Group A and Group B lines at camp today

[sneptsmoustache]

Group A:
Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Texier-Bjugstad-Carbonneau
Toropchenko-Sundqvist-Walker
Kaskimaki-Alexandrov-Wagner
Robertsson-McGing-Stancl

Fowler-Parayko
Lindstein-Kessel
Loof-Jiricek
Burns-Gaudet/Johannesson

Binnington
Hofer



Group B:
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn-Joseph
Lucic-Dvorsky-Stenberg
Pekarcik-Luff-Peterson
Bitten-Stange-Susuev

Broberg-Faulk
Tucker-Mailloux
Schueneman-Skinner
Buchinger-Kehrer

Ellis
Zherenko
Cranley


My "reading WAY too much into it" takeaways on Monty's thought process:
-Thomas/Buch/Snuggs is the incumbent first line (no surprises there)
-Sunny/Walks/Torpo is the fourth line, as of now
-Bjugstad getting a look as 3rd line C, Tex and Carb getting a chance to show some 3rd line potential. Maybe Carbo under consideration for a 9 game look
-Jiricek might be under consideration to play in the AHL this year instead of going back to juniors
-Suter getting a look at that 2nd line center instead of Schenn
-Joseph getting rewarded for a strong camp so far
-Lucic getting stuck with a couple players likely destined for the AHL and remains a huge long shot until further notice
-No real surprises in D pairings

[seattleblue]

your readings into it seem pretty fair at the moment, thanks for the thread

[DawgDad]

The early break-camp line-pairing leaders are apparent, no real surprises.

I wonder if Jiricek is playing his way out of juniors?

[STL fan in MN]

I tend to not get too worked up over training camp lines but to me this suggests today and maybe a couple more days will be Joseph’s audition for the 3RW role.

Once they cut down the roster and need fewer total lines, I’d expect both Bjugstad and Sunny to be tried in that role as well. But as of now, they still need both at C to make cohesive lines.

The early break-camp line-pairing leaders are apparent, no real surprises.

I wonder if Jiricek is playing his way out of juniors?

Maybe? Personally, I’m hoping to see him go back to Jrs but maybe I’ll have a different opinion when camp is over. He seems close from a skill/talent standpoint but he’s missed so many games the last 2 seasons and even though he’s gained 25 lbs, he’s still only at 185 lbs. He was still getting rocked in Jrs last year. IMO, it’d be best for him to try to dominate Jrs, play 25+ min a night in all situations than go to the AHL, play 3rd pairing minutes with plenty of healthy scratches likely thrown in as well. He just needs games and to stay healthy. I don’t think the AHL is the best place for that.

[sneptsmoustache]

I tend to not get too worked up over training camp lines but to me this suggests today and maybe a couple more days will be Joseph’s audition for the 3RW role.

Once they cut down the roster and need fewer total lines, I’d expect both Bjugstad and Sunny to be tried in that role as well. But as of now, they still need both at C to make cohesive lines.

The early break-camp line-pairing leaders are apparent, no real surprises.

I wonder if Jiricek is playing his way out of juniors?

Maybe? Personally, I’m hoping to see him go back to Jrs but maybe I’ll have a different opinion when camp is over. He seems close from a skill/talent standpoint but he’s missed so many games the last 2 seasons and even though he’s gained 25 lbs, he’s still only at 185 lbs. He was still getting rocked in Jrs last year. IMO, it’d be best for him to try to dominate Jrs, play 25+ min a night in all situations than go to the AHL, play 3rd pairing minutes with plenty of healthy scratches likely thrown in as well. He just needs games and to stay healthy. I don’t think the AHL is the best place for that.

That's an interesting perspective on Jiricek, makes complete sense...I had been leaning towards hoping to see him in the A, but I think you're right. I wonder if he's played well enough that they're thinking about him as first call-up should there be an injury on the right side? Kerbs and Joey were absolutely raving about his play this weekend, but I didn't watch the games.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I tend to not get too worked up over training camp lines but to me this suggests today and maybe a couple more days will be Joseph’s audition for the 3RW role.

Once they cut down the roster and need fewer total lines, I’d expect both Bjugstad and Sunny to be tried in that role as well. But as of now, they still need both at C to make cohesive lines.

The early break-camp line-pairing leaders are apparent, no real surprises.

I wonder if Jiricek is playing his way out of juniors?

Maybe? Personally, I’m hoping to see him go back to Jrs but maybe I’ll have a different opinion when camp is over. He seems close from a skill/talent standpoint but he’s missed so many games the last 2 seasons and even though he’s gained 25 lbs, he’s still only at 185 lbs. He was still getting rocked in Jrs last year. IMO, it’d be best for him to try to dominate Jrs, play 25+ min a night in all situations than go to the AHL, play 3rd pairing minutes with plenty of healthy scratches likely thrown in as well. He just needs games and to stay healthy. I don’t think the AHL is the best place for that.

You guys might be right but from what I'm seeing I have a slightly different take. I don't think Bjugstad is being considered for the 3W role, and I will be surprised if he is. I think he is your starting 4C. Sunny is the one I can't place at all. He's either press box, 4C or 3W but I don't know at all. Joseph, Texier and Stenberg are in the running for 3W. That's where I am, but I caught the very end of session 1 today. I did see all of session 2.
Mailloux had a good practice again.

[hockey jedi]

I tend to not get too worked up over training camp lines but to me this suggests today and maybe a couple more days will be Joseph’s audition for the 3RW role.

Once they cut down the roster and need fewer total lines, I’d expect both Bjugstad and Sunny to be tried in that role as well. But as of now, they still need both at C to make cohesive lines.

The early break-camp line-pairing leaders are apparent, no real surprises.

