this year and I think his defensive play wasn’t terrible in the playoffs. But he just doesn’t use his speed the way he could or should. He’s too timid. He also isn’t aggressive in the regular season. Two things that stood out to me regarding Kyrou: Jimmy Snuggerud came in and played playoff hockey, he wasn’t overly physical in making hits but he won board battles, he didn’t shy away from contact and if I had to pick who I want in the ice for a critical situation I’d pick Snuggy over Kyrou.
Secondly watch either Elhers, Connor, or Perfetti, those guys never gave up on any play, they threw some hits, they didn’t shy away from being hit, they weren’t perfect but there was no questioning their battle level. Even their smaller D Pionk battled hard.

[zamadoo]

Kyrou did improve his defensive play this year and I think his defensive play wasn’t terrible in the playoffs. But he just doesn’t use his speed the way he could or should. He’s too timid. He also isn’t aggressive in the regular season. Two things that stood out to me regarding Kyrou: Jimmy Snuggerud came in and played playoff hockey, he wasn’t overly physical in making hits but he won board battles, he didn’t shy away from contact and if I had to pick who I want in the ice for a critical situation I’d pick Snuggy over Kyrou.
Secondly watch either Elhers, Connor, or Perfetti, those guys never gave up on any play, they threw some hits, they didn’t shy away from being hit, they weren’t perfect but there was no questioning their battle level. Even their smaller D Pionk battled hard.

Great points.

I'd look to move Kyrou at the draft for a RHD, or even a top-10 pick if someone wants to do that. Snuggerudd has replaced him in the top-6. We have Stenberg, Perkarcik, etc. on the way.

Leddy should go, and perhaps Faulk if we can find a taker. Lindstein and Jiricek will be here before long, and Kessel deserves to play. I thought he should've been in over Leddy/Suter but they went with experience in the playoffs.

However, it's more likely that none of them are moved and we just go with this exact team to start next season. 15 straight wins at home...

[STL fan in MN]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Agree. I’d like to keep both Faksa and Sunny. Sunny is slow as molasses these days and I’d prefer to move him off C but he should still be able to play RW well and then be a C if/when injuries dictate the need for it.

And completely agree about moving Schenn to 3C or the wing. Ideally, the Blues add a 2C somehow. That’s the big need IMO. But one that doesn’t block Dvorsky longterm as well.

And a tweaking of the D a bit would be ideal too.

Agree on D. Leddy was tough to watch, and some of the best chances/pressure came when he was out. Monty did a solid job of getting Leddy out AFTER their top line shifts, but it still wasn't pretty.

I also better be hearing Kyrou was hurt on the presser tomorrow, because Jets where checking him by simply skating in front of him. What REALLY got me steaming is that he just coasted after the lightest check... I'm ready to trade him for a 2C and a decent RH/RW prospect, and I haven't been tough on Jordan in about 3 years.

Yeah, I’m right there with you on Kyrou. I’m trying to not jump the gun, thus I want to hear if he was injured before I say I want him gone but with many complaints there’s been about him the last week or so, clearly we all saw it. His compete level was absolutely garbage. There were numerous times where a Jets player would come in and check him…probably so light it wouldn’t even get recorded as a hit, separate him from the puck, and then Kyrou would just glide as the Jets player skated away with it. It was embarrassingly bad. Like, I’d find that level of passivity unacceptable in beer league. But in the Stanley Cup playoffs?? It was shocking to watch tbh. So yeah, I’m hoping to hear he was pretty severely injured in today’s presser.

I’ve generally supported Leddy but agree he was rough. My guess is he’s still not fully healed from whatever kept him out most of the season. He seems like a shell of his 2023-24 self. But idk, maybe age is just catching up to him. He’s also one I’ll be listening to hear if he was playing injured or not.

[skilles]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

[STL fan in MN]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

[skilles]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

I'd for sure be ok with Toro,Walker,Sunny fighting for those 4th line wing spots. I however don't think there is a top 9 spot on wing available at least when healthy

Buch
Kyrou
Bolduc
Holloway
Snugs
Neighbours

Tex and Joseph are already pushed out IMO although I would actually like to see a little more of Tex

Edit: man this team is all the sudden looking like it could be very good next season

[JoshInFenton]

I think the below is kinda how i look at things right now

Holloway - Thomas - Kyrou
Snugs - Schenn - Buch
Bolduc - X - Neighbours
Walker - Faksa - Toropchenko
Sunny

I realize that we have Joseph, Texier, and haven't resigned Faksa, but i really think Faksa winning faceoffs was pretty useful to us, and i am not even remotely married to that top 9 structure, just more or less where i see players fitting as a cohesive unit together a bit.

