Where is trust in Jarmo? As you would tell us, your GM let you down! You couldn't beat a superior team!

I don't know about the cupboard being stripped bare. Then again, I'm no expert on what the Blues have in Juniors, College and overseas.

However, the talent was pretty thin at the AHL level this season. Beyond Jaskin, Rattie and Allen, and a couple of marginal prospects on the back end (Hankanpaa and Endmundson), there is just a bunch of has-been's and never-will-be's wearing Rosemont Mutts sweaters.
- EKolb13

Not that these are authoritative but I know Hockey's Future dropped the Blues from top 7 to number 19 in the last 2 seasons or so. Hockey Prospectus dropped them into the lowest 3rd I think.

Obviously, they draft fairly well and all it takes is 2-3 drafts. They have shipped off quite a few high picks though. I doubt they ever move a Backes but a Shattenkirk is possible for a forward plus picks. They will be looking to recoup the ones they have wasted - and there is no question the picks for Miller and Ott were wasted. Gambled and lost.

Also, this talk about Jaskin and Rattie sounds a lot like what we have heard about Pirri and before that Hayes etc...

another year, another gut wrenching playoff elimination. its never easy to take. even tougher losing to the hawks. i am glad to see a few classy posts by a couple of hawks fans. not really used to that...

Not that these are authoritative but I know Hockey's Future dropped the Blues from top 7 to number 19 in the last 2 seasons or so. Hockey Prospectus dropped them into the lowest 3rd I think.

Obviously, they draft fairly well and all it takes is 2-3 drafts. They have shipped off quite a few high picks though. I doubt they ever move a Backes but a Shattenkirk for a forward plus picks. They will be looking to recoup the ones they have wasted - and there is no question the picks for Miller and Ott were wasted. Gambled and lost.

Also, this talk about Jaskin and Rattie sounds a lot like what we have heard about Pirri and before that Hayes etc...
- tredbrta

I haven't seen a lot of Jaskin but what I have seen hasn't shown me any reason to believe that he is true top 6 material. Top 9 sure. Could he continue to develop? sure. For now, I have him penciled in as a third line guy.

I still think Rattie is two years away from being NHL ready at a minimum. but I hope to be proved wrong.

As I see what the Blues should do -

1st line C to be named later (lol) centering Schwartz and Tarasenko
Backes, Oshie and Steen (a very capable 2nd line even if I would rather have Backes playing power wing on line 1)
Sobotka, Jaskin, Berglund/Paajarvi (assuming you resign both but I would almost rather trade berglund but his value is likely in the tank
Mix of berglund, Porter, Cracknell, Reaves, Lapierre, Ott, Paajarvi

I like Sobotka but the idea that he is a true number one center is just wrong. Also, I think the team needs to realize that very soon, if not already, Schwartz and Tarasenko are a better wing pair than Steen and Oshie.

I haven't seen a lot of Jaskin but what I have seen hasn't shown me any reason to believe that he is true top 6 material. Top 9 sure. Could he continue to develop? sure. For now, I have him penciled in as a third line guy.

I still think Rattie is two years away from being NHL ready at a minimum. but I hope to be proved wrong.

As I see what the Blues should do -

1st line C to be named later (lol) centering Schwartz and Tarasenko
Backes, Oshie and Steen (a very capable 2nd line even if I would rather have Backes playing power wing on line 1)
Sobotka, Jaskin, Berglund/Paajarvi (assuming you resign both but I would almost rather trade berglund but his value is likely in the tank
Mix of berglund, Porter, Cracknell, Reaves, Lapierre, Ott, Paajarvi

I like Sobotka but the idea that he is a true number one center is just wrong. Also, I think the team needs to realize that very soon, if not already, Schwartz and Tarasenko are a better wing pair than Steen and Oshie.
- stljam

Isn't Bergland UFA this OS?

- UnnamedSource

Photo of your wife at the custody hearing?

One of your ideological (among other things I'm sure) comrades in Elgin indicted in the last few days. Think his name was Keith Farnham. Look it up.

"Red ass".....

Isn't Bergland UFA this OS?
- tredbrta

RFA

I wish the Blues would have taken their assets and targeted Spezza last year, even perhaps before the year started.

Photo of your wife at the custody hearing?

One of your ideological (among other things I'm sure) comrades in Elgin indicted in the last few days. Think his name was Keith Farnham. Look it up.

"Red ass".....


- tredbrta

I'm guessing Franham isn't ever going to win any custody hearings given his indictment.

I'm guessing Franham isn't ever going to win any custody hearings given his indictment.
- stljam

He needs to be buried in the deepest cell they can find. Either that or placed in general population for 10 years.

Chicago democrat.... Probably end up with supervision.

Then he can have a sleepover at US's house.

RFA

I wish the Blues would have taken their assets and targeted Spezza last year, even perhaps before the year started.
- stljam

IMO, Armstrong it's going to shake up the team.

Maybe a big trade involving anyone from our top line, along with others for a star forward. Of coarse you have to have a willing trade partner, but I see a deal where someone like Steen or Backes go along with Berglund and others for a big time player.

