Why the Blues want to trade Kyrou

[dhsux]

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

Agree 100 percent with that.

Regardless of his linemates over the past 4-5 seasons, Kyrou consistently scores goals few others on Blues can.

I agree, but now I think Snuggerudd is also on that tier of goal scorer. Carbonneau will be that eventually.

Goodness, I don't want to forget about Dvorsky!

Edit: Actually, I want to also mention something that drives me nuts about Kyrou: Elite skating, but almost never uses it to drive to the net. I hardly see him blowing by defenders, and perhaps they are watching for him, though he has been using the wrap-around a lot recently. He's done better at chipping the puck in deep rather than doing that insanely maddening turnaround (and turnover) at the blueline.

Faster linemates would help with that, otherwise people would be complaining; why is he trying to go 1 on 3??

Yes, as has been noted, Holloway vastly helped Kyrou by being the leading forechecker who can drive the line with his speed and tenacity. It doesn't stop Kyrou from going 1 on 3, where he has impressive success sometimes, but it has helped him.

For "The Fastest Skater" ASG Winner, it is puzzling. Perron and Oshie made those plays happen. Why can't Kyrou?

Maybe because Zam is saying it does.

I guy with a open mind like yours should see that.

Good grief.

[Nublues69]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

[a smell of green grass]

He led the team in goals (36) and in +/- (+23). Trade the bum

How can you be surprised?

Every year, BluesTalk snubs their noses at the top-scoring standout prospects in the NHL draft. They don't care that the players selected early in the draft scored 1000 points.

Army wants to select at 15 or lower, and that is all that BluesTalk needs to know. That pick will work just fine for them. Stats be damned.

At the present time, many think that Army wants to trade Kyrou. That being the case, forget Kryou like everyone else forgets Bolduc.

[Nublues69]

He led the team in goals (36) and in +/- (+23). Trade the bum

How can you be surprised?

Every year, BluesTalk snubs their noses at the top-scoring standout prospects in the NHL draft. They don't care that the players selected early in the draft scored 1000 points.

Army wants to select at 15 or lower, and that is all that BluesTalk needs to know. That pick will work just fine for them. Stats be damned.

At the present time, many think that Army wants to trade Kyrou. That being the case, forget Kryou like everyone else forgets Bolduc.

LOL coming from jolly green Smellyasssss lol

[zamadoo]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

[netboy65]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

[netboy65]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

Kyrou's plus minus with Thomas has always been miserable.
Zamadoo is right on about the magic that truly appears ONLY when Kyrou is paired with Schenn and, most importantly, Holloway.

Second verse same as the first!
Henry the Eighth I am…..

You’re like a broken record

Perhaps, but my vinyl has a bit of an open mind, while yours is dead-ended straight into the run-out groove. I admit that another year of Holloway (and Schenn) can "show Kyrou the Way" and maybe the lesson will stick. I admit that chance. It might even be called a likelihood.
I desperately never want to see Kryou play 20 shifts a game in the playoffs, appearing as though he doesn't want to win very much.
You have tunnel-vision,

No, I don’t. I recognize that most players have flaws, JK included, however I also recognize that he has incredible talent and that’s something you can’t teach, nor is it something you just “throw away” because he’s not playing the way some fan on a chat board wants him to. So the constant bashing on this forum as well as you pretending to know what’s going on in his head or the amount of effort he’s giving causes me to react.

[zamadoo]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

He scored 2 PP goals, one in garbage time on a 7-2 win where he was -1, but did have an early ES goal in game 7.

Those were his only points. I agree that others, like Broberg and Bolduc, should've had more points, but Kyrou was outscored by:

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd (in that order)

Tied for 11th in points (8th amongst forwards), and 9th on the team in ATOI (5th amongst forwards, but I think he missed time after running into Stanley).

[2forDiving]

On the Janssen / Strickland podcast, they both stated that Kyrou was never really on the trade block. Someone threw his name out there and teams started calling Armstrong about him.

