Bolduc v neighbours

[Galatians221jb1]

Good topic, as I also feel something has to change with all of he LH'ed wingers we have. With regards to these two, I don't see anything happening until AFTER next season (if at all) as Zach had a very successful sophomore season in a middle-six role (played strong in all three zones, physical, won battles, etc...), so the Blues are wanting to see if he can take another step. We need someone to flat-out win that 2nd LW spot...

Regarding the crowded LW future, we have four kids that should easily be pushing for NHL time in the near future. Dalibor could end up at center, but IMO he'll probably land on wing to start off (and he's played a lot of RW, so there's that as well). Kaskimaki, Stenberg and now Pekarcik all have middle-six written all over them, some more of a 3rd LW than a 2nd LW, but all bring some solid capabilities.

My take, the organization rides this season to see what they have, at both levels. Now saying that, if Army see's the right deal he WILL pull the trigger, who we trade depends on who we're getting back.

Just my 2 cents...

We're never going to know what we have in Bolduc until he plays with more talented players. Sunny and whomever just isn't going to bring out the best in him.

[zamadoo]

This entire discussion is based on the premise of being 1-2 years in the future, not today.

Yes, thank you for clearing up that main point of the discussion.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

I'm not in a hurry for this season, but am thinking proactively with all the guys who are 1-2 years out.

I don't see Center as our #1 issue going forward, but actually Defense. Maybe 2/3C this season if DVO and Dean don't make the cut, but after Faulk we have our hopes in Jiricek alone at top-4 RHD.

As I was trying to iterate in my previous post, we may end up with a glut of untradeables and be forced to move younger players that we'd rather keep. I would rather be proactive and move Buch or Kyrou to eliminate that possibility. It may not be possible to move Buch, and Kyrou will be Full NTC after this draft - so IMO we may be wise to move him for what I think is a bigger need - top-4 D - or even collect a haul of picks at the draft.

I actually expect that we'll make few if any moves going into next season.

[seattleblue]

I'd rather move Buch and/or Kyrou than either of these guys. I'm of the opinion that you move proven vets for fair value and keep the system pumping without too much log-jamming or pinning yourself into a corner with moving guys you'd rather not just to fit them on the roster and/or under the cap.

Not sure Buch can be moved. Kyrou likely needs to go at the draft if he's going.

We're on a bit of a time crunch to move Kyrou, who would be worth a nice haul. With Snuggerudd entering the scene, I see Kyrou as much more expendable than before.

Buch seems like the clear option to move on from, but that's up to him.

Also, do Neighbours or Bolduc even return what we need? A top-4 RHD or legit top-6 C? You might need to move them plus our 1st to get a true upgrade at these positions. I'd rather play Neighbours or any prospect on the 4th line than move these guys for a stop-gap center.

Move out some salary, secure Hofer, keep the youth, and continue building from within unless some real hockey trade arises that absolutely benefits the team long-term.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

Valuable argument point. I see the fan base at an interesting inflection point. There was patience for awhile because we had no other option. Then the last 1/3 of this year happened.

We added a 1LW (Holloway) via theft, a prospect emerged quickly as a viable near term 1/2 RW in Snuggerud, added a 1LD via trade (Fowler) and 2LD via theft (Broberg) with replacements from 2023 and 2024 drafts lined up for Fowler/LD, and our 1C became a contender caliber 1C in his prime during the window of our 1G's prime. Our problem child Kyrou went out and had his best year thus far, hands down, So it felt like we sped everything up at breakneck speed and thus should get a 2C/3C who can be part of a Thomas-Schenn group as well as upgrade Faulk quickly.

I personally believe that Dvorsky, who is the best prospect in the system, is going to be a great Blue. I think it won't be long before Thomas-Dvorsky is seen as a potent center duo down the spine of the lineup. BUT, and here's the thing, "won't be long" is going to seem like forever because suddenly all the patience has flipped. I think it's going to be very tough for this fan base to be patient for Dvorsky to be that solution. The short term vet bridge idea at center is a way to let it happen, but if it doesn't happen over this summer, Thomas-Schenn is decent, given the winger quality and Schenn's short term viability – he knows how to play with quality wingers.

My confidence in Dvorsky is part of why I see a 2C as less long term need than RHD by a lot. RHD is aging and has maybes in the pipeline. It has one excellent piece which holds it up a lot, but it is the weakest link. And that position already has some scarcity to its top players, it is hard to land a high quality RHD in the NHL, so you have to pay quality out to get that player. Once we get past July 1 then Kyrou is much safer. Bolduc becomes less safe because he is someone in that age group who isn't Neighbours, who I think is on the career Blue track.

