Dr.Sens(e)
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St. Louis Blues Team Preview 2004-2005
(back from the archives)
Off-season
After finishing first in the Western Conference for the second straight season, but once again falling short of the Stanley Cup, this time in falling to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the Western Conference final, General Manager Nick Quain has made minor changes to his team during the off-season. Seemingly more of a tinkering, than overhaul.
Gone are skilled forwards Paul Kariya and Luc Robitaille, both of whom filled the left wing slots on the 2nd and 3rd lines respectively. In are Physical forwards Scott Walker and Tyler Wright, seasoned gritty roll players capable of contributing offensively, albeit not with the productive resume of either Kariya or Robitaille. Management believes the grit quotient was more lacking up front than the need to preserve a high end skill level at every forward position.
While other free agent offers were made, Quain failed to seriously pursue any of the higher end free agent forwards.
The most interesting development might have been the Blues controversial bidding loss for the services of Sergei Zubov. The only thing more surprising than Zubov’s choice for a one-year deal in Carolina, was the fact the Blues were interested in Zubov in the first place with such a deep and solid defensive corps. Whispers of ‘who would have been moved’ if Zubov had been signed, has lead to much speculation from local media and fans, let alone from the Blues dressing room.
Management
Quain has finally reached a position where he can no longer be criticized for failing to spend, as the Blues boasted one of the highest payrolls in the HNFHL last season, and that will continue into 2005.
For Quain, his priority has always been that of a defensive team, with this fact marked by the Blues having led the league in fewest shots allowed for the past two seasons. This trend should continue. Quain’s preference has always been to build a physical defensive team from the blue-line out, and for all his faults in building the Blues, the team remains robust on the back-end, complimented by a select group of dynamic franchise forwards
While the Blues steady ascent to the top of the Western conference is now complete and unquestioned, Quain’s task now remains to help guide the Blues to become a perennial threat for the Stanley Cup over the next half decade – and of course, to claim a Cup or two in the process.
Coaching
While head coach Marc Crawford’s track record is unquestioned and his six years of tenure with the Blues remains one of the longest in the HFNHL, many experts still wonder about a potential conflict with Quain. Rumours have persisted over the years that Quain’s defence-first approach in building the Blues has frustrated Crawford at times, who is renowned for advocating a more offensive style of play.
Quain on the other hand, spins the situation that in fact, he and his head coach are perfect compliments, as Quain continues to build a blue-line than can afford Crawford the luxury of pushing his forwards on an offensive assault. Many suggest however, that Crawford resents such media spins by his general manager.
Finances
The Blues remain the envy of the HFNHL, boasting a league high war chest of more than $55 million in cash reserves. Despite the acquisition of several high priced players last season, the Blues made money on the season thanks to substantial playoff revenues and significant endorsement achievements. With only one more year left on Steve Yzerman’s contract of $10 million per season, the Blues have the luxury of considering expensive players to add at the deadline, as several HFNHL teams are expected to sink towards bankruptcy ala the Colorado Avalanche last season – thereby leading to a few potential fire-sales on pricey veterans.
The main problem for the Blues will continue to be the re-signing of their key franchise players. Lecavalier, Heatley and Pronger all received healthy raises this past off-season, and its expected Thornton, Demitra, Chara and McCabe will be expecting the same in the next few years.
Keeping the core happy and signed will be the team’s biggest challenge in the coming years.
Forwards
Arrivals
• RW Scott Walker (UFA)
• LW/C Tyler Wright (UFA)
• RW Chuck Kobasew (signed)
Departures
• LW Paul Kariya (UFA)
• LW Luc Robitaille (UFA)
• RW Robert Dome (Europe)
The Blues boast a formidable top 6 complimented by highly respected veterans and role players throughout their third and fourth lines. The following is a unit-by-unit analysis.
1st Line: Pavol Demitra – Joe Thornton – Dany Heatley
The “Flash, Smash and Panache†line was together for the third consecutive season and combined to score 120 goals last year - an astonishing 1.5 goals per game. They were also a daunting +154, once again causing opposing teams misery as arguably the top offensive unit in the league. All three finished in the top 10 of HFNHL scoring last season. Look for them to top 120 goals again this year.