I don't mind us letting Faksa leave, i just like me some faceoff wins that he provides, it allows you to have 2-3 guys to trust to win big faceoffs in your zone rather than 1-2, which puts you in dire straights if you lose one of those. I am not convinced Sunny is a full time answer to 4th line C, though i think you can definitely get him in there. I also get the feeling Monty likes that line a lot, so kinda convinced he'll ask DA to bring him back.

I think the order of business this offseason is mostly moving players outbound. If you can make a big trade then cool, but i'd probably expect the biggest contract outbound to be Leddy if anyone.

[brentwood1]

I think Army & Steen have to throw the gauntlet and trying to acquire Mason McTavish and Simon Nemec. TALL order for certain, but that creates a roster that could compete for the next 5 years. Part with Kyrou, Schenn, Faulk and any other dead weight. Don’t sell on Snuggs, Bolduc, Stenberg, or Lindstein (they’re all keepers). Part with DD while value is high, our 1st (weak draft), and possibly Hofer. Brady will come home in 2 years…

[BobbyOrr]

After the season we had,
how No one on the coaching side did not see this coming in the middle of the second period and put a stop to it is what is disturbing.

The Blues prevent mode NEVER works.
The Blues showed strength when they play physical with the pedal to the floor.
ANY time they let up off of that, they Always became Vulnerable.
All Season Long !!!

[netboy65]

Kyrou did improve his defensive play this year and I think his defensive play wasn’t terrible in the playoffs. But he just doesn’t use his speed the way he could or should. He’s too timid. He also isn’t aggressive in the regular season. Two things that stood out to me regarding Kyrou: Jimmy Snuggerud came in and played playoff hockey, he wasn’t overly physical in making hits but he won board battles, he didn’t shy away from contact and if I had to pick who I want in the ice for a critical situation I’d pick Snuggy over Kyrou.
Secondly watch either Elhers, Connor, or Perfetti, those guys never gave up on any play, they threw some hits, they didn’t shy away from being hit, they weren’t perfect but there was no questioning their battle level. Even their smaller D Pionk battled hard.

If you want him using his speed give him linemates that can keep up. That’s why it worked so well with Holloway.

[STL fan in MN]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

I'd for sure be ok with Toro,Walker,Sunny fighting for those 4th line wing spots. I however don't think there is a top 9 spot on wing available at least when healthy

Buch
Kyrou
Bolduc
Holloway
Snugs
Neighbours

Tex and Joseph are already pushed out IMO although I would actually like to see a little more of Tex

Edit: man this team is all the sudden looking like it could be very good next season

Yeah, with the emergence of Snuggerud, once you add Holloway back to the lineup and especially if you add in another “200 ft scoring player” to the mix as well, it starts to look like a pretty stacked top-9.

But who knows. Maybe to get that new scoring player Army is looking for you have to include someone like Bolduc in the package. It’d be a scenario like that (and injuries) where all of a sudden someone like Sunny is still playing in the top-9.

[Zizzle1297]

Trading kryou is doubtful. Much rather trade Buchy. kryous ceiling is higher. Buch was almost always disappears in playoffs.

Neighbors, Thomas, Snuggy
Holloway, Schenn, Kryou (THEY played very well for a long stretch).
Bolduc, Dvo, Texier/ Joseph
Walker, Faska, Torpo

Sunny, Texier/ Joseph

1st line neighbors would be the net front, Thomas is a passer primarily, Snuggy is a sniper
2nd line somehow just worked
3rd line Dvo would be the playmaker, Joseph seems to be more the net front type and Bolduc the shooter.

[skilles]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

I'd for sure be ok with Toro,Walker,Sunny fighting for those 4th line wing spots. I however don't think there is a top 9 spot on wing available at least when healthy

Buch
Kyrou
Bolduc
Holloway
Snugs
Neighbours

Tex and Joseph are already pushed out IMO although I would actually like to see a little more of Tex

Edit: man this team is all the sudden looking like it could be very good next season

Yeah, with the emergence of Snuggerud, once you add Holloway back to the lineup and especially if you add in another “200 ft scoring player” to the mix as well, it starts to look like a pretty stacked top-9.

