I always thought Lou's claim to fame was three-fold:

1) Having a good group of European scouts before everyone had European scouts
2) Drafting Martin Brodeur
3) Navigating the Scott Stevens legal case so that he got all of the Blues draft picks
- eggsegan

I agree. His most recent body of work hasn't been all that impressive.

I'm sorry but TB hangs the phone up with you on that proposal. The package you referenced is basically an overage middling prospect, an average third line center and an undrafted AHL backup goalie. That isn't going to be close to what it would take.

if army could pull off that deal, it would be quite a coup. It would be Jim Nill-esque.
- stljam

It will cost at least Fabbri Berglund and a first round pick

I can them taking a package like that with a tweak

Love everyone labeling Rattie a bust but they want to trade him for Drouin

It will cost at least Fabbri Berglund and a first round pick

I can them taking a package like that with a tweak

Love everyone labeling Rattie a bust but they want to trade him for Drouin
- sycsam

Personally, I don't think Rattie's a bust, he just needs a chance to play on a top-6 line (which admittedly would be tough on Tampa as well).

Having said that, there's no way on earth Tampa is getting "at least" the Blues' top prospect, a good 2nd/3rd line player, AND a first round pick for a kid who has played 76 NHL games (reg. & playoff) and scored a grand total of 4 goals. Sorry, but that is the kind of package you pay for a young established player. Oh, and Tampa is already about $637,000 over the salary cap, so they can't just take on Berglund's contact without sending $$$ back.

Like I said previously, this is more realistic:

Berglund ($3.7 mil), Rattie ($772k), & Copely ($705k)
For
Drouin ($895k) & Ohlund ($3.6)

Taking Ohlund off Tampa's books would be key to the deal. He won't ever play for St. Louis. He's already said he's likely done for his career. His cap hit is ~$3.607 mil, but his actual salary is only $1mil this season, then he's a free agent. Combined with Drouin's contract, the Blues' cap only rises ~$795,000 , and the actual $$$ Mr. Stillman & Co. are paying out would decrease.

For Tampa, Rattie replaces Drouin in the prospect pipeline (albeit not quite at the same talent level), & Copely slots in with Gudlevskis in Syracuse's net. Both new guys would be at the AHL level to start, so they won't count against the cap. Berglund takes Drouin's spot in the lineup & can play center or wing on their 3rd line. All told, they save ~$800,000 against the cap, which allows them to be cap compliant.

Everybody is happy.

It will cost at least Fabbri Berglund and a first round pick

I can them taking a package like that with a tweak

Love everyone labeling Rattie a bust but they want to trade him for Drouin
- sycsam

Yeah I believe he would cost us a good young player like fabbri or even Jaskin.

Personally, I don't think Rattie's a bust, he just needs a chance to play on a top-6 line (which admittedly would be tough on Tampa as well).

Having said that, there's no way on earth Tampa is getting "at least" the Blues' top prospect, a good 2nd/3rd line player, AND a first round pick for a kid who has played 76 NHL games (reg. & playoff) and scored a grand total of 4 goals. Sorry, but that is the kind of package you pay for a young established player. Oh, and Tampa is already about $637,000 over the salary cap, so they can't just take on Berglund's contact without sending $$$ back.

Like I said previously, this is more realistic:

Berglund ($3.7 mil), Rattie ($772k), & Copely ($705k)
For
Drouin ($895k) & Ohlund ($3.6)

Taking Ohlund off Tampa's books would be key to the deal. He won't ever play for St. Louis. He's already said he's likely done for his career. His cap hit is ~$3.607 mil, but his actual salary is only $1mil this season, then he's a free agent. Combined with Drouin's contract, the Blues' cap only rises ~$795,000 , and the actual $$$ Mr. Stillman & Co. are paying out would decrease.

For Tampa, Rattie replaces Drouin in the prospect pipeline (albeit not quite at the same talent level), & Copely slots in with Gudlevskis in Syracuse's net. Both new guys would be at the AHL level to start, so they won't count against the cap. Berglund takes Drouin's spot in the lineup & can play center or wing on their 3rd line. All told, they save ~$800,000 against the cap, which allows them to be cap compliant.

Everybody is happy.
- usmcaaron

that is insane.

Personally, I don't think Rattie's a bust, he just needs a chance to play on a top-6 line (which admittedly would be tough on Tampa as well).

Having said that, there's no way on earth Tampa is getting "at least" the Blues' top prospect, a good 2nd/3rd line player, AND a first round pick for a kid who has played 76 NHL games (reg. & playoff) and scored a grand total of 4 goals. Sorry, but that is the kind of package you pay for a young established player. Oh, and Tampa is already about $637,000 over the salary cap, so they can't just take on Berglund's contact without sending $$$ back.

Like I said previously, this is more realistic:

Berglund ($3.7 mil), Rattie ($772k), & Copely ($705k)
For
Drouin ($895k) & Ohlund ($3.6)

Taking Ohlund off Tampa's books would be key to the deal. He won't ever play for St. Louis. He's already said he's likely done for his career. His cap hit is ~$3.607 mil, but his actual salary is only $1mil this season, then he's a free agent. Combined with Drouin's contract, the Blues' cap only rises ~$795,000 , and the actual $$$ Mr. Stillman & Co. are paying out would decrease.