Since Armstrong is a good GM, he'd listen to the offers, but they both said he was never really on the table.

That echoes what Friedman said as well last week.

[ManitobaBlues]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

Kyrou's plus minus with Thomas has always been miserable.
Zamadoo is right on about the magic that truly appears ONLY when Kyrou is paired with Schenn and, most importantly, Holloway.

Second verse same as the first!
Henry the Eighth I am…..

You’re like a broken record

Perhaps, but my vinyl has a bit of an open mind, while yours is dead-ended straight into the run-out groove. I admit that another year of Holloway (and Schenn) can "show Kyrou the Way" and maybe the lesson will stick. I admit that chance. It might even be called a likelihood.
I desperately never want to see Kryou play 20 shifts a game in the playoffs, appearing as though he doesn't want to win very much.
You have tunnel-vision,

No, I don’t. I recognize that most players have flaws, JK included, however I also recognize that he has incredible talent and that’s something you can’t teach, nor is it something you just “throw away” because he’s not playing the way some fan on a chat board wants him to. So the constant bashing on this forum as well as you pretending to know what’s going on in his head or the amount of effort he’s giving causes me to react.

Here we go again with spreading misinformation. No one said they want Kyrou to be a 4th liner. Armstrong said it, Berube said it, Montgomery said it.....200ft player with these 3 skills below

This what NHL Scouts are saying this on Kyrou right now and this is what Army and Monty want from Kyrou.

Consistency: While Kyrou has shown glimpses of elite scoring talent, his performance has been described as inconsistent at times. He's had periods where he struggles to find the back of the net or maintain his offensive production. A more consistent effort throughout the season could elevate him to a true point-per-game pace and solidify his position as a top scorer.

Two-way Game: While he's shown some flashes of defensive ability, such as blocking passing lanes and battling for pucks, there's always room to improve his all-around game. Kyrou is too easily knocked off the puck along the boards, suggesting a need to enhance his puck protection and physicality.

Decision-Making: Tries to do too much by himself and didn't always utilize his teammates effectively. Developing a better understanding of when to make plays and when to rely on linemates could make him an even more dynamic offensive threat

[Harry S Deals]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

He scored 2 PP goals, one in garbage time on a 7-2 win where he was -1, but did have an early ES goal in game 7.

Those were his only points. I agree that others, like Broberg and Bolduc, should've had more points, but Kyrou was outscored by:

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd (in that order)

Tied for 11th in points (8th amongst forwards), and 9th on the team in ATOI (5th amongst forwards, but I think he missed time after running into Stanley).

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd

Outscored? Kyrou was tied with the team lead at 3 goals. Deep dive the quality of the goals all you want but he scored the first goal in Game 7, biggest game of the season. Not sure what else fans want from him. Yes we would all like some more intensity on the puck, perhaps passion but Kyrou is a pure goal scorer and you have to score goals to win games. Im sure he had some side effect from getting rocked by Stanley but he didnt miss a game or a shift.

[SpacemanSpiff]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

To this point - when you watched Kyrou play with Thomas, he would defer and just become the F3, and he would routinely not engage on the forecheck. Playing with Holloway and Schenn got Kyrou forechecking harder and between the three of them, they had a much faster and more efficient offensive rotation, which in turn made that line dangerous, as you had no idea who was going to be the F3 - there was a faster rotation between F1 / F2 and F3.

With his speed, he should be a great forechecker - you don't have to be a big hitter to be an effective forechecker - you simply have to get in on the defence quickly and force them into moving the puck quicker than they wanted to.

He's been much better with that by playing with Holloway and Schenn.

[zamadoo]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

He scored 2 PP goals, one in garbage time on a 7-2 win where he was -1, but did have an early ES goal in game 7.

Those were his only points. I agree that others, like Broberg and Bolduc, should've had more points, but Kyrou was outscored by:

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd (in that order)

Tied for 11th in points (8th amongst forwards), and 9th on the team in ATOI (5th amongst forwards, but I think he missed time after running into Stanley).