2nd Line: Steve Yzerman – Vincent Lecavalier – Scott Walker
With the departure of Kariya, the Blues have clearly indicated they expected bigger and better things from their #2 line. The Prince Vince shall forever remain at the center of this controversy. With a penchant for eye-popping moves, Lecavalier should be well complimented by the savvy Yzerman, along with the abrasive style of Walker, whose goal will be to create more space for his skilled line-mates.
3rd line: Peter Schaefer – Craig Conroy – Scott Young
The Blues new shut-down unit features the ultimate checking center in Conroy with the veteran skill of Young, and the savvy two-way play of Schaefer, who has emerged as a fixture with the Blues. The depth of having both Wright and Jason Wiemer waiting on the 4th line, leaves this unit open for adjustment as required.
4th line: Tyler Wright – Jason Wiemer – Landon Wilson
This motley crew combines an intriguing combination of grit, offensive potential and guile. They will be asked to hold their own this season and nothing more.
Depth
Former Hobey Baker winner Peter Sejna and Blues top prospect Chuck Kobasew will both play in the minors this season, but are sufficiently ready to provide occasional 4th line support when called upon due to injuries. Dana Lattery and Barrett Ehgoetz were signed, but remain suspects more than prospects. Former first round pick Daniel Tkaczuk was signed to a conditional deal, but it is unclear whether he will play in Worcester or return to Europe this season.
On the Horizon
Warrior Garth Murray needs a tad more professional seasoning, but seems destined to eventually crack the Blues as a roll player. Daniel Paille remains a few seasons away from a spot with the team and will ply his trade at the next level this season after a stellar junior career. Blues fist round pick David Bolland is an intriguing combination of skill and spunk, while Ryan Garlock, Colin McDonald, Adam Pineault and John Lalilberte remain projects.
Trade Talk:
The Blues have been rumoured to be after a more prolific and durable 2nd line winger to compliment Lecavalier. With the addition of Walker however, it seems Quain is content with the status quo until the right deal arises.
Overall Forward Grade: A-
The Blues top two units are amongst the best in the league, and the addition of Walker and Wright provide additional grit and jam for the supporting lines.
Defence
Arrivals
• Thomas Pock (UFA)
Departues
• None
With all due respect to the likes of Thornton, Heatley, Demitra nad Lecavalier, the ‘Dobermans†as Crawford affectionately refers to his virtual dog-pound of big physical blue-liners, remain the strength of the Blues. Lead by perennial Norris candidate Chris Pronger, the Blues boast a monstrous group of rather large and disagreeable defencemen – with an under-rated skill quotient of offensive abilities. And this unit may be together for quite some time, as none of the top 6 are over 30 years of age.
1st Unit: Chris Pronger – Brendan Witt
Pronger remains the team Captain and leader, although Crawford expects to put less of a load on his shoulders this season. This is one of the most formidable physical pairings in the league.
2nd Unit: Zdeno Chara - Bryan McCabe
Chara and McCabe seem like the perfect compliments with one common element – they are both down right nasty.
3rd Unit: Denis Gauthier – Rostislav Klesla
Gauthier keeps the opposing forward’s head’s up, while Klesla continues to be groomed slowly for a top 4 role.
Depth: Curtis Leschyshyn, Nolan Baumgartner, Thomas Pock
On the Horizon:
The Blues lack any blue chip prospects on the back-end, but with the top 6 all under 30 years of age and the addition of the intriguing offensive talents of Pock, they can afford to be patient. Zach Fitzergarld, Ross Lupaschuk, Josh Gorges, Paul Bissonette, Denis Denisov, Richard Demen-Willaume and Dustin Byfulgien are an under-whelming group of intriguing talents that remain long-term projects. The Blues would be happy to see two of this group turn out to be bona-fide NHLers.