[seattleblue]

Good topic, as I also feel something has to change with all of he LH'ed wingers we have. With regards to these two, I don't see anything happening until AFTER next season (if at all) as Zach had a very successful sophomore season in a middle-six role (played strong in all three zones, physical, won battles, etc...), so the Blues are wanting to see if he can take another step. We need someone to flat-out win that 2nd LW spot...

Regarding the crowded LW future, we have four kids that should easily be pushing for NHL time in the near future. Dalibor could end up at center, but IMO he'll probably land on wing to start off (and he's played a lot of RW, so there's that as well). Kaskimaki, Stenberg and now Pekarcik all have middle-six written all over them, some more of a 3rd LW than a 2nd LW, but all bring some solid capabilities.

My take, the organization rides this season to see what they have, at both levels. Now saying that, if Army see's the right deal he WILL pull the trigger, who we trade depends on who we're getting back.

Just my 2 cents...

Agreed any moves there are likely after another season as guys line Stenberg and Kaskimaki likely just aren’t ready to push the issue yet. Only exception I can think of is if by midseason Snuggerud is showing he’s ready, maybe he then makes someone expendable. But also not counting on that.

And if we’re going to count Pekarcik I’d also count Stancl. Excited to see how both look in Springfield next season. And if we’re going to go farther down the depth chart, Robertsson, Mrsic and Kos are left shooting wingers too…although Robertsson seems to prefer to play the right side.

Oh I'm high on Stancl, but IMO he's a center prospect instead of wing.

Stancl has the hockey IQ of a center but needs to get much stronger on faceoffs

He played center in WJC for his country but in Kelowna they moved him to LW. I could see him being either. I wonder if he will play any center for Springfield which he hasn't yet.

[stlblues1979]

I'd rather move Buch and/or Kyrou than either of these guys. I'm of the opinion that you move proven vets for fair value and keep the system pumping without too much log-jamming or pinning yourself into a corner with moving guys you'd rather not just to fit them on the roster and/or under the cap.

Not sure Buch can be moved. Kyrou likely needs to go at the draft if he's going.

We're on a bit of a time crunch to move Kyrou, who would be worth a nice haul. With Snuggerudd entering the scene, I see Kyrou as much more expendable than before.

Buch seems like the clear option to move on from, but that's up to him.

Also, do Neighbours or Bolduc even return what we need? A top-4 RHD or legit top-6 C? You might need to move them plus our 1st to get a true upgrade at these positions. I'd rather play Neighbours or any prospect on the 4th line than move these guys for a stop-gap center.

Move out some salary, secure Hofer, keep the youth, and continue building from within unless some real hockey trade arises that absolutely benefits the team long-term.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

Valuable argument point. I see the fan base at an interesting inflection point. There was patience for awhile because we had no other option. Then the last 1/3 of this year happened.

We added a 1LW (Holloway) via theft, a prospect emerged quickly as a viable near term 1/2 RW in Snuggerud, added a 1LD via trade (Fowler) and 2LD via theft (Broberg) with replacements from 2023 and 2024 drafts lined up for Fowler/LD, and our 1C became a contender caliber 1C in his prime during the window of our 1G's prime. Our problem child Kyrou went out and had his best year thus far, hands down, So it felt like we sped everything up at breakneck speed and thus should get a 2C/3C who can be part of a Thomas-Schenn group as well as upgrade Faulk quickly.

I personally believe that Dvorsky, who is the best prospect in the system, is going to be a great Blue. I think it won't be long before Thomas-Dvorsky is seen as a potent center duo down the spine of the lineup. BUT, and here's the thing, "won't be long" is going to seem like forever because suddenly all the patience has flipped. I think it's going to be very tough for this fan base to be patient for Dvorsky to be that solution. The short term vet bridge idea at center is a way to let it happen, but if it doesn't happen over this summer, Thomas-Schenn is decent, given the winger quality and Schenn's short term viability – he knows how to play with quality wingers.

