TruBlueFan_1970 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2026 17:37 pm
Is it odd that McMichael has yet to sign a new deal? Or just a case of it not being urgent, so they aren’t rushing it?
I don't think its odd because I really don't think this is a player we targeted as much as it is the best value/return we could salvage from a team Kyrou was willing to go to.
So you think they are just taking their time to negotiate and maybe even letting him go to arbitration? Seemed they were really excited about him until they made the McTavish trade. I don’t know, I’m probably just overthinking it.
I just think its not an ideal situation and I think he probably wants more than we want to give him. I really don't know how they will handle that.
What I mean is I don't think its a situation where the Blues thought OK this is the guy we want and we want to invest in him long term. I think it was more like Kyrou has a NTC and this is the best offer from teams he will accept a trade to.
I think it's possible they move him out in some other trade.
It's bizarre to me that they traded for him more than a week ago, and have signed contracts with several other players but not him.
Obviously they might just be negotiating. But it has an odd feel to it. And when I look at the roster. We need a right shot player more than we need a left shot player.
TruBlueFan_1970 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2026 17:37 pm
Is it odd that McMichael has yet to sign a new deal? Or just a case of it not being urgent, so they aren’t rushing it?
I don't think its odd because I really don't think this is a player we targeted as much as it is the best value/return we could salvage from a team Kyrou was willing to go to.
So you think they are just taking their time to negotiate and maybe even letting him go to arbitration? Seemed they were really excited about him until they made the McTavish trade. I don’t know, I’m probably just overthinking it.
I just think its not an ideal situation and I think he probably wants more than we want to give him. I really don't know how they will handle that.
What I mean is I don't think its a situation where the Blues thought OK this is the guy we want and we want to invest in him long term. I think it was more like Kyrou has a NTC and this is the best offer from teams he will accept a trade to.
I think it's possible they move him out in some other trade.
It's bizarre to me that they traded for him more than a week ago, and have signed contracts with several other players but not him.
Obviously they might just be negotiating. But it has an odd feel to it. And when I look at the roster. We need a right shot player more than we need a left shot player.
Like I said I think it made sense from an asset management standpoint, doesn't mean we want to give this guy an expensive long term contract.
For me MM is a tough player for us to negotiate with right now.
I mean should we be writing a big long term check to a 50 point LW right now? I don't really think so. We already have those, Is be better than Holloway, JN, or even Suter? Then we have Stenberg waiting for a spot.
Really just not what we need IMO
Don't get me wrong I don't dislike him but I can definitely see why there would be some pause or gap between what he wants and what the Blues want to give him.
For me the 16th pick and even Gastrin were the bigger pieces, I just don't see that much value in an unsigned MM to be honest unless he'll sign a team friendly contract.
Then you have:
Johnson, Toropchenko, Finley, Walker, Dube, Berggren,....Stenberg ....Peterson, Kaskimaki,
Tucker, Jiricek or Lindstein to choose from
Fowler, Parayko, Carlo, Mail, Bro
D should be easy. Lindstein plays, Tucker is 7. Jiricek is in the AHL for the year.
Assuming Suter is your 4C which he should be imo to give this team a deeper lineup. Johnson(didn't sign him for nothing), Finley(C backup), Stenberg(need to develop the kid so put him on the 3rd line), Berggren(speed/hope the light switch goes on). Rest are in the AHL, waived or traded.
Even typing this it feels like another move should be coming.
On Dvorsky on wing... Robert Thomas was on 101 the day of Steen's press conference and mentioned how being played on wing early in his career helped him ease into the NHL with less pressure and responsibility. If so, this is the exact reason Suter is so valuable as the Swiss Army Knife.
Even typing this it feels like another move should be coming.
On Dvorsky on wing... Robert Thomas was on 101 the day of Steen's press conference and mentioned how being played on wing early in his career helped him ease into the NHL with less pressure and responsibility. If so, this is the exact reason Suter is so valuable as the Swiss Army Knife.
Monty will change lines multiple times during the season, as do all coaches. For that reason, I’d rather start with younger players getting chances first, then if they don’t succeed, vets can be moved around. I’m of the opinion that this team desperately needs more scoring AND be harder to play against. I would start this way and then adjust as they go. My only question mark is whether another move is made to open a spot for Stenberg or if he starts in the AHL. I would give Berggren first shot in the top 6 to add the speed and skill needed to pair with CM and McT. Adjust from there if he isn’t up to snuff.
Holloway-Thomas-Snugerrud (stay healthy please)
McMichael-McTavish-Berggren (see what JB can do)
Neighbours-Dvo-Buch (solid 3rd line)
Suter-Finley-Johnston/Toro (latter 2 rotate)
Walker
I like the defense better with the addition of Carlo. Helps the PK, allows minutes to be spread out. Allows Fowler to activate more with a solid D-first vet paired with him.