Trade Talk:
The attempted signing of Zubov created a wave of controversy in the “Show Me†state, as the Blues were seemingly set on the back end. However, it is believed Crawford would ideally like to have at least one right handed defencemen who could play within the top 4. If a move is made, any one of McCabe, Witt or Gauthier could be dangled as trade bait.
Overall Defensive Grade: A
The Blues will once again pose a difficult opposition for forwards and most likely continue to lead the league in fewest shots against.
IN GOAL
The Blues finally made the much anticipated move for a top flight goaltender with the acquisition of Nickolai Khabibulin last season. And while Khabibulin did provide adequate goaltending that would be called stabilizing at best, the fact remains he was solid in the playoffs, but hardly the dominant force the Blues had been hoping for. In Khabibulin’s defence, he was injured during the conference final loss to the Ducks and attempted to return before he was 100%.
Former starter Martin Biron remains an extremely reliable back-up with the upside to ultimately take over for Khabibulin, but remains the undisputed #2, and nothing more. Scott Fankhouser remains a below average depth goalie who is unlikely to see anything other than emergency call-up duty with the team.
On the Horizon:
Former Hobey Baker nominee David LeNevau graduated to the AHL last season, and did not disappoint, being named to the AHL all-star team. He is arguably the Blues top prospect at this point. Michael Garnett made considerable strides and seems destined to see quality AHL duties this season alongside LeNevau in Worcester.
Trade Talk:
There has been speculation the Blues may consider moving Biron as part of a larger trade, but that remains unlikely, as the Blues still anticipate Biron to take over the #1 duties from Khabibulin in the next few years. LeNevau also seems to be within the Blues long-term plans alongside Biron.
Overall Goalie Grade: A-
A talented pairing with loads of experience, but until a St. Louis goalie shows they can steal a playoff game; it remains a minor question mark.
OUTLOOK
The Blues will once again be amongst the top teams in the Western conference, and seem likely to challenge for the President’s Trophy. However, it is the playoffs that this team will be judged, and anything short of an appearance in the Stanley Cup final will be considered a disappointment.
(back from the archives)
Off-season
After finishing first in the Western Conference for the second straight season, but once again falling short of the Stanley Cup, this time in falling to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the Western Conference final, General Manager Nick Quain has made minor changes to his team during the off-season. Seemingly more of a tinkering, than overhaul.
Gone are skilled forwards Paul Kariya and Luc Robitaille, both of whom filled the left wing slots on the 2nd and 3rd lines respectively. In are Physical forwards Scott Walker and Tyler Wright, seasoned gritty roll players capable of contributing offensively, albeit not with the productive resume of either Kariya or Robitaille. Management believes the grit quotient was more lacking up front than the need to preserve a high end skill level at every forward position.
While other free agent offers were made, Quain failed to seriously pursue any of the higher end free agent forwards.
The most interesting development might have been the Blues controversial bidding loss for the services of Sergei Zubov. The only thing more surprising than Zubov’s choice for a one-year deal in Carolina, was the fact the Blues were interested in Zubov in the first place with such a deep and solid defensive corps. Whispers of ‘who would have been moved’ if Zubov had been signed, has lead to much speculation from local media and fans, let alone from the Blues dressing room.
Management
Quain has finally reached a position where he can no longer be criticized for failing to spend, as the Blues boasted one of the highest payrolls in the HNFHL last season, and that will continue into 2005.
For Quain, his priority has always been that of a defensive team, with this fact marked by the Blues having led the league in fewest shots allowed for the past two seasons. This trend should continue. Quain’s preference has always been to build a physical defensive team from the blue-line out, and for all his faults in building the Blues, the team remains robust on the back-end, complimented by a select group of dynamic franchise forwards
While the Blues steady ascent to the top of the Western conference is now complete and unquestioned, Quain’s task now remains to help guide the Blues to become a perennial threat for the Stanley Cup over the next half decade – and of course, to claim a Cup or two in the process.