But who knows. Maybe to get that new scoring player Army is looking for you have to include someone like Bolduc in the package. It’d be a scenario like that (and injuries) where all of a sudden someone like Sunny is still playing in the top-9.

I suspect that added player would be a center, should be a relatively exciting off season again.

[Harry S Deals]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

This seems to be the logical way to go because its obvious right now today the Blues single biggest need is a better 3rd center. I dont think Army is going to go big and find a legit top 6 center i could be totally surprised but i think they will bring back essentially the same two top lines

Buchy Thomas Snuggerud
Holloway Schenn Kyrou
Neighbours xxxx Bolduc
Walker/Sunny Faksa Torop

Schenn was a 50 pt center last year thats fine for me in the 2nd spot and hes a fit between Holloway and Kryou. I dont know who the 3rd center could be there are a lot of names i like i would be looking for speed, FO %, size and some playmaking of some sort. We will see but i dont expect any major major changes this off season

[Harry S Deals]

Here are some UFA names to consider as 3rd C:

Christian Dvorak - 29, 30 pt guy good FO
Yanni Gourde - 33, 30-40 pts, decent FO,
Granlund - 33, 60 pts 2nd center, big contract, stretch?
Jack Roslovic - 28, 30-40 pts, good FO %
Sean Kuraly - 32, 20-30 pts size, hits, probably 4th liner
Ryan McLeod 25, RFA, 50 pts breakout season, big trade candidate, long shot
Morgan Geekie, 26, breakout season, 33 goals, size, skill, gonna be pricey
Nico Sturm 30, size, checker, Sunny +, good FO probably more a 4th liner

[STL fan in MN]

Monty clearly loves Sunny for whatever reason. He was put in some very high leverage situations repeatedly

I like Sunny myself but he certainly can't replace Faksa on the dot.

While I agree that Faksa is a far better center, they had Sunny at RW and he was a solid player there (not to mention one of the FEW RHer's we have). He was solid on the 2nd PP because he's great at blocking the tender, and he's still good at garbage goal rebounds (5th on the team with 4 ppg).

Our problems are (and for the near future will be) center and too many LHer's in the forward ranks. Schenn has NO business being a 2nd line center, so if you keep him on a scoring line, move him to wing (he did produce as a RW'er in the past), or move him to 3C. Regarding LH shots, we have too many with more on the way...

Yeah I would agree with all that but I still think we need that FO ability at 4th line center and thats not Sunny and I definitely want him on the team but I'm having a hard time with where to put him.

I’d prefer to slot Sunny in at 4RW. Would that break up the WTF line? Yep. But folks get too attached to lines. They change all the time. Sunny can compete with Torpo and Walker for ice time. Or perhaps more accurately, those two can compete with Sunny for ice time.

Or maybe Sunny would be a decent 3RW with Bolduc moved back to 3LW and that pushes out guys like Tex and Joseph to the 13th/14th forward spots.

I'd for sure be ok with Toro,Walker,Sunny fighting for those 4th line wing spots. I however don't think there is a top 9 spot on wing available at least when healthy

Buch
Kyrou
Bolduc
Holloway
Snugs
Neighbours

Tex and Joseph are already pushed out IMO although I would actually like to see a little more of Tex

Edit: man this team is all the sudden looking like it could be very good next season

Yeah, with the emergence of Snuggerud, once you add Holloway back to the lineup and especially if you add in another “200 ft scoring player” to the mix as well, it starts to look like a pretty stacked top-9.

But who knows. Maybe to get that new scoring player Army is looking for you have to include someone like Bolduc in the package. It’d be a scenario like that (and injuries) where all of a sudden someone like Sunny is still playing in the top-9.

I suspect that added player would be a center, should be a relatively exciting off season again.

A center absolutely makes the most sense. But of course, that’s what pretty much every team is looking for.

I’d prefer a good 2C but to Harry’s point, it might end up being more of a 3C. All depends on what all deals Army can find. Or UFAs he might be able to get to sign here.

A 2C to push Schenn down to 3C and Sunny out is ideal but a 3C to push Sunny out is still an upgrade.