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd

Outscored? Kyrou was tied with the team lead at 3 goals. Deep dive the quality of the goals all you want but he scored the first goal in Game 7, biggest game of the season. Not sure what else fans want from him. Yes we would all like some more intensity on the puck, perhaps passion but Kyrou is a pure goal scorer and you have to score goals to win games. Im sure he had some side effect from getting rocked by Stanley but he didnt miss a game or a shift.

Yes, 3 goals and 0 assists. I give him credit for having the most goals and a timely goal in game 7. My point here is that we had a good team with a lot of players playing a team game, which is what it takes to advance in the playoffs. Once Holloway went down, that line lost its effect, and Kyrou's 5v5 game didn't elevate anyone in the playoffs. He is what he is, and I'm simply analysing that.

To this point - when you watched Kyrou play with Thomas, he would defer and just become the F3, and he would routinely not engage on the forecheck. Playing with Holloway and Schenn got Kyrou forechecking harder and between the three of them, they had a much faster and more efficient offensive rotation, which in turn made that line dangerous, as you had no idea who was going to be the F3 - there was a faster rotation between F1 / F2 and F3.

With his speed, he should be a great forechecker - you don't have to be a big hitter to be an effective forechecker - you simply have to get in on the defence quickly and force them into moving the puck quicker than they wanted to.

He's been much better with that by playing with Holloway and Schenn.

Great points, I agree.

[ManitobaBlues]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

He scored 2 PP goals, one in garbage time on a 7-2 win where he was -1, but did have an early ES goal in game 7.

Those were his only points. I agree that others, like Broberg and Bolduc, should've had more points, but Kyrou was outscored by:

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd (in that order)

Tied for 11th in points (8th amongst forwards), and 9th on the team in ATOI (5th amongst forwards, but I think he missed time after running into Stanley).

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd

Outscored? Kyrou was tied with the team lead at 3 goals. Deep dive the quality of the goals all you want but he scored the first goal in Game 7, biggest game of the season. Not sure what else fans want from him. Yes we would all like some more intensity on the puck, perhaps passion but Kyrou is a pure goal scorer and you have to score goals to win games. Im sure he had some side effect from getting rocked by Stanley but he didnt miss a game or a shift.

The memo didn't reach Kyrou that playoff hockey is less a graceful ballet and more a gladiatorial skirmish on ice. Getting introduced to Stanley in such a dramatic fashion should have been his cue to start training for 'Cage Match: The Hockey Edition'. His regular season performances are fantastic for those who enjoy speed and scoring fireworks, but when the postseason hits, it's time for the dainty stickhandling to take a backseat to some serious grunt work. It's not about becoming a brick wall, but maybe something a bit more substantial than a speed bump. Just add a little beef to that game, Jordan, so he doesn't get tossed around like a salad in a tornado.

[a smell of green grass]

The memo didn't reach Kyrou that playoff hockey is less a graceful ballet and more a gladiatorial skirmish on ice. Getting introduced to Stanley in such a dramatic fashion should have been his cue to start training for 'Cage Match: The Hockey Edition'. His regular season performances are fantastic for those who enjoy speed and scoring fireworks, but when the postseason hits, it's time for the dainty stickhandling to take a backseat to some serious grunt work. It's not about becoming a brick wall, but maybe something a bit more substantial than a speed bump. Just add a little beef to that game, Jordan, so he doesn't get tossed around like a salad in a tornado.

Bravo. Bravo. Here is a man that was born to be a hockey coach.

I nominate ManitobaBlues to be the Blues 2nd-period BLUESFAN motivational speaker. And I want audio. And gimme a camera focused on the whites of Kyrou's eyes.

[Younghopp1991]

[Kyrou] failed to stick and build chemistry with Thomas over several seasons.

Not trying to start a fight, but curious why you repeat that.

In his three previous seasons, primarily with The Thompson, he scored 95 goals, had his two best point seasons, best assist season and best goal season.