My confidence in Dvorsky is part of why I see a 2C as less long term need than RHD by a lot. RHD is aging and has maybes in the pipeline. It has one excellent piece which holds it up a lot, but it is the weakest link. And that position already has some scarcity to its top players, it is hard to land a high quality RHD in the NHL, so you have to pay quality out to get that player. Once we get past July 1 then Kyrou is much safer. Bolduc becomes less safe because he is someone in that age group who isn't Neighbours, who I think is on the career Blue track.

Great response to a great argument post. So I'll throw this out there: New Jersey needs scoring wingers; we need right hand defensemen. Bolduc for Nemec???

[STL fan in MN]

Good topic, as I also feel something has to change with all of he LH'ed wingers we have. With regards to these two, I don't see anything happening until AFTER next season (if at all) as Zach had a very successful sophomore season in a middle-six role (played strong in all three zones, physical, won battles, etc...), so the Blues are wanting to see if he can take another step. We need someone to flat-out win that 2nd LW spot...

Regarding the crowded LW future, we have four kids that should easily be pushing for NHL time in the near future. Dalibor could end up at center, but IMO he'll probably land on wing to start off (and he's played a lot of RW, so there's that as well). Kaskimaki, Stenberg and now Pekarcik all have middle-six written all over them, some more of a 3rd LW than a 2nd LW, but all bring some solid capabilities.

My take, the organization rides this season to see what they have, at both levels. Now saying that, if Army see's the right deal he WILL pull the trigger, who we trade depends on who we're getting back.

Just my 2 cents...

Agreed any moves there are likely after another season as guys line Stenberg and Kaskimaki likely just aren’t ready to push the issue yet. Only exception I can think of is if by midseason Snuggerud is showing he’s ready, maybe he then makes someone expendable. But also not counting on that.

And if we’re going to count Pekarcik I’d also count Stancl. Excited to see how both look in Springfield next season. And if we’re going to go farther down the depth chart, Robertsson, Mrsic and Kos are left shooting wingers too…although Robertsson seems to prefer to play the right side.

Oh I'm high on Stancl, but IMO he's a center prospect instead of wing.

Stancl has the hockey IQ of a center but needs to get much stronger on faceoffs

He played center in WJC for his country but in Kelowna they moved him to LW. I could see him being either. I wonder if he will play any center for Springfield which he hasn't yet.

I assume you meant to reply to me instead of yourself here.

But yeah, that’s what I saw too. I project him more at wing than C but I’ll be very happy if he can play C as a pro. Agree he has the ability to do it. But also not surprised he didn’t play C in the handful of games he played for the T-Birds down the stretch. He was just getting his feet wet and they were pretty deep at C. Didn’t really have a need there. We’re going to have a lot of our top prospects in Springfield next season.

[STL fan in MN]

I'd rather move Buch and/or Kyrou than either of these guys. I'm of the opinion that you move proven vets for fair value and keep the system pumping without too much log-jamming or pinning yourself into a corner with moving guys you'd rather not just to fit them on the roster and/or under the cap.

Not sure Buch can be moved. Kyrou likely needs to go at the draft if he's going.

We're on a bit of a time crunch to move Kyrou, who would be worth a nice haul. With Snuggerudd entering the scene, I see Kyrou as much more expendable than before.

Buch seems like the clear option to move on from, but that's up to him.

Also, do Neighbours or Bolduc even return what we need? A top-4 RHD or legit top-6 C? You might need to move them plus our 1st to get a true upgrade at these positions. I'd rather play Neighbours or any prospect on the 4th line than move these guys for a stop-gap center.

Move out some salary, secure Hofer, keep the youth, and continue building from within unless some real hockey trade arises that absolutely benefits the team long-term.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

Valuable argument point. I see the fan base at an interesting inflection point. There was patience for awhile because we had no other option. Then the last 1/3 of this year happened.

We added a 1LW (Holloway) via theft, a prospect emerged quickly as a viable near term 1/2 RW in Snuggerud, added a 1LD via trade (Fowler) and 2LD via theft (Broberg) with replacements from 2023 and 2024 drafts lined up for Fowler/LD, and our 1C became a contender caliber 1C in his prime during the window of our 1G's prime. Our problem child Kyrou went out and had his best year thus far, hands down, So it felt like we sped everything up at breakneck speed and thus should get a 2C/3C who can be part of a Thomas-Schenn group as well as upgrade Faulk quickly.

