Lines anyone?

[dp88]

The lines that begin the season will 100% NOT be the lines that end the season. As long as Kyrou is here, Schenn will br his center to keep him honest.

With Leddy getting claimed, any thought the Blues might try the same with Faulk?

Not unless they acquired another dman. I imagine if they had acquired Byram who they are rumored to be in on, they had a plan to get rid of Faulk somehow, either by trade or waivers.

[dp88]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

[Ace07]

Missing Bolduc.

[Harry York 37]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

[Quas]

Missing Bolduc

Bolduc had become one of my favorite players, so I was bummed that he was traded, but apparently the coaches like Snuggarud a lot more based on usage at the end of the year and in the playoffs. Since they couldn’t move Kyrou, they could afford to make this move. Snuggie was better than I expected and showed some good hockey sense picking off passes on the breakout. Personally I like Bolduc better than Kyrou for what he brings physically which I think will work better in playoff hockey, even though Kyrou may be the better player as far as offensive performer.

[Harry York 37]

Missing Bolduc

Bolduc had become one of my favorite players, so I was bummed that he was traded, but apparently the coaches like Snuggarud a lot more based on usage at the end of the year and in the playoffs. Since they couldn’t move Kyrou, they could afford to make this move. Snuggie was better than I expected and showed some good hockey sense picking off passes on the breakout. Personally I like Bolduc better than Kyrou for what he brings physically which I think will work better in playoff hockey, even though Kyrou may be the better player as far as offensive performer.

Bolduc grew a great deal from the beginning of the season to the end. He seemed to be patient and confident in his learning curve.
The defensive responsibilities in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are off the hook high. I guess they felt his offensive production didn’t make up for his defensive play…

[zamadoo]

Missing Bolduc

Bolduc had become one of my favorite players, so I was bummed that he was traded, but apparently the coaches like Snuggarud a lot more based on usage at the end of the year and in the playoffs. Since they couldn’t move Kyrou, they could afford to make this move. Snuggie was better than I expected and showed some good hockey sense picking off passes on the breakout. Personally I like Bolduc better than Kyrou for what he brings physically which I think will work better in playoff hockey, even though Kyrou may be the better player as far as offensive performer.

Bolduc grew a great deal from the beginning of the season to the end. He seemed to be patient and confident in his learning curve.
The defensive responsibilities in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are off the hook high. I guess they felt his offensive production didn’t make up for his defensive play…

I thought he also made some surprisingly bad (stupid) plays with the puck as well. One that stands out was where went with it coming out of his own end at the blue line. It was one of those times when I thought "I'm going to ignore that because I like him so much, and as a homer don't believe he's actually that dumb."

But hey, he was only 21 and did make a ton of progress over the course of the season.

[Stlcardsblues]

Appreciate the offer but my partying days are behind me..

Looking to see if anyone made a Grandmaster Flash reference.

[Harry York 37]

Missing Bolduc

Bolduc had become one of my favorite players, so I was bummed that he was traded, but apparently the coaches like Snuggarud a lot more based on usage at the end of the year and in the playoffs. Since they couldn’t move Kyrou, they could afford to make this move. Snuggie was better than I expected and showed some good hockey sense picking off passes on the breakout. Personally I like Bolduc better than Kyrou for what he brings physically which I think will work better in playoff hockey, even though Kyrou may be the better player as far as offensive performer.

Bolduc grew a great deal from the beginning of the season to the end. He seemed to be patient and confident in his learning curve.
The defensive responsibilities in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are off the hook high. I guess they felt his offensive production didn’t make up for his defensive play…

I thought he also made some surprisingly bad (stupid) plays with the puck as well. One that stands out was where went with it coming out of his own end at the blue line. It was one of those times when I thought "I'm going to ignore that because I like him so much, and as a homer don't believe he's actually that dumb."

But hey, he was only 21 and did make a ton of progress over the course of the season.

All true.

The playoffs are a completely different animal than the regular season. It's sobering how a single dumb (donkey), thoughtless, or lazy play can turn a game and a series around. It's not like the wide-open good old days.

[clemonsonroots]

The lines that begin the season will 100% NOT be the lines that end the season. As long as Kyrou is here, Schenn will br his center to keep him honest.

With Leddy getting claimed, any thought the Blues might try the same with Faulk?

maybe next season, but I would bet someone would want to trade for him.

[dp88]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

I'm not sure Dean made enough progress to push for a 3rd line role last season. His season was injury riddled and limited him to only like 10 games. If they put Sunny any higher than the 4th line, I will go crazy. Bjugstad had 20 goals 2 seasons ago on Coyote's 3rd line. Last season Utah went with youth and he was limited to 4th line so his production dropped. He could still get to 20 again, which is better than any of the other options currently on the roster, if Dvorsky doesn't make it.

[Harry S Deals]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

I'm not sure Dean made enough progress to push for a 3rd line role last season. His season was injury riddled and limited him to only like 10 games. If they put Sunny any higher than the 4th line, I will go crazy. Bjugstad had 20 goals 2 seasons ago on Coyote's 3rd line. Last season Utah went with youth and he was limited to 4th line so his production dropped. He could still get to 20 again, which is better than any of the other options currently on the roster, if Dvorsky doesn't make it.

Zach Dean would really have to blow management away in camp to grab spot this year. That would likely mean that one of Joseph or Texier is waived or dealt. Would love to see it happen but i think Dean will be healthier and productive in the AHL this year and Dean will get a call up at some point

[Harry York 37]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

I'm not sure Dean made enough progress to push for a 3rd line role last season. His season was injury riddled and limited him to only like 10 games. If they put Sunny any higher than the 4th line, I will go crazy. Bjugstad had 20 goals 2 seasons ago on Coyote's 3rd line. Last season Utah went with youth and he was limited to 4th line so his production dropped. He could still get to 20 again, which is better than any of the other options currently on the roster, if Dvorsky doesn't make it.