My (sometimes bad) memory is that the play of each suffered without the other

My (also sometimes bad) memory is that he's been moved off of Thomas' wing repeatedly, and my argument would be that it's not because of total points scored in a season. He's going to score. No argument there. He just had his best season overall playing with Holloway and Schenn, two guys who will battle on the forecheck and do the dirty work (like Neighbours, who had chemistry with Thomas). My opinion is that Kyrou's lack of forechecking and puck retrieval ability, along with Thomas/Kyrou/Buch always deferring to each other instead of shooting (driving Blues fans and John Kelly crazy), led to three different coaches splitting them up. I would also say part of that was to spread out the scoring talent.

he was moved off to spread out the talent. Then when halloway came they were basically the best line for blues

That is a possibility, and I don't completely deny your opinion. However, my opinion, while already stated in several ways (and always subject to change), is that Kyrou was -38 and Thomas -8 in 22/23 when the collapse began. There were notable issues with that 1st line which failed to lead the team by example. Thomas went down in points to sub-70. Then, the next season, Thomas immediately bumped back up to 80+ points and has never looked back. Finally, last season, when not paired together for the best winning streak in Blues franchise history, both Thomas and Kyrou had career performances, despite Buch having down years offensively. Meanwhile, in the playoffs, Buch was a PPG player and looked the part carrying a rookie with a handful of games under his belt, while Kyrou scored only 3 goals and no assists while carrying no one. Thomas (also a PPG playoff performer) and Buch both had more hits than Kyrou, who had 7 in 7 games. My opinion remains that Kyrou does not drive play, does not carry his linemates, but can score a lot (and even in timely fashion) when paired with teammates who do the heavy lifting (Holloway), and has improved his play away from the puck over the years, including on the backcheck.

Scored only 3 goals yet still led the team. Where the farg was everyone else?

He scored 2 PP goals, one in garbage time on a 7-2 win where he was -1, but did have an early ES goal in game 7.

Those were his only points. I agree that others, like Broberg and Bolduc, should've had more points, but Kyrou was outscored by:

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd (in that order)

Tied for 11th in points (8th amongst forwards), and 9th on the team in ATOI (5th amongst forwards, but I think he missed time after running into Stanley).

Fowler, Thomas, Buch, Parayko, Neighbours, Faksa, Walker, Toropchenko, and Snuggerudd

Outscored? Kyrou was tied with the team lead at 3 goals. Deep dive the quality of the goals all you want but he scored the first goal in Game 7, biggest game of the season. Not sure what else fans want from him. Yes we would all like some more intensity on the puck, perhaps passion but Kyrou is a pure goal scorer and you have to score goals to win games. Im sure he had some side effect from getting rocked by Stanley but he didnt miss a game or a shift.

The memo didn't reach Kyrou that playoff hockey is less a graceful ballet and more a gladiatorial skirmish on ice. Getting introduced to Stanley in such a dramatic fashion should have been his cue to start training for 'Cage Match: The Hockey Edition'. His regular season performances are fantastic for those who enjoy speed and scoring fireworks, but when the postseason hits, it's time for the dainty stickhandling to take a backseat to some serious grunt work. It's not about becoming a brick wall, but maybe something a bit more substantial than a speed bump. Just add a little beef to that game, Jordan, so he doesn't get tossed around like a salad in a tornado.

The guy beefed up last offseason. Im sure he does again. Kyrou has performed in the playoffs and performed in this playoff. If he had assists and no goals then ge should be sciring cuz hes a goal scorer. Put up goals and assists and niw he should bang. You guys want someone to be something they are not but still strive to be.

Thomas doesnt shoot, buch does nothing but play D, schenn spend the whole series trying to flatten people, neighbours didnt create, bolduc disappeared, holloway didnt show up, parayko wasnt quite right. Most of these guys get a pass because “thats not who they are” but kyrou has to be everything while being basically the only skill player on the line. If he would have shown out hevwould be mackinnon. But we all know kyrou is not mackinnon. Probably why he only got 8mil.