I personally believe that Dvorsky, who is the best prospect in the system, is going to be a great Blue. I think it won't be long before Thomas-Dvorsky is seen as a potent center duo down the spine of the lineup. BUT, and here's the thing, "won't be long" is going to seem like forever because suddenly all the patience has flipped. I think it's going to be very tough for this fan base to be patient for Dvorsky to be that solution. The short term vet bridge idea at center is a way to let it happen, but if it doesn't happen over this summer, Thomas-Schenn is decent, given the winger quality and Schenn's short term viability – he knows how to play with quality wingers.

My confidence in Dvorsky is part of why I see a 2C as less long term need than RHD by a lot. RHD is aging and has maybes in the pipeline. It has one excellent piece which holds it up a lot, but it is the weakest link. And that position already has some scarcity to its top players, it is hard to land a high quality RHD in the NHL, so you have to pay quality out to get that player. Once we get past July 1 then Kyrou is much safer. Bolduc becomes less safe because he is someone in that age group who isn't Neighbours, who I think is on the career Blue track.

This is a fantastic 30,000 ft view of things as Army would say. Spot on.

I’d still like to see us add a 3C but agree RD is the bigger longterm need.

Or as I’ve said before, I’d be for adding a stud LD but we’d still need to revamp pretty much the entire defense if we went that direction. Would require more moving parts than adding the RD. Who would be some of your RD targets?

[STL fan in MN]

I'd rather move Buch and/or Kyrou than either of these guys. I'm of the opinion that you move proven vets for fair value and keep the system pumping without too much log-jamming or pinning yourself into a corner with moving guys you'd rather not just to fit them on the roster and/or under the cap.

Not sure Buch can be moved. Kyrou likely needs to go at the draft if he's going.

We're on a bit of a time crunch to move Kyrou, who would be worth a nice haul. With Snuggerudd entering the scene, I see Kyrou as much more expendable than before.

Buch seems like the clear option to move on from, but that's up to him.

Also, do Neighbours or Bolduc even return what we need? A top-4 RHD or legit top-6 C? You might need to move them plus our 1st to get a true upgrade at these positions. I'd rather play Neighbours or any prospect on the 4th line than move these guys for a stop-gap center.

Move out some salary, secure Hofer, keep the youth, and continue building from within unless some real hockey trade arises that absolutely benefits the team long-term.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

Valuable argument point. I see the fan base at an interesting inflection point. There was patience for awhile because we had no other option. Then the last 1/3 of this year happened.

We added a 1LW (Holloway) via theft, a prospect emerged quickly as a viable near term 1/2 RW in Snuggerud, added a 1LD via trade (Fowler) and 2LD via theft (Broberg) with replacements from 2023 and 2024 drafts lined up for Fowler/LD, and our 1C became a contender caliber 1C in his prime during the window of our 1G's prime. Our problem child Kyrou went out and had his best year thus far, hands down, So it felt like we sped everything up at breakneck speed and thus should get a 2C/3C who can be part of a Thomas-Schenn group as well as upgrade Faulk quickly.

I personally believe that Dvorsky, who is the best prospect in the system, is going to be a great Blue. I think it won't be long before Thomas-Dvorsky is seen as a potent center duo down the spine of the lineup. BUT, and here's the thing, "won't be long" is going to seem like forever because suddenly all the patience has flipped. I think it's going to be very tough for this fan base to be patient for Dvorsky to be that solution. The short term vet bridge idea at center is a way to let it happen, but if it doesn't happen over this summer, Thomas-Schenn is decent, given the winger quality and Schenn's short term viability – he knows how to play with quality wingers.

My confidence in Dvorsky is part of why I see a 2C as less long term need than RHD by a lot. RHD is aging and has maybes in the pipeline. It has one excellent piece which holds it up a lot, but it is the weakest link. And that position already has some scarcity to its top players, it is hard to land a high quality RHD in the NHL, so you have to pay quality out to get that player. Once we get past July 1 then Kyrou is much safer. Bolduc becomes less safe because he is someone in that age group who isn't Neighbours, who I think is on the career Blue track.

Great response to a great argument post. So I'll throw this out there: New Jersey needs scoring wingers; we need right hand defensemen. Bolduc for Nemec???

I suggested either Bolduc or Hofer (if Hofer’s asking for too much) for Nemec a month or so ago. Many responded they didn’t want to move on from Bolduc but you have to give to get. I doubt NJ would go for it though. I do expect them to trade a RD or two but sounds like they’d much rather get rid of Dougie Hamilton than Nemec.