Zach Dean would really have to blow management away in camp to grab spot this year. That would likely mean that one of Joseph or Texier is waived or dealt. Would love to see it happen but i think Dean will be healthier and productive in the AHL this year and Dean will get a call up at some point

I have little doubt, that if we had drafted Dean in the first round in 2021 instead of trading for him a year later, we would be a lot more excited about his abilities. I think he got lost in the shuffle.

He has been a monster in every playoff series in which I can find data. He strikes me as a calmer Holloway- more calculating and less manic.
He had a tough first year in the pros. it happens. He got a nine game look at the end of the '24 season and the GF and I watched from behind the Anaheim net as he and Alexandrov got some ice time. Alexandrov was as graceful as a swan, but got jostled more than he was used to. Dean looked poised and steady- but nothing more.
Last year he got hurt pretty early and missed 80% of the season. He must have used his recovery time to watch, listen, and train like hell because he came back for the last few games and the Playoffs lookin' like an AHL phenom.

Here is a scouting report from his draft year:
Dean plays at a breakneck pace, stacking his skill as a handler and a passer on top of his skating ability to make plays without a moment’s hesitation. His hands work independent of his feet, with his top arm free from his side, pushed out well in front of him to grant him as much manoeuvrability as possible. If you get open, he’ll get you the puck. It’s just that simple. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide


Did I mention that he has been a stud in every Playoff series for which I can find data?

Dean is my Dark Horse this Fall.

[Harry York 37]

Highlight clips of Dean's last week in the AHL
Here is his first game back after the long recovery. The TBirds were down by two goals and Dean passed to the point. He drove straIght to the net and occupied the Goalie as Dvo took his time and nailed it. He tied the game on an exquisite feed from Stenberg and his Celly involved steam-rolling a defender into the back boards and almost to his knees.

https://springfieldthunderbirds.com/new ... heckers-pk

A few days later, the playoffs opened up and so did Dean. He scored the first goal in the only game they would win. Dvo cut off a clearing pass near the blue line and slid a saucer through a defender's skates to Dean cutting to the net. Dean ripped a backhander in the blink of an eye and the TBirds were off. Colten Ellis was an acrobatic beast to seal the victory,
https://springfieldthunderbirds.com/new ... eal-game-1

[noted]

Holloway - Thomas - Kyrou
Buchnevich - Suter - Snuggerud
Neighbours - Schenn - Dvorsky
Walker - Bjugstad - Toropchenko
Extras: Sundqvist and Joseph
Texier traded for an 8th round pick (yes I know those don't exist)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

[zamadoo]

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Suter - Dvorsky/Bjugstad
I see Dean doing his damndest for RW here. Texier has great tools but doesn't seem to have to toughness or desire. Maybe DVO. Carbo would be a large liability on D. Bolduc had a helluva time figuring this out. If none of the aforementioned can cut it- 3RW belongs to Sunny

Walker - Bjugstad/Sundqvist - Toropchenko
IF Sunny takes 3rd line RW I like this. If not Sunny rotates with these fellows

Extras: Texier - Joseph (one of them waived if Dvorsky makes it)

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk (hopefully his replacement is coming before the season starts)
Tucker - Mailloux
Extra: Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

I'm not sure Dean made enough progress to push for a 3rd line role last season. His season was injury riddled and limited him to only like 10 games. If they put Sunny any higher than the 4th line, I will go crazy. Bjugstad had 20 goals 2 seasons ago on Coyote's 3rd line. Last season Utah went with youth and he was limited to 4th line so his production dropped. He could still get to 20 again, which is better than any of the other options currently on the roster, if Dvorsky doesn't make it.

Zach Dean would really have to blow management away in camp to grab spot this year. That would likely mean that one of Joseph or Texier is waived or dealt. Would love to see it happen but i think Dean will be healthier and productive in the AHL this year and Dean will get a call up at some point

I have little doubt, that if we had drafted Dean in the first round in 2021 instead of trading for him a year later, we would be a lot more excited about his abilities. I think he got lost in the shuffle.

He has been a monster in every playoff series in which I can find data. He strikes me as a calmer Holloway- more calculating and less manic.
He had a tough first year in the pros. it happens. He got a nine game look at the end of the '24 season and the GF and I watched from behind the Anaheim net as he and Alexandrov got some ice time. Alexandrov was as graceful as a swan, but got jostled more than he was used to. Dean looked poised and steady- but nothing more.
Last year he got hurt pretty early and missed 80% of the season. He must have used his recovery time to watch, listen, and train like hell because he came back for the last few games and the Playoffs lookin' like an AHL phenom.

Here is a scouting report from his draft year:
Dean plays at a breakneck pace, stacking his skill as a handler and a passer on top of his skating ability to make plays without a moment’s hesitation. His hands work independent of his feet, with his top arm free from his side, pushed out well in front of him to grant him as much manoeuvrability as possible. If you get open, he’ll get you the puck. It’s just that simple. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide


Did I mention that he has been a stud in every Playoff series for which I can find data?

Dean is my Dark Horse this Fall.

Completely agree, and can say the same about the bolded. He looked good (for his age) in his brief Blues stint, and last offseason I thought he stood above the rest of the prospects (other than maybe Bolduc) and looked like he was ready.

prospect profile from draft year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3rcYbx ... adarHockey

shift by shift vid from March of his draft year 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEsfbu ... ilsPodcast

last year's prospect tournament vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA3YDqR ... ewDeFranks

big hit at WJC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y8OaDK ... mChippeway