They can't keep the status quo and expect fans to get excited next year, even if they have another great regular season.

IMO, Armstrong it's going to shake up the team.

Maybe a big trade involving anyone from our top line, along with others for a start forward. Of coarse you have to have a willing trade partner, but I see a deal where someone like Steen or Backes go along with Berglund and others for a big time player.

They can't keep the status quo and expect fans to get excited next year, even if they have another great regular season.
- carcus

That would make some sense. Steen and Backes are over 30, right? Hard to imaging Backes in another jersey but that does shake things up. More likely an East team but could be an Edmonton or Calgary (Burke would love Backes). Did Steen get an NTC in his new deal?

I wonder what happens in San Jose if they drop this series after a 3-0 lead. Could see coach and players going there. Could the Sharks be a possibility for Miller?

He needs to be buried in the deepest cell they can find. Either that or placed in general population for 10 years.

Chicago democrat.... Probably end up with supervision.

Then he can have a sleepover at US's house.
- tredbrta

Somehow I doubt he would last 10 years in gen pop.

Somehow I doubt he would last 10 years in gen pop.
- stljam

Exactly.

I wonder what happens in San Jose if they drop this series after a 3-0 lead. Could see coach and players going there. Could the Sharks be a possibility for Miller?
- tredbrta

I've been saying Miller to the Sharks since we got him and the reports about Anaheim surfaced. Anaheim makes no sense (starting to make a little sense if Anderson implodes) other than his wife wants to be there. SJ makes a lot more sense.

If I had to bet, we either end up with an Elliott/Allen tandem or a Hiller/Allen tandem next year. He can give Hiller a Derek Roy style deal - one year at a discounted rate to prove you still have it. Hopefully it will work out better for him than Roy, lol. I still wonder what a Brodeur/Allen tandem would be like. Nothing like learning from a first ballot hall of famer.

IMO, Armstrong it's going to shake up the team.

Maybe a big trade involving anyone from our top line, along with others for a start forward. Of coarse you have to have a willing trade partner, but I see a deal where someone like Steen or Backes go along with Berglund and others for a big time player.

They can't keep the status quo and expect fans to get excited next year, even if they have another great regular season.
- carcus

Agree.

Already this season it seemed as if attendance was a big stagnant. I honestly don't know how they're going to sell their product going into next season.

I think most fans are tired of the regular season success followed by a first round exit.

I've been saying Miller to the Sharks since we got him and the reports about Anaheim surfaced. Anaheim makes no sense (starting to make a little sense if Anderson implodes) other than his wife wants to be there. SJ makes a lot more sense.

If I had to bet, we either end up with an Elliott/Allen tandem or a Hiller/Allen tandem next year. He can give Hiller a Derek Roy style deal - one year at a discounted rate to prove you still have it. Hopefully it will work out better for him than Roy, lol. I still wonder what a Brodeur/Allen tandem would be like. Nothing like learning from a first ballot hall of famer.
- stljam

Not interested in Hiller, not interested in Marty either. The Blues don't need someone to hold Allen's hand and teach him, he is going to need someone that pushes him for starts. Marty is too old.

I hate the idea of Allen/Elliott, unless they are committed to having Allen start and not basically do a 50/50 time with those two. Elliott would be a very good backup and could fill in if Allen flamed out with the opportunity.

I'd bet on Allen/ Miller next year. Armstrong is not going to let him walk. The only way he does is if he doesn't want to be a Blue.

http://www.stltoday.com/s...fb-a13b-b0b3bd7d98dc.html

Q: How are you going to move forward with the goaltending for next year?

Armstrong: "I'm going to obviously let things settle in here. I'm trying to come up with a good analogy. It's like going to the dentist. The freezing is coming out and now it hurts. I'm going through that freezing coming out and it's really painful. Today is a lot harder than it was yesterday, I know that. We got to figure out a way to get better. With the goaltending, Jake Allen is going to be here next year. He’s earned the right. He’s the top American League goalie. He's got that team in the playoffs, now we're going to see how far he can take it. He will be one of two. Who his partner will be will be discussed at the appropriate time and that will be over the next few weeks. It's a two-way street with Ryan at this time. He has opportunities. I want to sit and talk to him, I want to get his feelings about our organization, how he felt about coming in, where he thinks we're at ... see if he even has any interest being a St. Louis Blue."

Q: Not knowing what the future holds for Ryan Miller and the Blues, do you view Jake Allen as a potential No. 1 goalie next year?

Armstrong: "I view Jake Allen coming in here next year competing for starts."

Q: If Ryan Miller is here, can Jake Allen still compete for starts?

Armstrong: "Jake Allen's partner is going to have to hold Jake Allen out. Jake Allen is going to have to compete with his partner for ice time."

I'd bet on Allen/ Miller next year. Armstrong is not going to let him walk. The only way he does is if he doesn't want to be a Blue.

http://www.stltoday.com/s...fb-a13b-b0b3bd7d98dc.html

Q: How are you going to move forward with the goaltending for next year?

