Group A and Group B lines at camp today

[Harry York 37]

So if he now becomes an NHL winger, where do you stack him with the current depth?

1. Buchnevich
2. Halloway
3. Kyrou
4. Snuggerud
5. Neighbors
6. Carbo
7. Dvo?

Stenberg hasn’t played center in 4 years.
He’s a LW.

Eventually, he’ll push either Buch or Jake out.


Carbonneau is a RW and he will eventually give us a good 3 layered attack on the right side.

Buchnevich & Kyrou are ok but aren't needed; they don't move the needle and eat up 16+ million in salary.

Buchnevich shouldn't of been extended (traded for assets) and Kyrou should've been traded.

(my opinion of course)

That’s as harsh as you usually are…

Kyrou would have to bring back someone as good and no one wanted him that badly.
Kyrou IS getting better at the 200 foot game, but on bad hit early in the playoffs and he was worse than ever.
Ya never know… he will score a [shirt]-ton of goals, and is capable of scoring two on any given shift.


I submit that Kyrou brought Buchnevich down, it wasn’t Kyrou’s decision, but Bannister made a wing into a second line center without training wheels and saddled him with an enigma as his top line mate.
I would give them both a break.
Kyrou might become a complete player, consistently, yet.
Buch is more valuable than you have seen.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

Harry ... It's funny that you say that about Dvo looking bored. I notice that even here. At one time the thought crossed my mind that maybe they told him that he's going back to the Ahl. But then yesterday he actually had a moderately animated reaction (to a goal he scored) and then it happened again today as he escaped pressure and cleared a puck. BTW ... Buch is a totally different guy this year compared to last in that regard. He was having a blast yesterday. I think it will show in his play. Buch did not like the Bannister system at all.

Agreed all around Barc.
I must say that Dvo has rarely, if ever, appeared as a “wearing his heart on his sleeve” guy. He always looks cool and controlled. Perhaps that’s why he often appears “slow”.
He has been magical at every level of Ice Hockey he has played in. It could that this confidence reigns in any unnecessary emotions and movements.

Buchnevich will show all the haters that they need schoolin’ this season.
Moving to center for a full year to dig pucks out and do all the dirty work for a brat ( and superstar) who sulked and kept his uniform spotless for at least the first half of that year would sour anyone.

Last year when he missed games….we sucked. You can look that up.
He does the dirty work and his skills are top-notch. Snuggy will be delighted to be on his line, I predict.

I think you two are looking way too far into this and mistaking a calm and cool personality for boredom or that he doesn’t care etc.

He simply seems like a calm and cool type to me. Or maybe his personality will shine through more eventually but as the young guy, he’s currently trying to keep his head down and focus on the task at hand. That’s not boredom or not giving full effort or anything like that IMO.

I don't think he's bored or doesn't care. I don't think Harry does either. But Dvo definitely shows less outward emotion than most players. Of course, he is cool, calm and confident. We are just talking about how he carries himself ... which is much less animated than most players. He could never reach this level without caring a lot and being extremely committed to being the best he can be.

[seattleblue]

Dvorsky is every bit as cocky/self-confident as Carbo. It manifests a little differently on ice though.

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

So if he now becomes an NHL winger, where do you stack him with the current depth?

1. Buchnevich
2. Halloway
3. Kyrou
4. Snuggerud
5. Neighbors
6. Carbo
7. Dvo?

Stenberg hasn’t played center in 4 years.
He’s a LW.

Eventually, he’ll push either Buch or Jake out.


Carbonneau is a RW and he will eventually give us a good 3 layered attack on the right side.

Buchnevich & Kyrou are ok but aren't needed; they don't move the needle and eat up 16+ million in salary.

Buchnevich shouldn't of been extended (traded for assets) and Kyrou should've been traded.

(my opinion of course)

That’s as harsh as you usually are…

Kyrou would have to bring back someone as good and no one wanted him that badly.
Kyrou IS getting better at the 200 foot game, but on bad hit early in the playoffs and he was worse than ever.
Ya never know… he will score a [shirt]-ton of goals, and is capable of scoring two on any given shift.


