Ross Johnston

[clemonsonroots]

Expect? Frequent trips to the penalty box. 60 games? Seems high.

So...he's a goon?

How many games you see from Monty?

I'm being sincere here. The board lit up when we landed him then no one pencils him in. Is he 30 games? 40?

He blocks a roster spot for a prospect in our system. Nothing more.

They signed him to a 3 year deal…that’s how badly Steen thought his presence was needed. His role blocks nobody of importance in the organization for a 4th line role

It's gonna be funny to watch how the sentiment changes when fans see this guy on the fore check. Blues have been milquetoast easy to play against Steen wasn't having it. Also noted is RJs locker room presence, hold guys accountable

I agree with this sentiment. The idea that he is blocking youth is such a dumb take. It is a 4th line role. That line is there to provide defense/toughness/change of pace. You don't bring up young nhl prospects that have talent to sit them on that line. You could argue that a kaski or jecho have that trajectory but those types need to marinate in the minors and fight to get into the league and not be handed it. Also, the biggest problems for this team the last couple of seasons were secondary scoring and players that will go to the net and score the tough dirty goals. He won't help in the secondary scoring- that is mcmichael and mctavish burden to shoulder, but he will get into the dirty areas and crash the net and get others into the fight to crash the net. The additions and subtrations were made to push for that mentality. Johnston will play 60 plus games.

[2forDiving]

Expect? Frequent trips to the penalty box. 60 games? Seems high.

So...he's a goon?

How many games you see from Monty?

I'm being sincere here. The board lit up when we landed him then no one pencils him in. Is he 30 games? 40?

He blocks a roster spot for a prospect in our system. Nothing more.

They signed him to a 3 year deal…that’s how badly Steen thought his presence was needed. His role blocks nobody of importance in the organization for a 4th line role

It's gonna be funny to watch how the sentiment changes when fans see this guy on the fore check. Blues have been milquetoast easy to play against Steen wasn't having it. Also noted is RJs locker room presence, hold guys accountable

I agree with this sentiment. The idea that he is blocking youth is such a dumb take. It is a 4th line role. That line is there to provide defense/toughness/change of pace. You don't bring up young nhl prospects that have talent to sit them on that line. You could argue that a kaski or jecho have that trajectory but those types need to marinate in the minors and fight to get into the league and not be handed it. Also, the biggest problems for this team the last couple of seasons were secondary scoring and players that will go to the net and score the tough dirty goals. He won't help in the secondary scoring- that is mcmichael and mctavish burden to shoulder, but he will get into the dirty areas and crash the net and get others into the fight to crash the net. The additions and subtrations were made to push for that mentality. Johnston will play 60 plus games.

I agree and I’d add that based on last year, Kaskimaki may very well be pushing Toropchenko for a spot. They play similar games and based on the last couple of years Kaskimaki may be on the cusp of doing it better. Toropchenko better be ready to go in camp, I’m not sure his spot is secured.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Expect? Frequent trips to the penalty box. 60 games? Seems high.

So...he's a goon?

How many games you see from Monty?

I'm being sincere here. The board lit up when we landed him then no one pencils him in. Is he 30 games? 40?

He blocks a roster spot for a prospect in our system. Nothing more.

They signed him to a 3 year deal…that’s how badly Steen thought his presence was needed. His role blocks nobody of importance in the organization for a 4th line role

It's gonna be funny to watch how the sentiment changes when fans see this guy on the fore check. Blues have been milquetoast easy to play against Steen wasn't having it. Also noted is RJs locker room presence, hold guys accountable

I agree with this sentiment. The idea that he is blocking youth is such a dumb take. It is a 4th line role. That line is there to provide defense/toughness/change of pace. You don't bring up young nhl prospects that have talent to sit them on that line. You could argue that a kaski or jecho have that trajectory but those types need to marinate in the minors and fight to get into the league and not be handed it. Also, the biggest problems for this team the last couple of seasons were secondary scoring and players that will go to the net and score the tough dirty goals. He won't help in the secondary scoring- that is mcmichael and mctavish burden to shoulder, but he will get into the dirty areas and crash the net and get others into the fight to crash the net. The additions and subtrations were made to push for that mentality. Johnston will play 60 plus games.

I agree and I’d add that based on last year, Kaskimaki may very well be pushing Toropchenko for a spot. They play similar games and based on the last couple of years Kaskimaki may be on the cusp of doing it better. Toropchenko better be ready to go in camp, I’m not sure his spot is secured.

I feel the same way about both Toro and Walker. Neither has provided much lately and each should be in the battle for roster spots.

[2forDiving]

Expect? Frequent trips to the penalty box. 60 games? Seems high.

So...he's a goon?

How many games you see from Monty?

I'm being sincere here. The board lit up when we landed him then no one pencils him in. Is he 30 games? 40?

He blocks a roster spot for a prospect in our system. Nothing more.

They signed him to a 3 year deal…that’s how badly Steen thought his presence was needed. His role blocks nobody of importance in the organization for a 4th line role

It's gonna be funny to watch how the sentiment changes when fans see this guy on the fore check. Blues have been milquetoast easy to play against Steen wasn't having it. Also noted is RJs locker room presence, hold guys accountable

I agree with this sentiment. The idea that he is blocking youth is such a dumb take. It is a 4th line role. That line is there to provide defense/toughness/change of pace. You don't bring up young nhl prospects that have talent to sit them on that line. You could argue that a kaski or jecho have that trajectory but those types need to marinate in the minors and fight to get into the league and not be handed it. Also, the biggest problems for this team the last couple of seasons were secondary scoring and players that will go to the net and score the tough dirty goals. He won't help in the secondary scoring- that is mcmichael and mctavish burden to shoulder, but he will get into the dirty areas and crash the net and get others into the fight to crash the net. The additions and subtrations were made to push for that mentality. Johnston will play 60 plus games.

