Are we better?

[Younghopp1991]

I dont know. My gut says no just because of chemistry to start the season. But by mid season we may be a more sound team. But none of this takes into account that things can still change before the start of the season. I will say im excited. We brought broberg into a situation with a lot more question marks. I know they are not the same player but if army thinks he can reach his potential, then ill ride with army. Ill tell you one way to get faulk to play his best and accept a trade. Let LM and broberg click together. Next thing you know you have tucker and faulk on your 3rd pair.

[MizTruBlueLuvzU]

Simple answer, no. We are about 30 goals light

[somni]

I will say the Blues are more balanced. To say are we better will have to wait.

It still needs to be determined on who will take Bolduc's spot and pop in some goals? Dvorsky on wing? Another pickup or another prospect?

[DawgDad]

In terms of roster construction and organizational pipeline, yes, the Blues likely are better off. Short term, not likely, Mailloux almost certainly needs a good amount of NHL experience before he's a reliable top-4. If he sticks in the NHL all season then by the end (playoffs!) he should be shaking off much of the rookie inconsistency, looking much more comfortable. Remains to be seen how long it takes, could be longer.

I remember when the Blues traded for Brett Hull. The young man floating around the ozone wasn't THE Brett Hull, but he became THE Brett Hull. It took some time. I remember the first season of Chris Pronger in St. Louis, who I consider one of the top handful of defensemen in league history. Sheesh, it was not pretty.

So, I think the answer is . . . We'll see, and we'll see how long it takes for this trade to play dividends. Remember, it doesn't matter how many goals Tage Thompson scores, that was a GOOD trade! Judge it by how Mailloux performs for the Blues, but give the young man due time to adjust.

[leedog68]

They were saying on 101 that there were only (I think) 5 right shot defensemen under 25 with 30 points are more in the entire NHL last year, and one of them just signed a monster deal with Edmonton. We just got someone that will have a good shot at that on ELC.

[theograce]

They were saying on 101 that there were only (I think) 5 right shot defensemen under 25 with 30 points are more in the entire NHL last year, and one of them just signed a monster deal with Edmonton. We just got someone that will have a good shot at that on ELC.

It’s not about points really.

[Aesa]

They were saying on 101 that there were only (I think) 5 right shot defensemen under 25 with 30 points are more in the entire NHL last year, and one of them just signed a monster deal with Edmonton. We just got someone that will have a good shot at that on ELC.

It’s not about points really.

Not the top priority for a defenseman, but most certainly an added bonus.

[leedog68]

They were saying on 101 that there were only (I think) 5 right shot defensemen under 25 with 30 points are more in the entire NHL last year, and one of them just signed a monster deal with Edmonton. We just got someone that will have a good shot at that on ELC.

It’s not about points really.

Then why do we care about Bolduc leaving?
I know there is more to playing D than scoring even if the people voting for the Norris don't.

[iowa blues fan]

I predict the amateur GM’s on this site will look at this next years performance by the two players and say we lost, rather than appropriately waiting 2 to 3 years before deciding on this trade.

[theograce]

They were saying on 101 that there were only (I think) 5 right shot defensemen under 25 with 30 points are more in the entire NHL last year, and one of them just signed a monster deal with Edmonton. We just got someone that will have a good shot at that on ELC.

It’s not about points really.

Then why do we care about Bolduc leaving?
I know there is more to playing D than scoring even if the people voting for the Norris don't.

Because Bolduc was putting it all together and had fire in his belly.

[Maplebutterworth]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

I remember 30 years ago I thought Shanahan was a massive overpay for just Pronger and that worked out! Lol

Not saying LM will be the next Pronger by any means, but let’s give it time and see what happens.

Working out doesn't mean you didn't overpay

I beg to differ.

[JoshInFenton]

I believe that as of today we are slightly worse for the upcoming season, but in a much better position in 2-3 years time assuming that we gained a top 4 defensmen, specifically a RD. Bolduc is better right here and now though, and i do think it's going to give time to joseph/texier that otherwise didn't likely exist, but definitely will be felt. I think the center swap is slightly better for us, moreso in the fact that it means Bjugstad can provide some offense on the 3rd line, and allows Sunny to move to the 4th line. Next year, it gives you the opportunity to slide him down to more of a 4th line C when it's more likely Dvorsky has built up his frame sufficiently to be an NHL caliber Center that can take the wear and tear. We are still somewhat weak down the middle this year, but it's acceptable.

[zamadoo]

Better than the end of last season when we broke the team record for consecutive wins?

Or better than the start of last season?

Or better than July 1st last year?

Hard to say for the first two, but we're miles ahead of where we were 1 year ago to the day.

Lots of unknowns right now.

[dhsux]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

I remember 30 years ago I thought Shanahan was a massive overpay for just Pronger and that worked out! Lol

Not saying LM will be the next Pronger by any means, but let’s give it time and see what happens.

Working out doesn't mean you didn't overpay

A 2 hour analysis.

We are all doing it.

Not worth a lot is it?

I like Zach a lot and I do believe he proved himself to a great point....so "overpay" , for now, is an appearance but not a reality.

I keep going back to DA and staff. I'll put my money there for right now.

[TC1985]

Hate losing ZD but I think they are trying to put the team together for the long haul and to actually have a team that can compete with the edmontons and floridas of the league. I trust Army and his staff. Hopefully by mid season this team will come together like they did this past season. lGB’s!

[hockey jedi]

The Blues scored 254 goals last year and gave up 233. The goal differential was 21. I believe that we will significantly improve in all three areas as a result of the changes to the roster. We have a better more balanced team that will make the playoffs AND we have a great group of prospects that can season properly. I will miss Bolduc, but I missed Robbie Fabbri and Tage Thompson too.