I submit that Kyrou brought Buchnevich down, it wasn’t Kyrou’s decision, but Bannister made a wing into a second line center without training wheels and saddled him with an enigma as his top line mate.
I would give them both a break.
Kyrou might become a complete player, consistently, yet.
Buch is more valuable than you have seen.

One or both of those contracts are gonna cost the Blues a really good young player or two in the near future.

[STL fan in MN]

Harry ... It's funny that you say that about Dvo looking bored. I notice that even here. At one time the thought crossed my mind that maybe they told him that he's going back to the Ahl. But then yesterday he actually had a moderately animated reaction (to a goal he scored) and then it happened again today as he escaped pressure and cleared a puck. BTW ... Buch is a totally different guy this year compared to last in that regard. He was having a blast yesterday. I think it will show in his play. Buch did not like the Bannister system at all.

Agreed all around Barc.
I must say that Dvo has rarely, if ever, appeared as a “wearing his heart on his sleeve” guy. He always looks cool and controlled. Perhaps that’s why he often appears “slow”.
He has been magical at every level of Ice Hockey he has played in. It could that this confidence reigns in any unnecessary emotions and movements.

Buchnevich will show all the haters that they need schoolin’ this season.
Moving to center for a full year to dig pucks out and do all the dirty work for a brat ( and superstar) who sulked and kept his uniform spotless for at least the first half of that year would sour anyone.

Last year when he missed games….we sucked. You can look that up.
He does the dirty work and his skills are top-notch. Snuggy will be delighted to be on his line, I predict.

I think you two are looking way too far into this and mistaking a calm and cool personality for boredom or that he doesn’t care etc.

He simply seems like a calm and cool type to me. Or maybe his personality will shine through more eventually but as the young guy, he’s currently trying to keep his head down and focus on the task at hand. That’s not boredom or not giving full effort or anything like that IMO.

I don't think he's bored or doesn't care. I don't think Harry does either. But Dvo definitely shows less outward emotion than most players. Of course, he is cool, calm and confident. We are just talking about how he carries himself ... which is much less animated than most players. He could never reach this level without caring a lot and being extremely committed to being the best he can be.

Ok, fair enough. It appears I misinterpreted what you two were saying.

[Harry York 37]

Harry ... It's funny that you say that about Dvo looking bored. I notice that even here. At one time the thought crossed my mind that maybe they told him that he's going back to the Ahl. But then yesterday he actually had a moderately animated reaction (to a goal he scored) and then it happened again today as he escaped pressure and cleared a puck. BTW ... Buch is a totally different guy this year compared to last in that regard. He was having a blast yesterday. I think it will show in his play. Buch did not like the Bannister system at all.

Agreed all around Barc.
I must say that Dvo has rarely, if ever, appeared as a “wearing his heart on his sleeve” guy. He always looks cool and controlled. Perhaps that’s why he often appears “slow”.
He has been magical at every level of Ice Hockey he has played in. It could that this confidence reigns in any unnecessary emotions and movements.

Buchnevich will show all the haters that they need schoolin’ this season.
Moving to center for a full year to dig pucks out and do all the dirty work for a brat ( and superstar) who sulked and kept his uniform spotless for at least the first half of that year would sour anyone.

Last year when he missed games….we sucked. You can look that up.
He does the dirty work and his skills are top-notch. Snuggy will be delighted to be on his line, I predict.

I think you two are looking way too far into this and mistaking a calm and cool personality for boredom or that he doesn’t care etc.

He simply seems like a calm and cool type to me. Or maybe his personality will shine through more eventually but as the young guy, he’s currently trying to keep his head down and focus on the task at hand. That’s not boredom or not giving full effort or anything like that IMO.

I don't think he's bored or doesn't care. I don't think Harry does either. But Dvo definitely shows less outward emotion than most players. Of course, he is cool, calm and confident. We are just talking about how he carries himself ... which is much less animated than most players. He could never reach this level without caring a lot and being extremely committed to being the best he can be.

