Who to pair with Mailloux?

[Cardsfan1586]

I've been reading a ton on Lindstein amongst all this Byram smoke. The more I read, the more I simply want Lindstein to be our 2nd pair LHD.
He's about as steady on D as you want. Yes, he's only 6ft tall, but he's about 200lbs. With that said, I think he'd make the perfect partner for Mailloux whose, at this stage, more offensive than defensive.

Broberg-Parayko

Lindstein-Mailloux

Tucker-X

Bored at work.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I've been reading a ton on Lindstein amongst all this Byram smoke. The more I read, the more I simply want Lindstein to be our 2nd pair LHD.
He's about as steady on D as you want. Yes, he's only 6ft tall, but he's about 200lbs. With that said, I think he'd make the perfect partner for Mailloux whose, at this stage, more offensive than defensive.

Broberg-Parayko

Lindstein-Mailloux

Tucker-X

Bored at work.

If DA trades Lindstein, Fischer, Stenberg or Stancl before they reach the NHL, I'll probably be disappointed. Most likely I will end up being disappointed. But yeah, Lindstein would be the most painful.

[STL fan in MN]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

DA said that Monty really likes Tucker (could just be coach speak but he did insert him in the playoffs). I thought Tucker looked much better at the end of the year. If this is the opening night defense, I think Tucker/Mailloux will get their chance on that 3rd pairing. I don't really want a vet if he's in that 35 to 40 yo range. But, I think the Blues will make this decision based upon what they think will give Mailloux the best chance to succeed. They have a ton of front office credibility riding on his development. If they think Mailloux needs a vet next to him, they'll find one.

[bluetunehead]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

I assume he's talking about where he wants Lindstein in a few seasons, since nobody is expecting Mailloux to be a 2nd pair guy this year either.

[Harry York 37]

I see Tucker still fighting the urge to make daring, but unwise pinches. I never played Defense, so my eye is not so good on Defensemen. Is it a lot more than that for him?

It seemed like Tucker learned a lot playing with Ryan Suter.


Speaking of younger Defenseman-
In my opinion, Broberg is getting stifled playing with Faulk. For all Faulk's faults, he has been our best offensive defenseman. Fowler looks better, to me but he has not displaced him yet. Still, I see Broberg hanging back while Faulk joins the rush. Broberg is almost as fast as Kyrou and has great mitts. I would love to see him get more chances to join or lead a rush.

[zamadoo]

In an interview, Mailloux said he knows Tucker. I'm not sure how well or where the connection is, but some familiarity there could blossom into 3rd pairing chemistry.

[noted]

Pairs for 2025:
Fowler / Parayko
Broberg / Faulk
Tucker / Mailloux

Pairs for 2026:
Fowler / Parayko
Broberg / Mailloux
Tucker / Faulk

[HighStick]

Mailloux sounds like a young Gronk. Hockeys version at least. Let's hope he's half as good.

[Frank Barone]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

I agree the Blues will likely sign a vet LD sometime before camp. I think the Blues would then keep 8 defensemen on the roster as they would not want to risk losing Tucker or Kessel to waivers.

That would leave Joseph, Texier and Alexandrov (if he signs) to fight for one spot. If Dvorsky makes the team day one, the math gets harder these guys.

Injuries in camp could change all of this, but it's best to keep the depth until you need it or you need to cut down the roster.

[STL fan in MN]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

DA said that Monty really likes Tucker (could just be coach speak but he did insert him in the playoffs). I thought Tucker looked much better at the end of the year. If this is the opening night defense, I think Tucker/Mailloux will get their chance on that 3rd pairing. I don't really want a vet if he's in that 35 to 40 yo range. But, I think the Blues will make this decision based upon what they think will give Mailloux the best chance to succeed. They have a ton of front office credibility riding on his development. If they think Mailloux needs a vet next to him, they'll find one.

I would think a vet more in the 28-33 range but for a 1 year deal, I really wouldn’t care if the guy was 35+ if he was deemed the right guy.

You’re not going to get an established stud for approx $1M or near league minimum. But a guy that got squeezed out and wants to stay in the league can usually be had for pretty cheap. There’s all sorts of bargain deals signed later in the summer that end up working out well. Even if the guy slots in more as the #7 guy, I think we could really use that sort of depth/cushion for when the inevitable injuries occur.

[The Average Gatsby]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

DA said that Monty really likes Tucker (could just be coach speak but he did insert him in the playoffs). I thought Tucker looked much better at the end of the year. If this is the opening night defense, I think Tucker/Mailloux will get their chance on that 3rd pairing. I don't really want a vet if he's in that 35 to 40 yo range. But, I think the Blues will make this decision based upon what they think will give Mailloux the best chance to succeed. They have a ton of front office credibility riding on his development. If they think Mailloux needs a vet next to him, they'll find one.