Armstrong: "I'm going to obviously let things settle in here. I'm trying to come up with a good analogy. It's like going to the dentist. The freezing is coming out and now it hurts. I'm going through that freezing coming out and it's really painful. Today is a lot harder than it was yesterday, I know that. We got to figure out a way to get better. With the goaltending, Jake Allen is going to be here next year. He’s earned the right. He’s the top American League goalie. He's got that team in the playoffs, now we're going to see how far he can take it. He will be one of two. Who his partner will be will be discussed at the appropriate time and that will be over the next few weeks. It's a two-way street with Ryan at this time. He has opportunities. I want to sit and talk to him, I want to get his feelings about our organization, how he felt about coming in, where he thinks we're at ... see if he even has any interest being a St. Louis Blue."
- cuethenoise

I hope he walks.

Don't the Blues have to give a first round pick if he's signed before July 1?

I would really like to see the Blues head down the road with Elliot backing up Allen next year.

I hope he walks.

Don't the Blues have to give a first round pick if he's signed before July 1?

I would really like to see the Blues head down the road with Elliot backing up Allen next year.
- bcallaway

I just added a couple quotes from there. They don't see Allen as a number 1 yet, basically. So I don't think it's possible, unless they get screwed out of options that it's Elliott / Allen.

He needs to be buried in the deepest cell they can find. Either that or placed in general population for 10 years.

Chicago democrat.... Probably end up with supervision.

Then he can have a sleepover at US's house.
- tredbrta

Aah my favorite poster has done it again ......compared me to a child porn criminal and suggested I abuse my son......This more than likely means you have nothing of relevance or meaning to add to any discussion relating to hockey. So what does a sad lonely individual do when they feel they keep losing the same argument over and over again. .....He makes personal attacks like I mentioned above......kinda funny how you've chosen the Blues board to hide your childish ignorant views. .....hey blues fans has he told how he thinks Tim Thomas was blacklisted by the nhl....lol.....go ahead ask him......

I hope he walks.

Don't the Blues have to give a first round pick if he's signed before July 1?

I would really like to see the Blues head down the road with Elliot backing up Allen next year.
- bcallaway

If he is signed before July 1st, the conditional 3rd rounder becomes a 1st rounder to Buffalo, but Buffalo also then gives us a 2nd & a 3rd round pick in return.

It is not as simple as the 3rd turns into a 1st.

I am not so sure about Elliott and Allen, but it does seem more like a desirable option right now than I used to think. I guess I am slowly warming up to the idea. As long as Allen is given every opportunity to be the #1 guy. I like Elliott, but am not interested in him being our #1.

Aah my favorite poster has done it again ......compared me to a child porn criminal and suggested I abuse my son......This more than likely means you have nothing of relevance or meaning to add to any discussion relating to hockey. So what does a sad lonely individual do when they feel they keep losing the same argument over and over again. .....He makes personal attacks like I mentioned above......kinda funny how you've chosen the Blues board to hide your childish ignorant views. .....hey blues fans has he told how he thinks Tim Thomas was blacklisted by the nhl....lol.....go ahead ask him......
- UnnamedSource

Amazing what one can project from a simple avatar, isn't it?

Aah my favorite poster has done it again ......compared me to a child porn criminal and suggested I abuse my son......This more than likely means you have nothing of relevance or meaning to add to any discussion relating to hockey. So what does a sad lonely individual do when they feel they keep losing the same argument over and over again. .....He makes personal attacks like I mentioned above......kinda funny how you've chosen the Blues board to hide your childish ignorant views. .....hey blues fans has he told how he thinks Tim Thomas was blacklisted by the nhl....lol.....go ahead ask him......
- UnnamedSource

Wow! Imbalanced again? Quite a rant. WTF are you talking about?

Blacklisted by the NHL? I said some teams probably were not making offers to Thomas based on his political beliefs and, if so, that would be wrong. You turned it into a "blacklist" thing. I think you debated yourself for at least 3 days while I was gone in order to do so.

Struck another nerve with you I guess. You are, without question, twisted up in some very dangerous ways. I do pity your kid. Please get help for his sake.

You may notice many Hawks fans on other threads not on, or very rarely on, JJ's thread. I think the count is easily into the double digits. This is largely, though not entirely, because of you. I have PMd with many.

BTW, who followed who here or wherever I may post? You are truly disturbed.

Wow! Imbalanced again? Quite a rant. WTF are you talking about?

Blacklisted by the NHL? I said some teams probably were not making offers to Thomas based on his political beliefs and, if so, that would be wrong. You turned it into a "blacklist" thing. I think you debated yourself for at least 3 days while I was gone in order to do so.

Struck another nerve with you I guess. You are, without question, twisted up in some very dangerous ways. I do pity your kid. Please get help for his sake.

You may notice many Hawks fans on other threads not on, or very rarely on, JJ's thread. I think the count is easily into the double digits. This is largely, though not entirely, because of you. I have PMd with many.

BTW, who followed who here or wherever I may post? You are truly disturbed.


- tredbrta

I was told by your "fan club" you were in exile on the Blues board

....and you have some odd obsession with my son.....but maybe it's a thing with you and little boys?....I also noticed brand new posters every day on the hawks board. .....and doesn't look like anyone misses your absence