One player is anxious to play in the NHL while the other isn't sure if he'll ever play again.
Sources close to Brendan Shanahan confirm that his focus remains on playing this season with the NY Rangers. In reality nothing has changed between now and when he became a UFA back on July first. The fact of the matter is Shanahan should know within a matter of a few days after the Rangers return home from Europe whether or not he will be playing for the Rangers this season. I was told he expects to hear from the Rangers within 48 hours of the club returning to the United States.
If Shanahan is told the team is unable to make the necessary moves to create space for the future Hall of Famer he will turn his attention to other Eastern Conference teams with New Jersey and Philadelphia on the top of the list.
The bottom line here is Shanahan should have a signed contract to play hockey this season by this time next week.
Things aren't looking so bright for sniper Glenn Murray whose troubled ankle has flared up once again.
Murray, who had his bursa sac surgically repaired in April of this year, would have already signed a deal if he was certain he was healthy enough to play.
Even if Murray was under contract he wouldn't be healthy enough to play an NHL game under these circumstances.
At this point Murray won't even begin to consider offers until he's confident his problematic ankle will hold up on him.
Murray is thinking long-term here and wants to make sure he doesn't push the envelope to the point it will affect him personally. He has a young family and would like to be able to run around with his kids for the next several years as they grow.
Murray initially thought the pain he was feeling in his ankle was a result of skates that were too broken in. After switching to a brand new pair of skates he realized the issue was not a skate problem.
Murray is consulting with Doctors and will take some time before making any decision that would impact his playing future.
Oh by the way, Mark Parrish is still patiently waiting. He's heard from several teams but as of now no one has stepped up.
Keith Carney, who is in camp with Chicago on a tryout, has been brought up by the Blues as a possible addition but they will likely shy away from him. He's nearly 40 years old and doesn't make a whole lot of sense for this club.
Blues Clues!
The Blues have plenty of time to make a decision on D-man Alex Pietrangelo. So far it appears the club will at least keep him around to begin the season. Injuries have certainly helped his cause.
Jonas Junland is getting healthier by the day. The bottom line is he needs to play. He has virtually missed the entire training camp with his injured shoulder. The club has the option of sending him to Peoria so he can get some games in before deciding on whether or not they want him on the NHL roster. I know management was excited about him heading into camp and I don't expect it to be long before he plays his first NHL game.
Dan Hinote (50 stitches in thigh) told me he expects to be ready for opening night on October 10th.
Don't forget about my Blues Buzz radioshow every Tuesday night from 6-7 live from Johnny Mac's in Sunset Hills. The show can be heard on Team 1380 am or www.team1380.net
I am hoping to have both Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie as my guests live at the store. Please stop by and say hello!
The players by the way arrive via limousine courtesy of Diamond Limousine. If you are in need of a limo for any occasion please call Greg Jordan at 314-565-4124 or www.limostl.com
As of now here is my opening day roster. The Blues could elect to go with either a 22 or 23 man roster. I am choosing 14 forwards seven D-men and two goalies.
Forwards....
Patrik Berglund
Paul Kariya
David Perron
Lee Stempniak
Andy McDonald
Brad Boyes
Keith Tkachuk
T.J. Oshie
David Backes
Jay McClement
Dan Hinote (thigh)
D.J. King (wrist)
Cam Janssen
Yan Stastny (needs Waivers)
Defense...
Eric Brewer
JayMcKee
Barret Jackman
Steve Wagner
Roman Polak
Alex Pietrangelo
Mike Weaver (needs waivers)
Injured...
Jeff Woywitka (foot/will miss about a month)
Erik Johnson (Knee/Out for season)
Goaltenders...
Manny Legace
Chris Mason
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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