I agree and I’d add that based on last year, Kaskimaki may very well be pushing Toropchenko for a spot. They play similar games and based on the last couple of years Kaskimaki may be on the cusp of doing it better. Toropchenko better be ready to go in camp, I’m not sure his spot is secured.

I feel the same way about both Toro and Walker. Neither has provided much lately and each should be in the battle for roster spots.

Walker had a terrible year last season. Stupid penalties and was just brutal in his own end. I do not see all three 4th line guys from opening night last year on the opening night roster this year and wouldn’t be surprised if 2/3 are not on the roster. That line had no identity last year.

[Bacchk29]

Holloway Thomas Snuggerud
McMichael McTavish Buchnevich
Neighbours Dvorsky Berggren
Torpo Suter Johnston

No spots for prospects

Sunny Walker Finley extras

But the kids aren’t blocked

K

[Pierre McGuire]

Holloway Thomas Snuggerud
McMichael McTavish Buchnevich
Neighbours Dvorsky Berggren
Torpo Suter Johnston

No spots for prospects

Sunny Walker Finley extras

But the kids aren’t blocked

K

Which kids? Stenberg and Kaskimaki both have a chance to win jobs in camp. What you posted is not going to be the opening night roster.

[Army's Mom]

All I know is he better be playing every time we face Kadri. Because screw Kadri.

[xpath]

It's funny to see which posters are for and against the Johnston signing, and the quality of the posts those individuals contribute.

[2forDiving]

Holloway Thomas Snuggerud
McMichael McTavish Buchnevich
Neighbours Dvorsky Berggren
Torpo Suter Johnston

No spots for prospects

Sunny Walker Finley extras

But the kids aren’t blocked

K

So of your top 9 the oldest guy is Buch who had 20 goals last year, and then next is Grandpa Thomas. You act like the kids are being blocked by Schenn and Bjugstad. So you have a bunch of 21-25 year old guys in your top 9 forward spots. What are you expecting?

[Bacchk29]

Holloway Thomas Snuggerud
McMichael McTavish Buchnevich
Neighbours Dvorsky Berggren
Torpo Suter Johnston

No spots for prospects

Sunny Walker Finley extras

But the kids aren’t blocked

K

Which kids? Stenberg and Kaskimaki both have a chance to win jobs in camp. What you posted is not going to be the opening night roster.

All those forwards are under contract are we trading someone to open spots? Otherwise no chance they’re here for the opener.

[dhsux]

I love the idea of having him for the reason they brought him in.

For now I will trust Steen and DA same as I have for the Mailloux/Bolduc trade and the other trades/acquisitions this year which obviously includes Johnston.

We are talking about a role player that goes beyond stats even though his stats last few years have been equal/as good as our own 4th line players.

I'm not buying the blocking theory of a fourth line prospect or a prospect who would start off on the fourth line. Johnstons role is deliberate and strategic and it over rides the nuance of breaking a kid into the game on the 4th line, imo.

We will all find out in due time. For now, I look forward to having him on this team if nothing else to change up the past set play we have seen from the team.

[Pierre McGuire]

Holloway Thomas Snuggerud
McMichael McTavish Buchnevich
Neighbours Dvorsky Berggren
Torpo Suter Johnston

No spots for prospects

Sunny Walker Finley extras

But the kids aren’t blocked

K

Which kids? Stenberg and Kaskimaki both have a chance to win jobs in camp. What you posted is not going to be the opening night roster.

All those forwards are under contract are we trading someone to open spots? Otherwise no chance they’re here for the opener.

Camp will determine if Stenberg or Kaskimaki make the team and I would imagine there is at least one move coming before the opener. If either of those players earns a job in camp, they will be here opening night.

[smilinjoefission]

Going by last season's totals...Johnston had more points than Torop.

[netboy65]

Going by last season's totals...Johnston had more points than Torop.

Fine, then keep Johnston instead. Get rid of one of them though. That’s my whole point. Top 9 is fine, but we don’t need the whole lot of Johnston, Torp, Walker, Sunny, Finley etc. clogging up the roster. Way too much dead weight

[Bluesbacker]

People whining about the Johnston signing obviously didn't watch PLD body slam Robert Thomas onto the ice last year when the Capitals were in town.

Also the Blues haven't been past the second round since we had Pat Maroon on the roster.

You gotta have a tough guy. It's a must.

Blows my mind how many people think it’s not important to have that guy on the ice and more importantly in the locker room.

I'm aligned with you here for sure.

+1

[smilinjoefission]

Going by last season's totals...Johnston had more points than Torop.

Fine, then keep Johnston instead. Get rid of one of them though. That’s my whole point. Top 9 is fine, but we don’t need the whole lot of Johnston, Torp, Walker, Sunny, Finley etc. clogging up the roster. Way too much dead weight

We never needed Finley, and we no longer need Torop because his game is gone. I'm 100% fine with both gone because both are easy to replace with actual better players.