[Old_Goat]

Good thing that all of those young forwards that were on the roster during the high pressure end of season push also got 7 games of great playoffs experience. Obviously another round would have really added to that experience...a real jumpstart to & acceleration of their development. And it goes to show the foolishness of the too often talk of tanking for Top 5 picks. Just look at how all of that has not worked out for Edmonton, Buffalo for long stretches of time and even Chicago recently.
It won't be too long and management will be able to massage some of the other/older players into 4th line roles and they will have to accept it. That's all part of the lifecycle of organizations -- Schenn, possibly Buchnevich. Other lovable guys will move on with great appreciation, memories for them and for us -- Walker, Toropchenko, Sunqvist. There are ways to do it, with respect, or ruthlessly...agreeing to a trade for a good personable opportunity, waivers. For example Kyle Okposo, Brandon Saad, Barclay Goodrow.
In the meantime, if a trade can bring a very real improvement in a critical area (i.e. impact D-man), not only for the short term but also for a legit good amount of future time, and that means losing one or two of these guys then it hurts but you move on. For example Shanahan for Pronger.
Who that would be, or should be, I'll leave to the experts. But one thing is for certain, it's good to have a General Manager who can spot talent and make astute moves and scouts who can make good draft choices to provide a very good stockpile to manage. Nobody's perfect, bad calls happen, unforeseen events force non ideal choices -- Boumeister heart episode. All in all, we are in a good position as Blues fans.

[callitwhatyouwant]

I'd rather move Buch and/or Kyrou than either of these guys. I'm of the opinion that you move proven vets for fair value and keep the system pumping without too much log-jamming or pinning yourself into a corner with moving guys you'd rather not just to fit them on the roster and/or under the cap.

Not sure Buch can be moved. Kyrou likely needs to go at the draft if he's going.

We're on a bit of a time crunch to move Kyrou, who would be worth a nice haul. With Snuggerudd entering the scene, I see Kyrou as much more expendable than before.

Buch seems like the clear option to move on from, but that's up to him.

Also, do Neighbours or Bolduc even return what we need? A top-4 RHD or legit top-6 C? You might need to move them plus our 1st to get a true upgrade at these positions. I'd rather play Neighbours or any prospect on the 4th line than move these guys for a stop-gap center.

Move out some salary, secure Hofer, keep the youth, and continue building from within unless some real hockey trade arises that absolutely benefits the team long-term.

This isn't just to you, but can I ask the question to the board of why? Why does everyone feel the need to move any of the guys being named? We have a hole at center. That is it. Why create more holes? Blues were top 5 in scoring the 2nd half of the season. They clearly missed Holloway in the playoffs but they still put up some goals. Yes some of that came from the defense but the point stands. We have plenty of cap space to make alterations to the lineup to find a middle 6 C for this season. After this season we shed guys like Joseph/Texier/Walker/Sunny etc and decide which young guys take their place and who we bring back.

What is the hurry? You have nearly 12m space after Krugs LTIR is applied. The only REQUIRED positions to be filled are a center position and Hofer. You can drop SunnyD down to 4th line if you wanted and sign a true middle 6 C and resign Hofer. Doesn't that essentially solve all the problems? Yes people like Faksa. If Faksa takes a team friendly deal at around 2-2.5 you still have Hofer probably at 3m. So you have around 6.5-7m to make that last center move. So again, WHY?

Valuable argument point. I see the fan base at an interesting inflection point. There was patience for awhile because we had no other option. Then the last 1/3 of this year happened.

We added a 1LW (Holloway) via theft, a prospect emerged quickly as a viable near term 1/2 RW in Snuggerud, added a 1LD via trade (Fowler) and 2LD via theft (Broberg) with replacements from 2023 and 2024 drafts lined up for Fowler/LD, and our 1C became a contender caliber 1C in his prime during the window of our 1G's prime. Our problem child Kyrou went out and had his best year thus far, hands down, So it felt like we sped everything up at breakneck speed and thus should get a 2C/3C who can be part of a Thomas-Schenn group as well as upgrade Faulk quickly.

I personally believe that Dvorsky, who is the best prospect in the system, is going to be a great Blue. I think it won't be long before Thomas-Dvorsky is seen as a potent center duo down the spine of the lineup. BUT, and here's the thing, "won't be long" is going to seem like forever because suddenly all the patience has flipped. I think it's going to be very tough for this fan base to be patient for Dvorsky to be that solution. The short term vet bridge idea at center is a way to let it happen, but if it doesn't happen over this summer, Thomas-Schenn is decent, given the winger quality and Schenn's short term viability – he knows how to play with quality wingers.

