No math or calculations necessary, what do you think?

[Blues Dave]

I'm not hearing the excitement here in Blues Talk, at least as I'm feeling it. This team went on a streak at the end of last season, made the playoffs and did themselves justice in showing it was no fluke in the first round, even though that's as far as we got. I'll admit, last year I didn't see it coming until it happened. But it turned out to be more than enough to get the Hockey worlds attention, as well as mine. I wasn't floored. I thought we had a real decent team on the rise anyway. But I did say WOW, and got excited.

Now, after seeing how well they played together, plus we've made some very good acquisitions, and the caliber of our youth talent coming in, I'm very high on our boys. I know I'm doing a lot of generalization, but I'm an old fart who's been here forever and I've seen a lot of Blues teams and players so I hope I can just get cut a bit of slack. I'm no authority, I'm just posting in our Forum. (Asylum). Anyway, I'd just really like to hear what you guys have to say. I also know the rest of the NHL hasn't just sat around doing nothing. Are we going to be "that" much better of a team? How would you describe what you believe is coming this season for the St. Louis Blues.

[Tony Palazzolo]

I'm not hearing the excitement here in Blues Talk, at least as I'm feeling it. This team went on a streak at the end of last season, made the playoffs and did themselves justice in showing it was no fluke in the first round, even though that's as far as we got. I'll admit, last year I didn't see it coming until it happened. But it turned out to be more than enough to get the Hockey worlds attention, as well as mine. I wasn't floored. I thought we had a real decent team on the rise anyway. But I did say WOW, and got excited.

Now, after seeing how well they played together, plus we've made some very good acquisitions, and the caliber of our youth talent coming in, I'm very high on our boys. I know I'm doing a lot of generalization, but I'm an old fart who's been here forever and I've seen a lot of Blues teams and players so I hope I can just get cut a bit of slack. I'm no authority, I'm just posting in our Forum. (Asylum). Anyway, I'd just really like to hear what you guys have to say. I also know the rest of the NHL hasn't just sat around doing nothing. Are we going to be "that" much better of a team? How would you describe what you believe is coming this season for the St. Louis Blues.

I for one am very excited about this team. They are not an "elite" team, but in the upper half of the league. Another year or two of experience for some of the younger guys will push this team closer. It should be a fun year.

[LGB73]

Always excited for a new season. I definitely lean heavily towards them being a wild card team but they could surprise in both directions (3rd or miss). If they do miss, it will likely be due to injury and/or a team like Utah performing beyond expectation and none of the established teams falling off.

Biggest risk is probably the forward group performance with a lot riding on Snuggerud playing really well and someone stepping into the hole created by Bolduc trade. Bolduc's second half contributions from the 3rd line helped the team roll 4 lines. I expect the top 4 D to perform well with the 3rd pair being interesting to watch if it is Tucker-Mailloux. Goaltending should be solid.

[blues2112]

For me, it's mid-August and I'm trying to squeeze out every remaining ounce of summer, which, where I live, is too short.
Mountains to climb, streams to fish, tourists to annoy, etc.

This time of year, mind is rarely on hockey. Come October, I'll recalibrate.

What's more, this place is increasingly and predictably toxic. Losing a lot of interest in this forum.

[SRV1990]

I'm always excited for a new season of Blues hockey. Moreso this year as Army has retooled the team and made some much-needed improvements. Are we where we need to be? No, not yet. But we're on the right path.

Another thing that has me excited (or maybe happy is a better word): Not having to live through a complete teardown and rebuild. Year after year of losing and being at the bottom of the league, with zero assurances we'll ever be even as competitive as we are now, would be absolutely miserable and would eventually drive some fans away.

[rangergiff]

Put me down in the firmly excited column. For me it's not based on performance but the direction the club is going overall. Don't get me wrong. Making the playoffs was great last year and I was in a terrible mood for a few days after the Jets loss. But I feel that the pipeline has talent. Management and coaching is some of the best in the league. Overall I feel the future is bright. Even if we miss the playoffs this year, (the Central will be a beast), I feel that long term, this is a team on the rise. If one of the prospects turns into a star, (on the level of Tarasenko or better), then this is a cup contender in a couple of years. Not just a playoff team. Needless to say I'm stoked.

