Springfield vs Leigh Valley

[Bluesfan1978]

The D as a whole had several breakdowns. Lindstein probably has the most upside, just needs to keep getting stronger and keep getting ice time. He plays PK and looks like the second PP unit.
Loof, Buchinger will never be in the NHL
Rosen probably looked the best.
Skinner makes some good plays but then other times makes some bad turnovers. Reminds me of Kessel with a bit more edge.
Forwards:
Pekarcik will be a handful in the NHL as he gets stronger. No issues using his speed to go to the hard areas and battle for the puck
Kaskimaki looks much better than last time I watched him play. Hes gaining confidence
Stancl is a smart player who looks like he is using his size to his advantage. His speed has improved from last year and he looks much more comfortable playing in the AHL than he did last year
Peterson I would think is going to challenge for a 4th line role sooner or later, love how he drives the net
Dean also looked like his speed is noticeable, makes a lot of simple smart plays with the puck. He's definitely rusty though.
All these forwards have a shot at bottom 6 roles with the Blues in the next 1-2 years if they keep improving.

[BluesDom]

I’m super excited about Pekarcik. He looks like a winner , always has. He’s been super mature and solid at a young age. I think he will be a good NHLer for a long time. I think next time Kaskimaki gets called up he won’t ever go back to the AHL. I’d like to see the blues trade a couple core forwards. And some free Agent to be forwards. Let’s see some of these guys.

Hopefully, we can trade Faulk for some assets and call up Lindstein

[zamadoo]

Stancl is a smart player who looks like he is using his size to his advantage. His speed has improved from last year and he looks much more comfortable playing in the AHL than he did last year
Peterson I would think is going to challenge for a 4th line role sooner or later, love how he drives the net
Dean also looked like his speed is noticeable, makes a lot of simple smart plays with the puck. He's definitely rusty though.
All these forwards have a shot at bottom 6 roles with the Blues in the next 1-2 years if they keep improving.

Thanks for the report!

Was Stancl playing center? Now with Dean back I wondered if they were going to keep him there as a long term plan or what.

I'm ready for Peterson to come up and get a taste. Dean's played NHL games, so he just needs to knock off the rust and excel in Springfield to revive his career and maybe have a chance as a late blossoming prospect. Otherwise, I'm hoping the Stancl at C experiment is real.

[Bluesfan1978]

Stancl and Dean both played wing last night.

[zamadoo]

Stancl and Dean both played wing last night.

Thanks.

I wonder if Jecho is projecting at C or W.

[John Cocktoastin]

I've been on the Pekarcik bandwagon for some time. He has a legit shot (although could shoot more) and some really great hands to go along with a tall frame. Could put on a couple more pounds but he already knows how to use his current size. He just makes thing tough for the other team.

Great report. Thank you.

[BluesDom]

“Pekarcik's hockey sense is legitimate. He can see when a play is closed and when he needs to switch to a new lane or a different option and he does that at quite a high pace. He's also involved away from the puck, and he understands attacking layers, that it's better for the offence if players aren't clogged but taking more space on the ice. He drives inside, passes quickly, and can dangle through sticks. -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide”

[Old_Goat]

“Pekarcik's hockey sense is legitimate. He can see when a play is closed and when he needs to switch to a new lane or a different option and he does that at quite a high pace. He's also involved away from the puck, and he understands attacking layers, that it's better for the offence if players aren't clogged but taking more space on the ice. He drives inside, passes quickly, and can dangle through sticks. -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide”

Thank you and Bluesfan1978 for these posts!