What does a brand-spanking-new 2C look like?

[General]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

This is such a bizarre take. All the experts say this guy is AT BEST a third line player who’s already bounced from a couple of orgs because they get him in and realize he isn’t as good as he thought. This is probably the last chance for him to show he can play in the NHL.

Even more bizarre is praising an org for trading for a young (albeit questionably skilled) player while criticizing an org that signs two young free agents who have breakout seasons. It’s moves like this that differentiate playoff teams (Blues) from also rans (Islanders).

[STL fan in MN]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

[a smell of green grass]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

[HazeGray977]

The food thing was funny the first two thousand times it was done, but not so much anymore.

The great thing about comedy is how subjective it is. I think Anthony Jeselnik and Jim Jefferies are great. Many are offended by their standup.

This though has nothing to do with comedy. The OP sucks and he’s a troll. Speaking of 2000 times he’s started the same thread 2000 times. The food comments are meant to derail the OPs bile garbage. It’s not complicated.

I had a pork steak tonight. My wife is a great cook 97%of the time. She murdered this thing. The dog rejected it. At least the sprouts and salad were tasty.

Thank you.

Personally I've had it with all of his stuff.

dsux, please know that the idiot who gobbles goat meat was NOT directed at or about you!

I know...thanks.

Goat meat is tasty.

I’ve never had goat meat. What does it compare to? I’ve seen it at Soulard Market but never brave enough to buy .

[MikoTython]

The food thing was funny the first two thousand times it was done, but not so much anymore.

The great thing about comedy is how subjective it is. I think Anthony Jeselnik and Jim Jefferies are great. Many are offended by their standup.

This though has nothing to do with comedy. The OP sucks and he’s a troll. Speaking of 2000 times he’s started the same thread 2000 times. The food comments are meant to derail the OPs bile garbage. It’s not complicated.

I had a pork steak tonight. My wife is a great cook 97%of the time. She murdered this thing. The dog rejected it. At least the sprouts and salad were tasty.

Thank you.

Personally I've had it with all of his stuff.

dsux, please know that the idiot who gobbles goat meat was NOT directed at or about you!

I know...thanks.

Goat meat is tasty.

I’ve never had goat meat. What does it compare to? I’ve seen it at Soulard Market but never brave enough to buy .

It's been awhile. I had it bbq'd. Considering that goats are closely related to sheep, I guess its not too far from mutton. No reason not to, they're browzers/grazers, just like sheep & cows - I will say, though, that horse is terrible. Got served it once, by mistake, in Spain.

[STL fan in MN]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

[sneptsmoustache]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

I also have never had goat meat. Is it gamey? Mild? Do you stew it, or are there cuts that are good for grilling?

[MikoTython]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

I also have never had goat meat. Is it gamey? Mild? Do you stew it, or are there cuts that are good for grilling?

Not gamey. Often grilled, I suppose you could stew it, surely. Goat's milk is a staple in arid lands, many bambinos raised upon it, used for cooking, saucing, cheesing.

You can, as well, make a soup out of the head :

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... UdOp03DU8y

[DawgDad]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

This is beyond silly. Schenn is the 2C until he's not. Ritchie is a prospect who hasn't been effective over his first seven NHL games. Dvorsky's OHL numbers were better.. The Blues drafted two players while they preferred leaving Ritchie on the board. They had reasons for selecting Dvorsky and then Stenberg which I believe will become apparent in time (having seen both play).

You should realize it is unlikely either Dvorsky or Ritchie could step in as the Blues primary 2C out of camp and improve the team's performance. Possible, perhaps, but unlikely. A rebuilding team might plug in a prospect and let the chips fall, the Blues have higher aspirations. If the Blues want an immediate upgrade over Schenn it will need to come via trade or free agency. This is the context in which your post is silly. Did you see Broberg or Holloway coming before the offer sheets were announced? Did you see Fowler coming? Faksa? You express zero confidence in Army which in itself is beyond silly, unsupported by historical facts. He has made moves that didn't move the needle forward, many that did. He had a winning team for a decade and then won a Cup, and now the team appears to be back on-track.

[a smell of green grass]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

Ok. Well Stenberg (and Dvorsky) and Ritchie are forever linked. We'll see how good Army is at talent evaluation.