[Harry S Deals]

Last season the Blues went on a heater after hiring Monty, 96pts 5th in the West, first round exit vs Winn.

Here is what i am seeing coming:

Continued ascension of Thomas/Kryou. As these two enter their primes they will be All Star level NHL talent, along with Buchy and Holloway the Blues will have two very potent scoring lines.
Development of the "kids". Toropchenko, Hofer, Holloway, Broberg, Neighbours, Snuggerud all are locks to be in the line up on opening night Blues fans will see these players raise their game and fill out a talented roster. Highlights for me will be Broberg, Holloway and Neighbours who i expect to find another level. Also adding Mailloux will give some teeth to the D corp which has been a little soft lately.
D Corp. Aforementiond acquisitions of Broberg, Mailloux and Fowler have turned the marginal Blues D roster into a legit talented, deep group. These players all line up well with Weber and Montys attacking D style of play i expect Broberg to have a big season, break out if you will. Parayko, Fowler and Faulk are all very solid veteran D and it will be fun to watch Tucker and Mailloux develop into a tough 3rd pair. What was a weak link in the roster is now a weapon for the Blues.
Goalers. Blues fans are blessed with one of the best big game goals in recent memory, Binnie and his protege Hofer. Binnie had a 2.69 GA and .900 save pct overall last year. This season Binnie will become the best goalie in Blues history he will be tops in Games Played, Wins, Minutes Played, can close in on Shutouts i expect another good performance from the goalie tandem.

My guess is Blues will finish +/- 100 pts 3rd or 4th in the Central

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I'm excited about the direction of the Blues. Last year I looked forward to seeing guys like Holloway, Broberg, Bolduc, and Hofer develop.
This season it's Holloway, Broberg, Mailloux, Snuggerud, possibly another young guy like Dvorsky or whoever, Tucker, and Hofer. Also hoping a few young guys do really well in their first look in the AHL.

[MrPostman01]

What killed the Blues in the past was letting top flight coaching go. Now we have a top flight coach again, Some are forgetting that. OTOH I feel snuggle bunny has to earn his top line status. He only had 1 regular season goal in 7 games.

And the Blues gained with RH shots, instead of LH shots playing on the off wing.

[aslord]

It's very exciting. I usually try to follow as much Blues related material as I can, but this offseason I can't get enough. I still think we need a true #2 center, but it seems like most other teams do as well. It feels like we have more good players than spots available, which to me means we need to be packaging some guys for higher end talent.

[Rollie Fingers]

Really excited about the upcoming season. Mid August most people are still concentrated on picnics, their golf game, the upcoming football season. But the coming hockey season is right there and my excitement grows by the day. I am really looking forward to the young guys we have in the system and am very eager to see if Davorsky can make the team better. We are only a month away.

[moose-and-squirrel]

when do they announce when camp begins?

[MikoTython]

Started a thread last week comparing this August to last August. Our prospects are VASTLY improved over the last year. Super excited. Thing is, we're in a tough neighborhood, so we will be tested - but our roster & coaching looks STRONG.

Particularly, looking for improvement in 4-5 & 6-5 game.

[BalotelliMassive]

Another thing that has me excited (or maybe happy is a better word): Not having to live through a complete teardown and rebuild. Year after year of losing and being at the bottom of the league, with zero assurances we'll ever be even as competitive as we are now, would be absolutely miserable and would eventually drive some fans away.

[bixblues]

I'm very excited as well. The level rose some when we got a young RD-man albeit at a cost. Then rose again when we somehow got Suter.............then rose again when it was reported that Bjugstad was playing hurt last year. Neither of those guys are world beaters but several small improvements to an already good team is what I'm looking forward to. Love the new Uni's as well. Season can't get here soon enough!

[Hazelwood72]

I’m optimistic and excited.

It’s hard to get real excited where I live in the Texas Hill Country since hockey just isn’t a thing down here. Thats one reason I read Blues Talk. That’s also why I like getting up to what I still consider “home” — STL. Don’t have much family left there as most have passed on, but still like to visit the ones still there.