Ok, fair enough. It appears I misinterpreted what you two were saying.

We both noticed what you and a few others have mentioned, and we tried to find the best explanation for it.
Well summed up, Barc.
I think he cuts an ice-cold, dashing European figure as he tears up every league and tournament he's been promoted into, and that cool is a part of his game. He is, maybe, a bit like a cobra- fantastic and deadly when he is in close or has a bang-bang play, and coiled and ready the rest of the time.
He positively glows when he makes his celly after a goal.
He is the calmest and coolest guy on the ice.

[Bluesfan1978]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

You make a good point because logically he could be on the fringe since the Blues went out and got Suter and Bjugstad. But, in monty's interview on cam and strick aired this week, Monty mentioned Sunny and to a lesser extent but still in a positive light, Joseph, in their roles down the stretch last year. Texier was not mentioned. I don't know if that means anything. I really don't think those last couple roster spots are cemented yet.

[Old_Goat]

Harry ... It's funny that you say that about Dvo looking bored. I notice that even here. At one time the thought crossed my mind that maybe they told him that he's going back to the Ahl. But then yesterday he actually had a moderately animated reaction (to a goal he scored) and then it happened again today as he escaped pressure and cleared a puck. BTW ... Buch is a totally different guy this year compared to last in that regard. He was having a blast yesterday. I think it will show in his play. Buch did not like the Bannister system at all.

Agreed all around Barc.
I must say that Dvo has rarely, if ever, appeared as a “wearing his heart on his sleeve” guy. He always looks cool and controlled. Perhaps that’s why he often appears “slow”.
He has been magical at every level of Ice Hockey he has played in. It could that this confidence reigns in any unnecessary emotions and movements.

Buchnevich will show all the haters that they need schoolin’ this season.
Moving to center for a full year to dig pucks out and do all the dirty work for a brat ( and superstar) who sulked and kept his uniform spotless for at least the first half of that year would sour anyone.

Last year when he missed games….we sucked. You can look that up.
He does the dirty work and his skills are top-notch. Snuggy will be delighted to be on his line, I predict.

I think you two are looking way too far into this and mistaking a calm and cool personality for boredom or that he doesn’t care etc.

He simply seems like a calm and cool type to me. Or maybe his personality will shine through more eventually but as the young guy, he’s currently trying to keep his head down and focus on the task at hand. That’s not boredom or not giving full effort or anything like that IMO.

It's the old adage in sports...act like you've been there before. Think Barry Sanders calmly handing the football to a ref after a touchdown, or Scott Rolen just running around the bases with head down after a home run. The past two years, Kyrou tempered his goal celebrations a lot, and I sometimes wonder if that's why he started scoring more. Focus on the next face-off and don't act like you just scored the 7th game overtime goal to win the Stanley Cup every time. Teammates may have been more irritated by the superfluous celebrations than the salary. It's called maturity. Some of the most fiery competitors in life don't show it on the outside; they just get it done like it's routine. My impression of Dvorsky is that he is mature beyond his years. He is confident in himself, knows what he can do and what he needs to do.
And all of this not saying that someone who is fiery and demonstrative cannot also be an inspiring teammate.

[somni]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

You make a good point because logically he could be on the fringe since the Blues went out and got Suter and Bjugstad. But, in monty's interview on cam and strick aired this week, Monty mentioned Sunny and to a lesser extent but still in a positive light, Joseph, in their roles down the stretch last year. Texier was not mentioned. I don't know if that means anything. I really don't think those last couple roster spots are cemented yet.

I got the impression that Monty isn't quite the Texier fan. He didn't really want to play him last year even when Army would mention him. I think his days are numbered.

[STL fan in MN]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

I’d be very surprised if Sunny doesn’t make the team. I think two things are pretty clear:

1. a lot of Blues fans don’t value Sunny much.
2. Monty, Army and many other of the Blues’ brass value Sunny quite a bit.