The 2023 draft had many great prospects that will be filling NHL rosters. Army had 3 picks, and none of them have made it to the NHL yet. Is this why Armstrong is so keen on calling the re-whatever over? Because he doesn't want the fans to evaluate his 2023 draft?

Some think Army is outstanding in the draft. I think that he is average at best. Armstrong is not the kind of guy that will find superstar talent lower in the draft.

[LuvthaBlues]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

Ok. Well Stenberg (and Dvorsky) and Ritchie are forever linked. We'll see how good Army is at talent evaluation.

The 2023 draft had many great prospects that will be filling NHL rosters. Army had 3 picks, and none of them have made it to the NHL yet. Is this why Armstrong is so keen on calling the re-whatever over? Because he doesn't want the fans to evaluate his 2023 draft?

Some think Army is outstanding in the draft. I think that he is average at best. Armstrong is not the kind of guy that will find superstar talent lower in the draft.

Six players from the 2023 draft have played over 10 NHL games, five of them are in the top 10 (Bedard, Carlsson, Fantilli, Smith, Michkov).

[stlblues1979]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

Your last sentence, STL fan, made me think of an analogy based on a joke I once heard. Remember scenes from a movie or TV show where some gentleman are in a park playing chess on concrete tables, sitting on similar chairs. They're sharing a common interest & enjoying their time over a favorite hobby. Around them on the ground are pigeons, while not necessarily wanted, they're not a problem until one flutters up on the board, struts around with its chest out knocking over chess pieces, & finally takes a dump all over the board, & then chirps out, "checkmate." It's almost enough to make you want to quit playing chess.........only almost though.You just wish the pigeon would fly away to another park!

Been a Blues fan for over 50 years, love the team, love hockey & certainly appreciate this forum as it helps me to keep up with what's going on Blues wise, especially as I'm away from St. Louis now. Love playing chess (forum discussion) with you & many other posters. Certainly don't agree with all others as we have differing opinions & that's fine because most everyone else is civil & polite. But there's always one or two arrogant hypocrites (crapping pigeons) that just want to spoil it for others. Here's to hoping they fly away.

[STL fan in MN]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

Your last sentence, STL fan, made me think of an analogy based on a joke I once heard. Remember scenes from a movie or TV show where some gentleman are in a park playing chess on concrete tables, sitting on similar chairs. They're sharing a common interest & enjoying their time over a favorite hobby. Around them on the ground are pigeons, while not necessarily wanted, they're not a problem until one flutters up on the board, struts around with its chest out knocking over chess pieces, & finally takes a dump all over the board, & then chirps out, "checkmate." It's almost enough to make you want to quit playing chess.........only almost though.You just wish the pigeon would fly away to another park!

Been a Blues fan for over 50 years, love the team, love hockey & certainly appreciate this forum as it helps me to keep up with what's going on Blues wise, especially as I'm away from St. Louis now. Love playing chess (forum discussion) with you & many other posters. Certainly don't agree with all others as we have differing opinions & that's fine because most everyone else is civil & polite. But there's always one or two arrogant hypocrites (crapping pigeons) that just want to spoil it for others. Here's to hoping they fly away.

Yeah, I’ve heard that joke/analogy before. It’s a good one. And quite apt here…

[STL fan in MN]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

Ok. Well Stenberg (and Dvorsky) and Ritchie are forever linked. We'll see how good Army is at talent evaluation.

The 2023 draft had many great prospects that will be filling NHL rosters. Army had 3 picks, and none of them have made it to the NHL yet. Is this why Armstrong is so keen on calling the re-whatever over? Because he doesn't want the fans to evaluate his 2023 draft?

Some think Army is outstanding in the draft. I think that he is average at best. Armstrong is not the kind of guy that will find superstar talent lower in the draft.

Cool. And if Ritchie does end up being good, are you going to go cr@p all over the boards of the other 20ish teams that also passed on Ritchie or just blame the Blues and Armstrong?

You somehow connecting Army saying the re-whatever is over and wanting to hide the results of the 2023 draft make absolutely no sense IMO. A more logical thought IMO would be that part of the reason why he’d say that is because knows he has a stable of young talent from the 2023 draft, as well as the 2020-2022 drafts, that are likely to start making impacts in the NHL over the next 1-2 years. Besides the strides taken this season by a number of players on the NHL roster, Army knows he had a lot of prospects have strong developmental years and thus he has reinforcements on the way.