Coaching
While head coach Marc Crawford’s track record is unquestioned and his six years of tenure with the Blues remains one of the longest in the HFNHL, many experts still wonder about a potential conflict with Quain. Rumours have persisted over the years that Quain’s defence-first approach in building the Blues has frustrated Crawford at times, who is renowned for advocating a more offensive style of play.
Quain on the other hand, spins the situation that in fact, he and his head coach are perfect compliments, as Quain continues to build a blue-line than can afford Crawford the luxury of pushing his forwards on an offensive assault. Many suggest however, that Crawford resents such media spins by his general manager.
Finances
The Blues remain the envy of the HFNHL, boasting a league high war chest of more than $55 million in cash reserves. Despite the acquisition of several high priced players last season, the Blues made money on the season thanks to substantial playoff revenues and significant endorsement achievements. With only one more year left on Steve Yzerman’s contract of $10 million per season, the Blues have the luxury of considering expensive players to add at the deadline, as several HFNHL teams are expected to sink towards bankruptcy ala the Colorado Avalanche last season – thereby leading to a few potential fire-sales on pricey veterans.
The main problem for the Blues will continue to be the re-signing of their key franchise players. Lecavalier, Heatley and Pronger all received healthy raises this past off-season, and its expected Thornton, Demitra, Chara and McCabe will be expecting the same in the next few years.
Keeping the core happy and signed will be the team’s biggest challenge in the coming years.
Forwards
Arrivals
• RW Scott Walker (UFA)
• LW/C Tyler Wright (UFA)
• RW Chuck Kobasew (signed)
Departures
• LW Paul Kariya (UFA)
• LW Luc Robitaille (UFA)
• RW Robert Dome (Europe)
The Blues boast a formidable top 6 complimented by highly respected veterans and role players throughout their third and fourth lines. The following is a unit-by-unit analysis.
1st Line: Pavol Demitra – Joe Thornton – Dany Heatley
The “Flash, Smash and Panache†line was together for the third consecutive season and combined to score 120 goals last year - an astonishing 1.5 goals per game. They were also a daunting +154, once again causing opposing teams misery as arguably the top offensive unit in the league. All three finished in the top 10 of HFNHL scoring last season. Look for them to top 120 goals again this year.
2nd Line: Steve Yzerman – Vincent Lecavalier – Scott Walker
With the departure of Kariya, the Blues have clearly indicated they expected bigger and better things from their #2 line. The Prince Vince shall forever remain at the center of this controversy. With a penchant for eye-popping moves, Lecavalier should be well complimented by the savvy Yzerman, along with the abrasive style of Walker, whose goal will be to create more space for his skilled line-mates.
3rd line: Peter Schaefer – Craig Conroy – Scott Young
The Blues new shut-down unit features the ultimate checking center in Conroy with the veteran skill of Young, and the savvy two-way play of Schaefer, who has emerged as a fixture with the Blues. The depth of having both Wright and Jason Wiemer waiting on the 4th line, leaves this unit open for adjustment as required.
4th line: Tyler Wright – Jason Wiemer – Landon Wilson
This motley crew combines an intriguing combination of grit, offensive potential and guile. They will be asked to hold their own this season and nothing more.
Depth
Former Hobey Baker winner Peter Sejna and Blues top prospect Chuck Kobasew will both play in the minors this season, but are sufficiently ready to provide occasional 4th line support when called upon due to injuries. Dana Lattery and Barrett Ehgoetz were signed, but remain suspects more than prospects. Former first round pick Daniel Tkaczuk was signed to a conditional deal, but it is unclear whether he will play in Worcester or return to Europe this season.
On the Horizon
Warrior Garth Murray needs a tad more professional seasoning, but seems destined to eventually crack the Blues as a roll player. Daniel Paille remains a few seasons away from a spot with the team and will ply his trade at the next level this season after a stellar junior career. Blues fist round pick David Bolland is an intriguing combination of skill and spunk, while Ryan Garlock, Colin McDonald, Adam Pineault and John Lalilberte remain projects.
