Dr.Sens(e)
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(AP) St. Louis: In a bold franchising defining move, the St. Louis Blues have acquired one of the league’s top centers, landing Jonathan Toews from the Dallas Stars in exchange for Jordon Eberle and Reilly Smith.
The Blues also took back Jordon Leopold in the deal, while adding $1M in cash to their end, with both of these moves adding value to the Stars from a financial perspective.
The Blues had been rumoured to be after Toews for many years now, and it would appear the state of the Stars and the impending raise due to Toews next season changed things for a franchise in transition.
In adding Toews, the Blues will boast one of the top 1-2 punches at center in the league, with Toews and Thornton at the pivot, while it’s anticipated Jeff Carter will move to the right side to replace Eberle.
For the Blues, the move has it’s clear upside, in adding a top line center in his prime to a forward group composed mostly of aging veterans at key positions. But the deal puts further financial strain on a team already feeling the pressure of the cap ceiling. While Toews only makes a little more than Eberle this season, the loss of a rookie salary in Smith leaves a hole in the Blues depth, while the significantly anticipated increase to Toews salary next season will put further pressure on the Blues cap situation.
In Eberle and Smith, the Blues have given up two key young forwards, as the right wingers are both under the age of 25 and already established as scoring line threats. Eberle in particular, has been a top offensive talent for a few years and his production is quite comparable to Toews over the last few years. Smith topped 50 points in his first full NHL season last year, and is due a rookie salary for two years.
While the addition of ‘Captain Serious’ undoubtedly changes the make-up of the team, the Blues still seem caught between an old identity and a new one. Remaining with the team are the long-time leadership group, including Thornton and Zdeno Chara, while Carter and Dustin Byfuglien also remain key contributors. Daniel Alfredsson also remains under contract with the team, but given the uncertainty of his return this season, it is now clear the Blues simply have no cap room for him should he return, likely resulting in a trade before the season begins. Several teams have already contacted the Blues to discuss a trade for Alfredsson, in the event he does announce his return. Either way, it would seem Alfredsson's letter is already being stitched to a Toews jersey.
Leopold is scheduled to make $4M and it is believed the Blues will waive Leopold and pay his salary while in the minors, should another team not pick him up.
The Blues will continue to look to add a depth forward and/or defenceman at some point, and likely one who makes less than $1M per year.
BLUES PROJECTED LINE-UP
St. Louis - Toews – Simmonds
Frolik – Thornton – Carter
Clutterbuck – Eller – Nystrom
Larsson/Stone – Chipchura – Eaves
Chara – Josi
Byfuglien – MacDonald
Cole – Staal
Howard
Enroth
The Blues also took back Jordon Leopold in the deal, while adding $1M in cash to their end, with both of these moves adding value to the Stars from a financial perspective.
The Blues had been rumoured to be after Toews for many years now, and it would appear the state of the Stars and the impending raise due to Toews next season changed things for a franchise in transition.
In adding Toews, the Blues will boast one of the top 1-2 punches at center in the league, with Toews and Thornton at the pivot, while it’s anticipated Jeff Carter will move to the right side to replace Eberle.
For the Blues, the move has it’s clear upside, in adding a top line center in his prime to a forward group composed mostly of aging veterans at key positions. But the deal puts further financial strain on a team already feeling the pressure of the cap ceiling. While Toews only makes a little more than Eberle this season, the loss of a rookie salary in Smith leaves a hole in the Blues depth, while the significantly anticipated increase to Toews salary next season will put further pressure on the Blues cap situation.
In Eberle and Smith, the Blues have given up two key young forwards, as the right wingers are both under the age of 25 and already established as scoring line threats. Eberle in particular, has been a top offensive talent for a few years and his production is quite comparable to Toews over the last few years. Smith topped 50 points in his first full NHL season last year, and is due a rookie salary for two years.
While the addition of ‘Captain Serious’ undoubtedly changes the make-up of the team, the Blues still seem caught between an old identity and a new one. Remaining with the team are the long-time leadership group, including Thornton and Zdeno Chara, while Carter and Dustin Byfuglien also remain key contributors. Daniel Alfredsson also remains under contract with the team, but given the uncertainty of his return this season, it is now clear the Blues simply have no cap room for him should he return, likely resulting in a trade before the season begins. Several teams have already contacted the Blues to discuss a trade for Alfredsson, in the event he does announce his return. Either way, it would seem Alfredsson's letter is already being stitched to a Toews jersey.
Leopold is scheduled to make $4M and it is believed the Blues will waive Leopold and pay his salary while in the minors, should another team not pick him up.
The Blues will continue to look to add a depth forward and/or defenceman at some point, and likely one who makes less than $1M per year.
BLUES PROJECTED LINE-UP
St. Louis - Toews – Simmonds
Frolik – Thornton – Carter
Clutterbuck – Eller – Nystrom
Larsson/Stone – Chipchura – Eaves
Chara – Josi
Byfuglien – MacDonald
Cole – Staal
Howard
Enroth
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