Also, Army isn’t the Director of Amateur Scouting. Some GMs, like ones that came up through scouting, probably have a more hands on approach to the draft, but Army has always been more hands off. I’m sure he has his opinions but he seems to leave the actual making of the list to his scouting staff, which is currently led by Tony Feltrin. Feltrin took over from Bill Armstrong who left in 2020 to become the GM of Arizona (now Utah). Since Tony took over their top picks have been Neighbours, Bolduc, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Stenberg, Lindstein and Jiricek. The only one I’m iffy on is Jiricek. I was a little iffy on the Bolduc pick but he’s proven me wrong. You’ve been shown time and time again that whether we’re talking the Feltrin era, the Bill Army era or the the Jarmo era, the Blues have consistently gotten more bang for their buck in the draft than most teams. So you can keep saying they’re average at best but you have absolutely nothing to back that up. I mean, our previous two Directors of Amateur Scouting did such good jobs that both got poached and hired as NHL GMs by other teams. Another team doesn’t come want a guy and to promote them to a higher level if they’re doing a cr@ppy job.

[Frank Barone]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

Ok. Well Stenberg (and Dvorsky) and Ritchie are forever linked. We'll see how good Army is at talent evaluation.

The 2023 draft had many great prospects that will be filling NHL rosters. Army had 3 picks, and none of them have made it to the NHL yet. Is this why Armstrong is so keen on calling the re-whatever over? Because he doesn't want the fans to evaluate his 2023 draft?

Some think Army is outstanding in the draft. I think that he is average at best. Armstrong is not the kind of guy that will find superstar talent lower in the draft.

Cool. And if Ritchie does end up being good, are you going to go cr@p all over the boards of the other 20ish teams that also passed on Ritchie or just blame the Blues and Armstrong?

You somehow connecting Army saying the re-whatever is over and wanting to hide the results of the 2023 draft make absolutely no sense IMO. A more logical thought IMO would be that part of the reason why he’d say that is because knows he has a stable of young talent from the 2023 draft, as well as the 2020-2022 drafts, that are likely to start making impacts in the NHL over the next 1-2 years. Besides the strides taken this season by a number of players on the NHL roster, Army knows he had a lot of prospects have strong developmental years and thus he has reinforcements on the way.

Also, Army isn’t the Director of Amateur Scouting. Some GMs, like ones that came up through scouting, probably have a more hands on approach to the draft, but Army has always been more hands off. I’m sure he has his opinions but he seems to leave the actual making of the list to his scouting staff, which is currently led by Tony Feltrin. Feltrin took over from Bill Armstrong who left in 2020 to become the GM of Arizona (now Utah). Since Tony took over their top picks have been Neighbours, Bolduc, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Stenberg, Lindstein and Jiricek. The only one I’m iffy on is Jiricek. I was a little iffy on the Bolduc pick but he’s proven me wrong. You’ve been shown time and time again that whether we’re talking the Feltrin era, the Bill Army era or the the Jarmo era, the Blues have consistently gotten more bang for their buck in the draft than most teams. So you can keep saying they’re average at best but you have absolutely nothing to back that up. I mean, our previous two Directors of Amateur Scouting did such good jobs that both got poached and hired as NHL GMs by other teams. Another team doesn’t come want a guy and to promote them to a higher level if they’re doing a cr@ppy job.

+1

[STLinCHI]

Some are having a difficult time connecting all the dots. Possibly because they fear where it leads.

The Islanders just landed a young 2C from the 2023 draft class who is going to be an exceptional player by all accounts. He already has a hat-trick with the Avalanche in his limited NHL games. Additionally, the Islander got 2 more draft picks, a 1st and 4th.

Meanwhile, the Blues see no light at the end for the tunnel in finding their 2C--even though it's been a multi-year search already.

Good thing that Army knows how to rob benches via offer sheets because he sure can't build a complete roster using traditional means.

It’s not that we’re not following what you’re saying or can’t connect the dots. It’s that we wholeheartedly disagree with you and have pretty much collectively chosen to just ignore your ravings as it’s all pretty much just nonsensical and repetitive.