The way Monty and Army talk about Sunny tells me they value him quite a bit. He’s slow and doesn’t have much offensive pop but he’s very good defensively, positionally etc. and has fantastic hockey sense. My sense is that many fans simply don’t fully appreciate what all Sunny brings to the table because a lot of what he’s good at is very subtle and not remotely close to the stuff that would ever be deemed “exciting”. But they’re things that lead to winning hockey for sure. And because of that, I can see why he’s still pretty highly valued in the org.

I expect him to play 4C or 3RW most nights. Some healthy scratches here and there at worst as we have more depth this year and the guys will be pushing each other for playing time. But I’d be surprised if he’s put on waivers or anything.

This might be his last year here as his contract will expire this summer and I could possibly see him being seen as expendable but for now, I definitely still see a role for him here.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

I’d be very surprised if Sunny doesn’t make the team. I think two things are pretty clear:

1. a lot of Blues fans don’t value Sunny much.
2. Monty, Army and many other of the Blues’ brass value Sunny quite a bit.

The way Monty and Army talk about Sunny tells me they value him quite a bit. He’s slow and doesn’t have much offensive pop but he’s very good defensively, positionally etc. and has fantastic hockey sense. My sense is that many fans simply don’t fully appreciate what all Sunny brings to the table because a lot of what he’s good at is very subtle and not remotely close to the stuff that would ever be deemed “exciting”. But they’re things that lead to winning hockey for sure. And because of that, I can see why he’s still pretty highly valued in the org.

I expect him to play 4C or 3RW most nights. Some healthy scratches here and there at worst as we have more depth this year and the guys will be pushing each other for playing time. But I’d be surprised if he’s put on waivers or anything.

This might be his last year here as his contract will expire this summer and I could possibly see him being seen as expendable but for now, I definitely still see a role for him here.

Sunny is 100 percent going to be a Blue. And the question will be similar to Walker on whether or not to extend him again. Monty literally said "Sunny's IQ is off the charts. He is always in the right place at the right time. He allows the young players to make mistakes because he is covering for them."

This sentiment was said multiple times. AND THEN on top of that, there was a stat pulled up about 3/4ths the way thru the season that talked about how Sunny was in the top 5 in the league in expected goals against while he is on the ice. Sunny is the guy to make the right play during 5on5. Even if he isn't an everyday guy, that's an invaluable piece to have in your locker room. I have a feeling the Blues just want to see if he can make it thru healthy enough and he will get 1 last extension offer from the Blues. That is my gut. But Blues fans are like any fans. They typically want to see the thing that shows up and is easy to see. Those are big saves, big clappers, big hits, and scoring points. SunnyD is a slower player who grinds it out. According to WPG people, that's Suter as well.


And to Harry, I agree with the Buchy sentiment. If Snuggy comes to work like he did in the playoffs. I think you are going to see a very excited Buchy and Thomas. Thomas is always looking to create big play opportunities and is usually on the money. Needing someone to finish it off is key and Snuggy has that chance. Buchy will go grind it out for you and muck it up and adds a little bit of everything. Buchy might not be a top 30 forward, but he's certainly in that 25-50.

[STL fan in MN]

Does Sunny make the team no matter what? Obviously if no one pushes the team to have to make any tough decisions he does. But if there’s a roster spot needed is it possible Sunny gets pushed out? I listened to how Suter’s play is described, sounds pretty similar to Sunny but with more offensive upside and you have Walker as that heart and soul type player that Sunny is known for. Joesph and Texier both add a speed element that Sunny can’t and Texier has much more skill.

I’d be very surprised if Sunny doesn’t make the team. I think two things are pretty clear:

1. a lot of Blues fans don’t value Sunny much.
2. Monty, Army and many other of the Blues’ brass value Sunny quite a bit.

The way Monty and Army talk about Sunny tells me they value him quite a bit. He’s slow and doesn’t have much offensive pop but he’s very good defensively, positionally etc. and has fantastic hockey sense. My sense is that many fans simply don’t fully appreciate what all Sunny brings to the table because a lot of what he’s good at is very subtle and not remotely close to the stuff that would ever be deemed “exciting”. But they’re things that lead to winning hockey for sure. And because of that, I can see why he’s still pretty highly valued in the org.

