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There will be an obvious omission when training camp kicks off today at Scottrade Center. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has not agreed to a new deal with the St. Louis Blues. Thus, his holdout begins.
As his agent, Don Meehan,
told the St. Louis Post Dispatch, all parties involved must move on and they will. Head coach Ken Hitchcock and his staff start the tideious, but necessary, process of chopping a roster of 53 down to 23. He'd rather Pietrangelo make it 54, but there'll be no delays for any player.
If heading downtown for either the noon or 2:00pm session today or observing from afar here's a primer to get you ready for what's to come during training camp and the preseason.
What We Know
When final cuts are made a few weeks from now 56% of those who took the ice day one will be gone. Moved on to the AHL, ECHL, or returned to their Junior club. Shedding more than half of a group of potentials seems difficult, but contract status will tell you a lot about who is staying and who is going. One way vs. Two way deals.
Those for sure, barring injury, to make the opening night lineup...
Forwards (12): David Backes, Patrik Berglund, Maxim Lapierre, TJ Oshie, Magnus Paajarvi, Ryan Reaves, Derek Roy, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Sobotka, Alex Steen, Chris Stewart, Vladimir Tarasenko.
Defensemen (6): Jay Bouwmeester, Ian Cole, Barret Jackman, Jordan Leopold, Roman Polak, Kevin Shattenkirk
Goalies (2): Brian Elliott, Jaroslav Halak
With 20 spots already taken that leaves just three openings that many are vying for. Who has the best chance to take one?
Forwards (4): Keith Aucoin, Alexandre Boulduc, Adam Cracknell, Chris Porter.
Defense (4): Taylor Chorney, Cade Fairchild, Brett Ponich, Ray Whitney
Goalies (1): Jake Allen
What Could Be
The Blues were at one time a consensus top 10 pick among fans and pundits for deepest organizational prospect depth. Such is not the case anymore, but a handful of "kids" have much potential and could start realizing at camp. Pushing their way in to consideration for the handful of remaining jobs.
They are...
Forwards (3): Sergey Andronov, Dmitrij Jaskin, Ty Rattie
Defensemen (2): Joel Edmundson, Jani Hakanpaa
Just Barely on the Bubble
There is a recent history of success developing home grown depth and role players. Cracknell, Porter, and Reaves all come to mind. There is another group starting to gain enough professional experience, and physical maturity, (or about to) that they could be considered and at least watched closely for long term needs.
Forwards (3): Tyler Shattock, Yannick Veilleux, Sebastian Wannstrom.
Defensemen (1): Dave Shields
Goalies (1): Jordan Binnington
What to Watch For
Jake Allen's Development
When Halak went down last season Allen stepped in and won games. He showed a progression in his play that hadn't been seen yet. In fact some were concerned with his lack of progress while mired in the AHL.
Going in to the season the only way he'll see NHL ice is as an injury replacement. Knowing this it will be interesting to watch his approach in camp. Will he be hungry to further the opportunity he earned last season or will he appear complacent?
Who Steps Up on Defense
Pietrangelo's holdout exposes a major gap on the backend. At least that's the common thought process proliferating. But does it?
It's been hinted at that Shattenkirk will get to see some top pairing time with Bouwemeester untill Pietrangelo returns. The skill set and play style possessed by No. 22 isn't all that different from No. 27's. He could step in and find immediate success is within his grasp. PTO invitee Ryan Whitney could impress with and with his toolkit and experience could find himself next to Jordan Leopold on the second pairing. As could Cole should he take an Allen like step in his development.
The Jackman/Polak pair will be one to watch as the holdout lengthens. Their veteran presence and the coacing staff's confidence on the two to log important minutes against quality opposition may be called upon much more frequently than when Pietrangelo is in the lineup. Their cohesion and conditioning stars now.
Is there an opening for Edmudson or Hapanpaa now? Not really. That said, there is a chance to show that they're on the same level as Ponich, Fairchild, or Chorney which could mean a call up later in the season.
The Battle Up Front
Thanks to GM doug Armstrong's efforts over the last few summers the Blues have accumulated one of the deepest set of forward groups in the league. Good for the team and it's fans. Not so much for the individuals fighting for their jobs.
Even with the success of the CPR line late in the regular season and through the playoffs and the retirement of Scott Nichol the trio is not likely to stay together. Maxim Lapierre comes in to provide grit, abrasiveness, and proficiency on the draw. Add in Schwartz and Tarasenko seeing more ice time and Roy replacing Andy McDonald someone has to move down the depth chart. For now that looks like Vladimir Sobotka.
Because of his size and willingness to drop the gloves when needed, Reaves is likely the only CPR member with a spot to lose. Both Cracknell and Porter will need to prove they should take not only the 13th forward position, but the final spot on the roster over an 8th defenseman. A tough task considering the Pietrangelo holdout could easily go in to the regular season.
Both Jaskin and Rattie will be pushed to keep the heat on the feet of those two. They're very likely heading to the Blues new AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, but they're also an injury away from taking a spot. Once they're there, what says they'll give it up?
Don't think it won't happen. Remember BJ Crombeen's nasty spill in to the boards in the final home preseason game against Dallas a few years ago. That incident and resulting injury opened the door for someone else. Reaves is still here and Crombeen was traded...
5 Questions
- How long does Pietrangelo hold out?
Unless you have a crystal ball, you don't know. Best guess is that it takes the Blues offering a deal they aren't so comfortable with. In my opinion, there are very few players, none infact, that are even close to commanding the type of contract he is. Money has been stuffed where Tom Stillman's mouth is with the Bouwmeester trade and extension. There isn't a reason not to do that again with Pietrangelo.
- How long will the extra effort to score off the rush be made?
Hitchcock has earned kudos for adapting from a dead puck era mindset to the current era mindset. Rightfully so, but he has yet to open the Blues up offensively save for when they're down. It's hard not to go back to old crutches when new stressors break you down. I'm not so confident that the promise of a new perspective will last for very long. I hope to be proven wrong.
- What will Schwartz and Tarasenko offer?
The trade of David Perron to Edmonton was a clear indication that the Blues believe Schwartz and Tarasenko can execute in all aspects in Hitchcock's system. As much or better than Mr. White Skates. Will they? Training camp could provide a good indication of their conditioning level (if its improved) and how they gel with more established players. For the Blues to be successful they need not just Backes, Oshie, Stewart, Berglund, and Roy to produce. They need a second wave and the two 2010 first rounders are the first choice.
- How do the netminders perform in a contract year?
After the injury Halak sustained against San Jose in the playoffs he hasn't been in the same Jennings winning form. Now in better shape and looking down the barrel of free agency next summer how will he do? Don't forget, Elliott is in the same boat. He'll be looking to get paid on the open market as well. It could be a perfect storm that yields exceptional results.
- For who will this be the beginning of the end?
Not every player drafted gets to make his mark in the NHL. Some are expected to and don't. Conversely, some never expected to actually do. Which prospects start showing that they are the former? My money is on Brett Ponich.
Predictions
Assuming no injuries, he's my stab a final roster, combinations, and pairings.
Steen - Backes - Oshie
Schwartz - Roy - Stewart
Paajarvi - Berglund - Tarasenko
Sobotka - Lapierre - Reaves
Porter
Cracknell
Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo
Leopold - Shattenkirk
Jackman - Polak
Cole
Halak
Elliott
Could see either Tarasenko or Schwartz on the Roy line. Could see Schwartz on Backes' line as well with Steen on Roy's.
If Pietrangelo's holdout is lengthy then Whitney makes the final roster.
Thanks for reading!
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
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