My confidence in Dvorsky is part of why I see a 2C as less long term need than RHD by a lot. RHD is aging and has maybes in the pipeline. It has one excellent piece which holds it up a lot, but it is the weakest link. And that position already has some scarcity to its top players, it is hard to land a high quality RHD in the NHL, so you have to pay quality out to get that player. Once we get past July 1 then Kyrou is much safer. Bolduc becomes less safe because he is someone in that age group who isn't Neighbours, who I think is on the career Blue track.

All valid points and I'm not going to argue that direction. RHD seems to be the league wide drought. I am maybe more faithful in Faulk being able to put 2 more together than most. But regardless it is a need. I just see this year as one of those years that unless you can package up Stenberg/stancl/peterson/dean with a pick, then making trades should go by the wayside for 1 season in favor of finding a center to fill that gap with cash. You might have to do some cap dumps like Joseph or Texier and send some low picks to get the right guy which could be an overpay. But the Blues seem excited about 3 players and that's dvorsky/stenberg/ and I keep hearing Lindstein the most. Find space for those 3 in your lineup with the current roster. dvorsky gets the call up this year, and the other 2 next. Fill in around that.

[TBone]

Jake Neighbours is a franchise Blue in my mind. I want to win or lose with that guy. Core mainstay piece. Character of an NHL captain. That is rare. You keep a player like that.

Bolduc when he cleans up his dumb aggression penalties and settles into a strong line is likely to be a very good pro, but if it was a give to get situation and he was the give and the get was the right get ... you do have to give to get and the Blues do have to make one of those major trades in the next 12-24 months IMO. There are other options besides Bolduc though, but in terms of trade appeal he is in the window of "desired young forward" right now.

Bolduc could be the whole package. Physical sniper who's also a schmidt disturber, so I don't want to curtain his aggression too much.

One question about Jake... Why did they pull him off of net front on the power play? I thought he played it well two years ago.

[Younghopp1991]

I keep seeing people say they dont want to trade neither. I dont want to them. But i also dont believe we can package all of our trash and strike gold. This is just a early topic on a gift/problem that will be happening within the next calendar yer. But if you want a rhd worth talkin about then you have to give more than we want. At some point in the trade world we have to be a little realistic and look at options that have a chance to benefit both teams. We cant just think we give someone buch and he waives his no clause just cuz we want him to

[dhsux]

I keep seeing people say they dont want to trade neither. I dont want to them. But i also dont believe we can package all of our trash and strike gold. This is just a early topic on a gift/problem that will be happening within the next calendar yer. But if you want a rhd worth talkin about then you have to give more than we want. At some point in the trade world we have to be a little realistic and look at options that have a chance to benefit both teams. We cant just think we give someone buch and he waives his no clause just cuz we want him to

Not sure people are pushing trading trash.

We all thought the ROR trade was a one sided dumber when it happened but as it turned out Tage Thompson is alive and well for Buffalo.

That trade served both sides but it was done with Buffalo taking more risk than STL. I think that's the kind of trade a lot of people are looking for, a key prospect or two to land a key player. DA has to explore all options to see if a suitor has strong interest...strong enough to deal....with the Blues prospects.

You just can't trade Neighbors for a center, imo. And Neither would I include a Bolduc. You find another way or don't make the deal at least for now.

I'm more interested in doing a deal for a RHD guy. I think Schenn can go another year while DD simmers and I'd prefer the Blue focus on a stronger D and let this forward group shake out and mature as it will.

[DawgDad]

I keep seeing people say they dont want to trade neither. I dont want to them. But i also dont believe we can package all of our trash and strike gold. This is just a early topic on a gift/problem that will be happening within the next calendar yer. But if you want a rhd worth talkin about then you have to give more than we want. At some point in the trade world we have to be a little realistic and look at options that have a chance to benefit both teams. We cant just think we give someone buch and he waives his no clause just cuz we want him to

Not sure people are pushing trading trash.

We all thought the ROR trade was a one sided dumber when it happened but as it turned out Tage Thompson is alive and well for Buffalo.

That trade served both sides but it was done with Buffalo taking more risk than STL. I think that's the kind of trade a lot of people are looking for, a key prospect or two to land a key player. DA has to explore all options to see if a suitor has strong interest...strong enough to deal....with the Blues prospects.