I expect him to play 4C or 3RW most nights. Some healthy scratches here and there at worst as we have more depth this year and the guys will be pushing each other for playing time. But I’d be surprised if he’s put on waivers or anything.

This might be his last year here as his contract will expire this summer and I could possibly see him being seen as expendable but for now, I definitely still see a role for him here.

Sunny is 100 percent going to be a Blue. And the question will be similar to Walker on whether or not to extend him again. Monty literally said "Sunny's IQ is off the charts. He is always in the right place at the right time. He allows the young players to make mistakes because he is covering for them."

This sentiment was said multiple times. AND THEN on top of that, there was a stat pulled up about 3/4ths the way thru the season that talked about how Sunny was in the top 5 in the league in expected goals against while he is on the ice. Sunny is the guy to make the right play during 5on5. Even if he isn't an everyday guy, that's an invaluable piece to have in your locker room. I have a feeling the Blues just want to see if he can make it thru healthy enough and he will get 1 last extension offer from the Blues. That is my gut. But Blues fans are like any fans. They typically want to see the thing that shows up and is easy to see. Those are big saves, big clappers, big hits, and scoring points. SunnyD is a slower player who grinds it out. According to WPG people, that's Suter as well.


And to Harry, I agree with the Buchy sentiment. If Snuggy comes to work like he did in the playoffs. I think you are going to see a very excited Buchy and Thomas. Thomas is always looking to create big play opportunities and is usually on the money. Needing someone to finish it off is key and Snuggy has that chance. Buchy will go grind it out for you and muck it up and adds a little bit of everything. Buchy might not be a top 30 forward, but he's certainly in that 25-50.

Agreed. Hadn’t seen that stat but I’d believe it. He’s very good positionally. Unheralded and many fans aren’t going to value a guy much that doesn’t score…but is also very good at preventing the other team from scoring. But that’s precisely his role. Go take a shift, make sure the other team doesn’t score (break even basically) and then we’ll rely on our top-2 lines out producing the oppositions top-2 lines to try to win most nights. And I’ll add both the Thomas and Schenn lines last season were both very positive in that regard so it’s not a bad strategy.

This season, we have a little more depth and Sunny looks like he’ll be more on the 4th line than 3rd line. Great! He can still do the same job with Torpo and Walker as his wingers. Or supplement the 3rd line with a defensive presence and guy willing to grind it out that could complement Suter well. Or maybe Schenn if Schenn ends up the 3C.

As for Suter, I assume you meant VAN people? He came from the Canucks. He’s similar to Sunny in terms of them both having quite high hockey sense and positioning. But he has more skill than Sunny but less size and way less grinding ability. Don’t expect Suter to be physical at all.

[Cahokanut]

I've not watched anything from camp. But there's gonna be no surprises.

The two who made the Bolduc trade possible will get every opportunity (Snuggs and Malx)
Any other elc will be headed down.

I do hope we line up a top six with our top six and not try to make third or fourth liners something they are not.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

No NHL guys on the ice today. Only about 15 or so AHL guys and prospects took the ice today. The top prospects/AhL guys did not. So, interestingly guys like Dvorsky, Stenberg, Lindstein, Carbonneau, Stancl, Pekarcik, Alexandrov, Kaskimaki, Loof, Skinner and Ellis did not practice although I saw some of them watching for a while.

[STL fan in MN]

No NHL guys on the ice today. Only about 15 or so AHL guys and prospects took the ice today. The top prospects/AhL guys did not. So, interestingly guys like Dvorsky, Stenberg, Lindstein, Carbonneau, Stancl, Pekarcik, Alexandrov, Kaskimaki, Loof, Skinner and Ellis did not practice although I saw some of them watching for a while.

Interesting. My guess is most of the guys on the ice today were given one last practice and then there will be a big cut announced here soon.