I for one really liked Ritchie in his draft year and thought the main knock on him (his complete level/consistency) was overblown. And I still like him now. Would put him on the same tier as Dvorsky and Snuggerud. But what’s your point here? That somehow Ritchie is a guaranteed stud and Dvorsky is no good? That’s ridiculous. Also, not sure where you’re getting he had an NHL hat trick. he had 1 goal, 0 assists, -7 in 7 games for the Avs. Was then sent back to Jrs (while Dvorsky played a higher level).

Or is your point that the Blues should’ve sold off a player for the package the Isles got? As if the Avs and Blues would’ve traded in division… I for one thought the Avs were absolute morons for trading Ritchie. AND a 1st on top of it. The Blues weren’t going to be sellers. They’re not going to be sellers. They shouldn’t be sellers. And no matter how much you cr@p all over a message board isn’t going to change that or convince others you’re right.

I'll connect the dots for you.

1. The Blues need a 2C
2. No one has an idea where our 2C will come from
3. The Blues have needed a 2C for years
4. Without a 2C, the Blues do not have 2 scoring lines.
5. Calum Ritchie is an elite 2C
6. The reviews of Calum Ritchie are exceptional and better than any that I have seen for any of our 2023 draft choices.
7. The Blues could have easily drafted Ritchie, and they chose not to.
8. Had the Blues drafted Ritchie, we would be dreaming about our 2C play now, instead of continuing to wander in the desert.
9. So why did the Blues draft Stenberg over Ritchie?

Again, your point is obvious. Your main error though is #5. He’s an elite 2C? He has the potential to be but he sure as heck isn’t today. He has 1 NHL point. What, you read some Islanders fan blog fluff piece that said he’s awesome so now he’s awesome? Get out of here with this cr@p.

I for one, had 1 player ranked higher than Stenberg that was still on the board at pick 23 2 years ago. It was Calum Ritchie. I recall Hockey Pete really liked him too. So yeah, I would’ve taken Ritchie over Stenberg. But he hasn’t proven anything. I think there’s a good chance he makes the Isles out of camp but you’re acting as if he’s already some bonafide superstar. It’s embarrassingly silly.

Ok. Well Stenberg (and Dvorsky) and Ritchie are forever linked. We'll see how good Army is at talent evaluation.

The 2023 draft had many great prospects that will be filling NHL rosters. Army had 3 picks, and none of them have made it to the NHL yet. Is this why Armstrong is so keen on calling the re-whatever over? Because he doesn't want the fans to evaluate his 2023 draft?

Some think Army is outstanding in the draft. I think that he is average at best. Armstrong is not the kind of guy that will find superstar talent lower in the draft.

Cool. And if Ritchie does end up being good, are you going to go cr@p all over the boards of the other 20ish teams that also passed on Ritchie or just blame the Blues and Armstrong?

You somehow connecting Army saying the re-whatever is over and wanting to hide the results of the 2023 draft make absolutely no sense IMO. A more logical thought IMO would be that part of the reason why he’d say that is because knows he has a stable of young talent from the 2023 draft, as well as the 2020-2022 drafts, that are likely to start making impacts in the NHL over the next 1-2 years. Besides the strides taken this season by a number of players on the NHL roster, Army knows he had a lot of prospects have strong developmental years and thus he has reinforcements on the way.

Also, Army isn’t the Director of Amateur Scouting. Some GMs, like ones that came up through scouting, probably have a more hands on approach to the draft, but Army has always been more hands off. I’m sure he has his opinions but he seems to leave the actual making of the list to his scouting staff, which is currently led by Tony Feltrin. Feltrin took over from Bill Armstrong who left in 2020 to become the GM of Arizona (now Utah). Since Tony took over their top picks have been Neighbours, Bolduc, Snuggerud, Dvorsky, Stenberg, Lindstein and Jiricek. The only one I’m iffy on is Jiricek. I was a little iffy on the Bolduc pick but he’s proven me wrong. You’ve been shown time and time again that whether we’re talking the Feltrin era, the Bill Army era or the the Jarmo era, the Blues have consistently gotten more bang for their buck in the draft than most teams. So you can keep saying they’re average at best but you have absolutely nothing to back that up. I mean, our previous two Directors of Amateur Scouting did such good jobs that both got poached and hired as NHL GMs by other teams. Another team doesn’t come want a guy and to promote them to a higher level if they’re doing a cr@ppy job.

Perfect post explaining Blues drafting process. Army trusts his scouting staff to make the decisions. It's what strong organizational leaders do.