You just can't trade Neighbors for a center, imo. And Neither would I include a Bolduc. You find another way or don't make the deal at least for now.

I'm more interested in doing a deal for a RHD guy. I think Schenn can go another year while DD simmers and I'd prefer the Blue focus on a stronger D and let this forward group shake out and mature as it will.

The problem at center is the Blues NOW have three sets of viable scoring top-9 wingers but only two offensive centers and Sunny. Not landing an immediate upgrade at 2C or 3C will be wasting the 3rd line wingers potential. Neighbours-Schenn-Bolduc (or another 40+ point center) is a much different proposition for the opponents to match up and contain than Neighbours-Sundqvist-Bolduc.

[dhsux]

I keep seeing people say they dont want to trade neither. I dont want to them. But i also dont believe we can package all of our trash and strike gold. This is just a early topic on a gift/problem that will be happening within the next calendar yer. But if you want a rhd worth talkin about then you have to give more than we want. At some point in the trade world we have to be a little realistic and look at options that have a chance to benefit both teams. We cant just think we give someone buch and he waives his no clause just cuz we want him to

Not sure people are pushing trading trash.

We all thought the ROR trade was a one sided dumber when it happened but as it turned out Tage Thompson is alive and well for Buffalo.

That trade served both sides but it was done with Buffalo taking more risk than STL. I think that's the kind of trade a lot of people are looking for, a key prospect or two to land a key player. DA has to explore all options to see if a suitor has strong interest...strong enough to deal....with the Blues prospects.

You just can't trade Neighbors for a center, imo. And Neither would I include a Bolduc. You find another way or don't make the deal at least for now.

I'm more interested in doing a deal for a RHD guy. I think Schenn can go another year while DD simmers and I'd prefer the Blue focus on a stronger D and let this forward group shake out and mature as it will.

The problem at center is the Blues NOW have three sets of viable scoring top-9 wingers but only two offensive centers and Sunny. Not landing an immediate upgrade at 2C or 3C will be wasting the 3rd line wingers potential. Neighbours-Schenn-Bolduc (or another 40+ point center) is a much different proposition for the opponents to match up and contain than Neighbours-Sundqvist-Bolduc.

It's a valid point and a good one.

Maybe force DD sooner than they prefer. Is DD the long term answer??

Just find a different solution than moving either Neighbors or Bolduc which imo will be a much bigger long term problem and mistake.

[DawgDad]

I keep seeing people say they dont want to trade neither. I dont want to them. But i also dont believe we can package all of our trash and strike gold. This is just a early topic on a gift/problem that will be happening within the next calendar yer. But if you want a rhd worth talkin about then you have to give more than we want. At some point in the trade world we have to be a little realistic and look at options that have a chance to benefit both teams. We cant just think we give someone buch and he waives his no clause just cuz we want him to

Not sure people are pushing trading trash.

We all thought the ROR trade was a one sided dumber when it happened but as it turned out Tage Thompson is alive and well for Buffalo.

That trade served both sides but it was done with Buffalo taking more risk than STL. I think that's the kind of trade a lot of people are looking for, a key prospect or two to land a key player. DA has to explore all options to see if a suitor has strong interest...strong enough to deal....with the Blues prospects.

You just can't trade Neighbors for a center, imo. And Neither would I include a Bolduc. You find another way or don't make the deal at least for now.

I'm more interested in doing a deal for a RHD guy. I think Schenn can go another year while DD simmers and I'd prefer the Blue focus on a stronger D and let this forward group shake out and mature as it will.

The problem at center is the Blues NOW have three sets of viable scoring top-9 wingers but only two offensive centers and Sunny. Not landing an immediate upgrade at 2C or 3C will be wasting the 3rd line wingers potential. Neighbours-Schenn-Bolduc (or another 40+ point center) is a much different proposition for the opponents to match up and contain than Neighbours-Sundqvist-Bolduc.

It's a valid point and a good one.

Maybe force DD sooner than they prefer. Is DD the long term answer??

Just find a different solution than moving either Neighbors or Bolduc which imo will be a much bigger long term problem and mistake.

I don't think the Blues are inclined to rush DD. I do believe he will get NHL ice time but not be relied upon until he demonstrates he's reliable. Let's say he pencils in at 3C, how does he compare to an Adam Lowry and other competition? At 2C is he better than Schenn? The Blues raised the bar this past season, Dvorsky's on-ramp got longer.