I would think a vet more in the 28-33 range but for a 1 year deal, I really wouldn’t care if the guy was 35+ if he was deemed the right guy.

You’re not going to get an established stud for approx $1M or near league minimum. But a guy that got squeezed out and wants to stay in the league can usually be had for pretty cheap. There’s all sorts of bargain deals signed later in the summer that end up working out well. Even if the guy slots in more as the #7 guy, I think we could really use that sort of depth/cushion for when the inevitable injuries occur.

A vet like Ryan Suter could fit this bill if he’s comfortable being the 7th guy. If Tucker and Mailloux as a pairing is working fine then he’s the odd man out. But if one or the other is struggling he gets the call.

[STL fan in MN]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

DA said that Monty really likes Tucker (could just be coach speak but he did insert him in the playoffs). I thought Tucker looked much better at the end of the year. If this is the opening night defense, I think Tucker/Mailloux will get their chance on that 3rd pairing. I don't really want a vet if he's in that 35 to 40 yo range. But, I think the Blues will make this decision based upon what they think will give Mailloux the best chance to succeed. They have a ton of front office credibility riding on his development. If they think Mailloux needs a vet next to him, they'll find one.

I would think a vet more in the 28-33 range but for a 1 year deal, I really wouldn’t care if the guy was 35+ if he was deemed the right guy.

You’re not going to get an established stud for approx $1M or near league minimum. But a guy that got squeezed out and wants to stay in the league can usually be had for pretty cheap. There’s all sorts of bargain deals signed later in the summer that end up working out well. Even if the guy slots in more as the #7 guy, I think we could really use that sort of depth/cushion for when the inevitable injuries occur.

A vet like Ryan Suter could fit this bill if he’s comfortable being the 7th guy. If Tucker and Mailloux as a pairing is working fine then he’s the odd man out. But if one or the other is struggling he gets the call.

Suter wouldn’t be my first choice given his age but yeah, someone like that. But only if he’s willing to sign for cheap. No more games played bonuses!

Other d-men I see still available include:

Alec Martinez
TJ Brodie
Calvin de Haan
Jon Merrill
Brendan Smith
Oliver Kylingron
Erik Johnson*
Jack Johnson

*Hopefully EJ is past his getting questioned by the cops making out with girls in Al MacInnis’ driveway phase

Not exciting names but neither was Suter. Just some guy that you know can eat some minutes if you need him to.

Matt Grzelcyk is still unsigned too but I doubt he'd sign for the $775k-$1M range I'd be looking for.

[sneptsmoustache]

I would love to see Mailloux get some time with Fowler, leaving Broberg/Parayko and Tucker/Faulk as the other pairs. I certainly wouldn't want that to be my default pairings for 82 games, but it would be great for his development to have Fowler on his left side at certain points during the season.

[skilles]

Lindstein could be the 2LD…for Springfield.

I’m about as big of a Lindstein supporter as you’re going to find on this board but he just isn’t ready yet. I expect his main issue in the AHL this season will be him learning how to handle bigger, stronger forwards in front of the net and in the corners.

He’s quite ahead of the curve in terms of his defensive play, hockey sense, decision making etc but he’s still going to need a year or two to bulk up his body to be able to handle NHL forwards IMO. And adjust to the smaller ice and continue to refine his game.

Also, where the heck did Fowler and Faulk go in your proposed pairings??!

To me, the obvious top-4 would be:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk

That’s pretty much leave Tucker-Mailloux as the 3rd pairing with Kessel as the likely #7 guy.

That said, I feel pretty uneasy with a Tucker-Mailloux pairing. Tucker’s a poor skater, makes plenty of defensive miscues of his own and neither is very experienced. For them to break Mailloux into the league, he could ideally use a bit more experienced partner.

But playing Mailloux with either Fowler or Broberg likely either underutilizes one of those lefties, or overutilizes and thus overexposes Mailloux.

So maybe they could sign some cheap vet that’s still sitting out there as a UFA? Or make a minor trade for one if there’s a team that ends up with too many d-men mid-way through camp or something?

I’d feel more comfortable if the D looked something like this:

Fowler-Parayko
Broberg-Faulk
Experienced vet making ~ $1M-Mailloux
Tucker

Last season, we had 11 d-men play games for the Blues. We lack depth on D now. Could really use a cheap depth vet signing IMO.

Ideally we need to swap Texier and/or Joseph for d IMO, we don't need the extra forwards as much.

[dhsux]

I'm pleased to see all thinking JM makes the opening night roster. I wasn't so sure about this myself but I want him to no matter even if it pushes the envelop a bit.

He's had a lot to battle, circumstances in and out of his own control and he's lost valuable time doing it but his last season was his best and that's a good sign going forward.

Giving up a Zach Bolduc all said and done I really want this trade to not just work out but to clearly fall in the Blues favor.

I do liken it to the Shanahan/Pronger trade in a few ways, not in weight but still, a trade that appears obvious but really did go a different way.