For Tampa, Rattie replaces Drouin in the prospect pipeline (albeit not quite at the same talent level), & Copely slots in with Gudlevskis in Syracuse's net. Both new guys would be at the AHL level to start, so they won't count against the cap. Berglund takes Drouin's spot in the lineup & can play center or wing on their 3rd line. All told, they save ~$800,000 against the cap, which allows them to be cap compliant.

Everybody is happy.
- usmcaaron

Tampa needs top end picks because Drouin is just arriving at the wrong time. Tampa is stacked. They need ZERO help in their current line up.

Tampa needs top end picks because Drouin is just arriving at the wrong time. Tampa is stacked. They need ZERO help in their current line up.
- eggsegan

Yup

So I think a deal revolving around Fabbri and a couple of picks lets say a first in the 2017 draft and a second in the 2016 draft would likely be three pieces for Drouin

Why would TB care to move Ohlund he is a FA after this year and thus off their books

Fabbri
2016 2nd
2017 1st

Drouin
2017 2nd

I see a similar deal like the one that sent EJ to Colorado but above is my guess

Personally, I don't think Rattie's a bust, he just needs a chance to play on a top-6 line (which admittedly would be tough on Tampa as well).
- usmcaaron

Shouldn't he be required to earn this?

Shouldn't he be required to earn this?
- bcallaway

He likely wont get the chance to earn it with the way hitch loves his fourth line

unless there is an injury to a top 9 and he gets significant playing time I just dont see him getting a chance

that is insane.
- BluemanGuruu

Eh, maybe. I still think it's a good idea, even if we are dealing in fictional scenarios to begin with.

Tampa needs top end picks because Drouin is just arriving at the wrong time. Tampa is stacked. They need ZERO help in their current line up.
- eggsegan

I can't completely agree with this. It is possible that Stevie Y feels they need something added to the lineup to get over the hump in the playoffs, and is willing to sacrifice a future asset in Drouin to get that piece. I doubt Bergy is that player, but they may be looking at a bigger fish like Shattenkirk or Backes.

I can't completely agree with this. It is possible that Stevie Y feels they need something added to the lineup to get over the hump in the playoffs, and is willing to sacrifice a future asset in Drouin to get that piece. I doubt Bergy is that player, but they may be looking at a bigger fish like Shattenkirk or Backes.
- bluenatic411

Backes + for Drouin +

I can see that

Backes + for Drouin +

I can see that
- sycsam

I'm sorry but...

bcal, you want this softball?

I'm really not trying to be a Richard. Backes hasn't done Richard in the playoffs. He ain't getting anyone over the hump in the playoffs.

I'm sorry but...

bcal, you want this softball?

I'm really not trying to be a Richard. Backes hasn't done Richard in the playoffs. He ain't getting anyone over the hump in the playoffs.
- eggsegan

Backes not in a leadership role on a team that is close

I dont know the other pieces but Backes is desirable by other GM's

Just a few points about everything that is being talked about here:

1) Though Drouin has a high ceiling, in 70 games last season, he scored 4 goals. He did have a lot of assists, but everyone seems to be overvaluing him. Drouin needs to develop and he is not currently worth losing a big name. That said, if the price is right, he's likely worth the risk.

2) I realize Blues fans have had it with Backes lately, but he is being undervalued. Every GM in the league would love to have him and he would play an integral role on any team. He may be unproductive in the playoffs, and his leadership is questionable, but he's still a better player than 90% of the guys in the organization. Backes would be a huge loss without something major coming back for him.

3) Paajarvi deserves a real shot this season. As we've said over and over, the team needs skill and speed. Paajarvi needs NHL minutes to continue developing his skill, but he may already be the fastest skater in the organization.

Backes not in a leadership role on a team that is close

I dont know the other pieces but Backes is desirable by other GM's
- sycsam

I agree with this. Backes will most likely shine when he isn't the Captain and playing elsewhere with a top team.

Boy this summer is taking forever

So ready for October

Yup

So I think a deal revolving around Fabbri and a couple of picks lets say a first in the 2017 draft and a second in the 2016 draft would likely be three pieces for Drouin

Why would TB care to move Ohlund he is a FA after this year and thus off their books

Fabbri
2016 2nd
2017 1st

Drouin
2017 2nd

I see a similar deal like the one that sent EJ to Colorado but above is my guess
- sycsam

Toss in 2018 1st & 2019 1st then "maybe " you can get TB to bite. If necessary we could always take on the future salaries of all these picks.

I think I might have to blow the dust off this thread, getting kinda old......

I think I might have to blow the dust off this thread, getting kinda old......
- Goblues86

I tried to kick start it yesterday haha

I tried to kick start it yesterday haha
- sycsam

Nothing really to talk about for now. It's almost football season.

I'll not really plug in to hockey before January.

Nothing really to talk about for now. It's almost football season.

I'll not really plug in to hockey before January.
- bcallaway

As a Rams fan you should be in to hockey in about week 3

As a Rams fan you should be in to hockey in about week 3
- sycsam

Football fan - yes.

Rams fan - no.

Football fan - yes.

Rams fan - no.
- bcallaway

Rams fans are so hopeless...almost as hopeless as Blues fans

Rams fans are so hopeless...almost as hopeless as Blues fans
- Yeah Boyes

They'll be the hottest new thing in Los Angeles this time next year.

And, as luck would have it, prolly be a pretty darn good team by then as well......

Meanwhile we'll be here talking about the new Blues GM and coach.