Trade Talk:
The Blues have been rumoured to be after a more prolific and durable 2nd line winger to compliment Lecavalier. With the addition of Walker however, it seems Quain is content with the status quo until the right deal arises.
Overall Forward Grade: A-
The Blues top two units are amongst the best in the league, and the addition of Walker and Wright provide additional grit and jam for the supporting lines.
Defence
Arrivals
• Thomas Pock (UFA)
Departues
• None
With all due respect to the likes of Thornton, Heatley, Demitra nad Lecavalier, the ‘Dobermans†as Crawford affectionately refers to his virtual dog-pound of big physical blue-liners, remain the strength of the Blues. Lead by perennial Norris candidate Chris Pronger, the Blues boast a monstrous group of rather large and disagreeable defencemen – with an under-rated skill quotient of offensive abilities. And this unit may be together for quite some time, as none of the top 6 are over 30 years of age.
1st Unit: Chris Pronger – Brendan Witt
Pronger remains the team Captain and leader, although Crawford expects to put less of a load on his shoulders this season. This is one of the most formidable physical pairings in the league.
2nd Unit: Zdeno Chara - Bryan McCabe
Chara and McCabe seem like the perfect compliments with one common element – they are both down right nasty.
3rd Unit: Denis Gauthier – Rostislav Klesla
Gauthier keeps the opposing forward’s head’s up, while Klesla continues to be groomed slowly for a top 4 role.
Depth: Curtis Leschyshyn, Nolan Baumgartner, Thomas Pock
On the Horizon:
The Blues lack any blue chip prospects on the back-end, but with the top 6 all under 30 years of age and the addition of the intriguing offensive talents of Pock, they can afford to be patient. Zach Fitzergarld, Ross Lupaschuk, Josh Gorges, Paul Bissonette, Denis Denisov, Richard Demen-Willaume and Dustin Byfulgien are an under-whelming group of intriguing talents that remain long-term projects. The Blues would be happy to see two of this group turn out to be bona-fide NHLers.
Trade Talk:
The attempted signing of Zubov created a wave of controversy in the “Show Me†state, as the Blues were seemingly set on the back end. However, it is believed Crawford would ideally like to have at least one right handed defencemen who could play within the top 4. If a move is made, any one of McCabe, Witt or Gauthier could be dangled as trade bait.
Overall Defensive Grade: A
The Blues will once again pose a difficult opposition for forwards and most likely continue to lead the league in fewest shots against.
IN GOAL
The Blues finally made the much anticipated move for a top flight goaltender with the acquisition of Nickolai Khabibulin last season. And while Khabibulin did provide adequate goaltending that would be called stabilizing at best, the fact remains he was solid in the playoffs, but hardly the dominant force the Blues had been hoping for. In Khabibulin’s defence, he was injured during the conference final loss to the Ducks and attempted to return before he was 100%.
Former starter Martin Biron remains an extremely reliable back-up with the upside to ultimately take over for Khabibulin, but remains the undisputed #2, and nothing more. Scott Fankhouser remains a below average depth goalie who is unlikely to see anything other than emergency call-up duty with the team.
On the Horizon:
Former Hobey Baker nominee David LeNevau graduated to the AHL last season, and did not disappoint, being named to the AHL all-star team. He is arguably the Blues top prospect at this point. Michael Garnett made considerable strides and seems destined to see quality AHL duties this season alongside LeNevau in Worcester.
Trade Talk:
There has been speculation the Blues may consider moving Biron as part of a larger trade, but that remains unlikely, as the Blues still anticipate Biron to take over the #1 duties from Khabibulin in the next few years. LeNevau also seems to be within the Blues long-term plans alongside Biron.
Overall Goalie Grade: A-
A talented pairing with loads of experience, but until a St. Louis goalie shows they can steal a playoff game; it remains a minor question mark.
OUTLOOK
The Blues will once again be amongst the top teams in the Western conference, and seem likely to challenge for the President’s Trophy. However, it is the playoffs that this team will be judged, and anything short of an appearance in the Stanley Cup final will be considered a disappointment.
