Blues Defensive logjam

[AaronMK]

The blues have an absolute logjam on the backend with the likes of Edmundson, Parayko, etc. what are our options with all these D-men?

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[bleedblue1223]

Not a logjam until they are NHL ready and while most are promising and some are safe bets, none are NHL locks, especially Edmundson. Over the next 3-4 years we will benefit greatly from having young, cheap dmen rounding out our top 6.

 

[anlongo13]

Keep them in the minors to develop, and hope the Blues have a stable full of call-ups when needed.

If they develop into NHL defensemen, it will be a luxury to have a couple players on entry-level contracts and that money can't be put to use elsewhere.

 

[DatDude44]

yeah don't see the problem here. young, talented inexensive defensemen is a luxury i'm willing to deal with hahaha...better than the opposite

 

[AaronMK]

I realize its not a logjam for say yet but I've been seeing a lot of people saying Parayko and Schmaltz are NHL ready. (Parayko especially) Plus Lindbohm IS NHL ready. give it a year or two and Vanneli and Edmundson might be ready. That is the point in which this thread is focused. I just want to know what other blues fans think. and thank you to those who have already posted!

 

[bleedblue1223]

They aren't quite NHL ready yet though. I imagine very few have actually seen them play and even less have seen them enough to make that kind of evaluation. In my viewings, you see the talent and potential of Schmaltz and Parayko, but a full year or 2 will be required in Chicago IMO.

 

[AaronMK]

They aren't quite NHL ready yet though. I imagine very few have actually seen them play and even less have seen them enough to make that kind of evaluation. In my viewings, you see the talent and potential of Schmaltz and Parayko, but a full year or 2 will be required in Chicago IMO.

Fair point

 

[bleedblue1223]

Realistically, Jackman could not be retained with the idea of Lindbohm stepping in, Parayko and Schmaltz will challenge Cole and one will eventually win that spot and when Gunnar's contract is up, we'll see where everyone is at and reevaluate. Realistically, there is room for the ones that develop.

 

[DatDude44]

In 4 or 5 years, I could see Schmaltz-Petro, Parayko- Shatty, Cole- vannelli........ obviously this isn't gonna be what the top 6 is since i'm sure they're will be plenty of change and who knows who we'll end up drafting in those years, but either way, i'd be happy with this down the road and i think we could have a solid core of dmen for a long time.

 

[ManyIdeas]

jbo pie
? shatty
? ?

Question marks are, in order of potential usefulness imo

gunnar, lindbohm, cole, parayko, schmaltz

this is for a bit further down the line, and realistically the only super safe bet is Pie. Shatty may want to go to NY at the end of his deal, and then schmaltz and parayko will both likely be the RH dmen below petro.

 

[SirPaste]

Schmaltz, Parayko, and Vanelli aren't even pro yet, Edmundson hasn't played in a year and Hakanpaa seems to be a bust unless he somehow learns to skate. I don't see a problem

 

[2 Minute Minor]

I realize its not a logjam for say yet but I've been seeing a lot of people saying Parayko and Schmaltz are NHL ready. (Parayko especially) Plus Lindbohm IS NHL ready. give it a year or two and Vanneli and Edmundson might be ready. That is the point in which this thread is focused. I just want to know what other blues fans think. and thank you to those who have already posted!

Who is saying Parayko and Schmaltz are NHL ready? Whoever is saying that is misinformed.

 

[uncommonsense52]

I feel like none of Schmaltz, Parayako, Edmundson, or the others are at the same level Ian Cole was when he first got the promotion to come up here a few years ago. And he had some growing pains himself in meshing with our game.

I don't see this as a logjam as much as a sudden drop in ability past the players that are on the roster now.

These guys might develop, but none of them need to be here right now, certainly none are forcing their way to the line-up, and if we had some injuries or something come up to where we needed to recall one this season down the stretch, I'd rather look to free agency or cheap rentals to settle that hole.

 

[Alklha]

We have nobody that is clearly NHL ready. Lindbohm is the closest, but I think some are getting a little too excited from limited viewings.

Vannelli is going to take at least 2 years in the AHL and Edmundson is now a big question mark.

Schmaltz and Parayko are more difficult to judge; players coming out of college can surprise, but we have to assume that both are going to need time in the AHL. That is almost certainly what both will need. Schmaltz might get a chance on the roster this season, maybe even a couple of games, but he'd need to look great to be getting pencilled into the bottom pairing next season. Parayko won't get that chance.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Not a logjam at all.

I have not read a single post here claiming that Parayko and/or Schmaltz is NHL-ready.

Hakanpaa is nearing bust territory.

Edmundson's mean and physical style may be ultimately compromised by his back injury.

There is a considerable drop-off in NHL-readiness after the NHL roster.

Don't hold your breath for Lindbohm.

 

[Captain America*]

I hope the Blues sign Jackman until he retires.

 

[Renard]

The Blues got a look at Parayko in the prospect camp last summer. But that was kids playing against other kids.

Parayko has been a big fish in a small pond, and he hasn't been up against top competition. He is an exciting prospect, and I really want to see him with the Wolves next year (I think he is expected to turn pro after this college season).

I'd be pleasantly surprised if he advanced quicker, but I'm guessing Parayko will spend most of next year with the Wolves.

 

[Ranksu]

At first I need to clear this (OT):

I try to look always without 'finnish' glasses. To me it doesnt matter what nationality stand behind player. Ofc I'm happy if some Finnish players 'breaks' NHL etc.

Like that my favourites players in Blues are/were: Sobotka, Polak, Reaves, Schwartz, Ott and Oshie.

* * *

So to Lindbohm discuss, this is Petteri first year in AHL/NHL. First year in smaller ring and new atmosphere. I think Lindbohm will improvement all the time. Learning different gamestyle, speed and what comes to be different country and culture. Next summer is going to be huge for him. I think he is going ahead of Cole next season (summer) and be that bottom 6 Dmen. Like how much Cole has potential but haven't all these years getting significantly better. I have this feeling Ian is 'running still'. Feel bit sad -07 #18 pick is going to be totall bust.
Also I don't see Lindbohm getting better then bottom 6 Dmen, but he would be a long time our best stay at home Dmen and shorthanded specialist.