I wonder if Jiricek is playing his way out of juniors?

Maybe? Personally, I’m hoping to see him go back to Jrs but maybe I’ll have a different opinion when camp is over. He seems close from a skill/talent standpoint but he’s missed so many games the last 2 seasons and even though he’s gained 25 lbs, he’s still only at 185 lbs. He was still getting rocked in Jrs last year. IMO, it’d be best for him to try to dominate Jrs, play 25+ min a night in all situations than go to the AHL, play 3rd pairing minutes with plenty of healthy scratches likely thrown in as well. He just needs games and to stay healthy. I don’t think the AHL is the best place for that.

That's an interesting perspective on Jiricek, makes complete sense...I had been leaning towards hoping to see him in the A, but I think you're right. I wonder if he's played well enough that they're thinking about him as first call-up should there be an injury on the right side? Kerbs and Joey were absolutely raving about his play this weekend, but I didn't watch the games.

You have to believe the dedication and commitment of putting 23 pounds of muscle to his frame made the Blues management take notice.

[Harry S Deals]

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn-Joseph

Texier-Bjugstad-Carbonneau


Toropchenko-Sundqvist-Walker



Yep interesting battles lining up in camp, love it. Carbonneau is still in the mix, hes looked great he has the hockey sense and NFL body to stick. And i agree for me Jiricek is going to Springfield not back to the Q, he just looks solid. He has the size now, he is smooth and obviously skilled. He may be a lot closer to the NHL that we thought, or most of us thought. Recall the "Jiricek is a bust" bantor???

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I don't think Monty will play Carbonneau in the bottom 6 so I don't think he stays up. I could be wrong, but I will be very surprised.

[Harry S Deals]

I don't think Monty will play Carbonneau in the bottom 6 so I don't think he stays up. I could be wrong, but I will be very surprised.

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn-Joseph/Carbonneau
Toropchenko-Bjugstad-Walker/Sunny


Fowler Parayko
Broberg Faulk
Tucker Mailloux/Kessel

Texier is the odd man out, this is how im seeing it on 9/23 of course subject to change. Carbs can be sent back after the 9 game trial if required, then Monty may look at Stenberg or Dvorsky. This where i think its heading. Blues like the effort in Joseph's game, hes a helluva skater. Texier has good skills but he doesnt seem to put it together, would he be claimed if Army tried to waive him to the AHL?

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I don't think Monty will play Carbonneau in the bottom 6 so I don't think he stays up. I could be wrong, but I will be very surprised.

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn-Joseph/Carbonneau
Toropchenko-Bjugstad-Walker/Sunny


Fowler Parayko
Broberg Faulk
Tucker Mailloux/Kessel

Texier is the odd man out, this is how im seeing it on 9/23 of course subject to change. Carbs can be sent back after the 9 game trial if required, then Monty may look at Stenberg or Dvorsky. This where i think its heading. Blues like the effort in Joseph's game, hes a helluva skater. Texier has good skills but he doesnt seem to put it together, would he be claimed if Army tried to waive him to the AHL?

You definitely could be right. The reason I can't picture it is because I don't think Monty will trust him enough defensively and Monty has mentioned a few times how he wants to get off to a good start. Also, I think the Blues are going to be careful about keeping his confidence high. Right now, JC has to feel really good about his camp. However, he could get kind of overwhelmed against an all NHL level roster. We'll see what they are thinking soon. Like you said, this is my take on 9/23. It could change.

[Old_Goat]

Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-Suter-Kyrou
Neighbours-Schenn-Joseph

Texier-Bjugstad-Carbonneau


Toropchenko-Sundqvist-Walker



Yep interesting battles lining up in camp, love it. Carbonneau is still in the mix, hes looked great he has the hockey sense and NFL body to stick. And i agree for me Jiricek is going to Springfield not back to the Q, he just looks solid. He has the size now, he is smooth and obviously skilled. He may be a lot closer to the NHL that we thought, or most of us thought. Recall the "Jiricek is a bust" bantor???

Going with what you have above...Texier is the one to move on from in some way. Carbonneau starts the season with the Blues, as Dvorsky gets further primed in Springfield. If they choose to send Carbonneau back to Juniors, then Dvorsky comes up. But if Carbonneau stays, then as soon as they feel sure it's time for Dvorsky over Joseph, then Dvorsky gets called and somehow Joseph is moved. Joseph/Bjugstad/Sundqvist/Carbonneau get shuffled around the 3rd & 4th lines and press box for 1-2 months or so, until they have their answers re Carbonneau & Dvorsky.
Someone else whom has seen more than I of what/how Lucic is bringing this camp will have to weigh in on if he really should be kept?

[Rollie Fingers]

Is Carboneau either in the Q or NHL? Can he play at all in the AHL this year or is it the Q or the NHL?

[Old_Goat]

Is Carboneau either in the Q or NHL? Can he play at all in the AHL this year or is it the Q or the NHL?

If they return him to Juniors before he plays 10 NHL games, then they do not burn a year of his contract for RFA purposes. So, if they do not see him playing much with impact here this year, then the likely best move is to send him back to Juniors and wait to start that pro contract next year.

[Harry S Deals]

Is Carboneau either in the Q or NHL? Can he play at all in the AHL this year or is it the Q or the NHL?

this year he he cannot goto the AHL, next season each NHL team is allowed one NA 19 yr old i believe. Jiricek is AHL eligible if that applies

[callitwhatyouwant]

a Schenn led 3rd line would be the best thing that has happened to this org in 3 years. If that guy is 3rd line, we are in good shape. I don't know anyone that would be psyched to see neighbours and schenn lining up when you are supposed to be "taking a break."