Blues Getting bolstered for playoffs.

With the Trade Deadline fast approaching its time to start dissecting the Blues potential moves for the play off run. So I will look through the Blues depth chart and give my opinion on what I believe they need heading into the StanleyCup playoffs.There has not been many rumours surrounding the Blues heading into the March 2nd deadline. As any coaches say there is always a chance at making your team better. The Blues are destined to be a top seed going into the playoffs, but as of right now they would be playing the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round thanks to the new playoff format. With that being said we will need to beef up going up against the always playoff ready Blackhawks.

The Forward Lines as of Today.

Alex Steen- David Backes- TJ Oshie

Jaden Schwartz - Jori Lehtera - Vladimir Tarasenko

Dmitri Jaskin - Paul Statsny - Patrik Berglund

Steve Ott - Marcel Goc - Ryan Reaves

Injured/Scratched

Chris Porter

What They need?

Let me get this off the start the Blues have about a 5 million in cap space according to todays TSN write up and no first round pick to play with. If i had my way Paul Statsny would get a more veteran goal scorer on his wing to set up. I love what Dmitri Jaskin has done this year but if we want to get deeper in the playoffs I would like to get a more veteran guy in that spot.

Who They Could go after?

Mike Santorelli Toronto Maple Leafs

He has a cap hit of 1.5 million, he is from the Eastern conference. We could also get him a little cheaper because the leafs are Mctanking this season. A firesale is imminent, I wouldnt mind giving up a prospect and a pick for him. we would just need to figure out how to fit it under the cap.

Michael Ryder New Jersey Devils

He can add a little secondary scoring and wont cost a lot maybe a couple draft picks. If Doug Armstrong could pick him up Paul Statsny would enjoy having the extra help on his wing. Ryder has been a proven 25 or more goal scorer 5 times. If Ryder came i think Statsny could help him find that magic touch in the twilight of his career.

Daniel Winnik Toronto Maple Leafs

The Blues have been tied to him in talks as of late, I like the fact that he works really hard and if he was playing next to Paul Statsny i think he could chip in a little more than usual. He also could create some space for Berglund and Statsny. Or the Blues could move Steve Ott up beside Statsny and Berglund remember Ott has had a 20 goal season before so he can put the puck in the net.

Defensive Pairings as of late

Chris Butler - Alex Pietrangelo

Jay Bouwmeester - Carl Gunnarson

Barret Jackman - Ian Cole

Injured: Kevin Shattenkirk

What They Need?

With Kevin Shattenkirk Listed week to week the Blues are hoping he will be back soon, but they could still use a rental upgrade going into the playoffs and I hope Carl Gunnarsson is part of that deal.

I have not been impressed with his play this year, I wish he had more of a mean streak on him. We could use another D man that can Quarterback a power play and give the opposition more to deal with in the D zone. Here is a few guys who should be available moving up to the deadline.

Zbynek Michalek Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix is on a Fire Sale right now and Michalek is right atop that, the Blues have been talking to the Coyotes about him. Michalek hasn't put up a ton of points but he would add the depth the Blues need to make a deep run.

Andrew Ference Edmonton Oilers

He is the Kind of player you would really like on your team  finishes every check and is a leader in the room. He has a Stanley Cup ring from his time in Boston. He does have a full no movement clause in his contract but if he had an offer from the Blues I doubt he would turn it down. The other good thing is he has another year on his contract.

Cody Franson Toronto Maple Leafs

I know the Blues are looking for a player that is not considered a rental but Cody Franson would add a nice Bolster to the Blue line and I would like the idea of him playing with Kevin Shattenkirk down the stretch I just don't know how we would make this one work because the Leafs already gave us Gunnarsson so this trade wont happen but we can wish!

If we could add one of these 6 players I mentioned above to bolster the depth on either the front or the back. It would be pretty key to the Blues play off run. As per usual I have a lot of trust in the decision Doug Armstrong makes at the deadline.

Tyler

Avalanche Potential Trade Targets

Should the Avalanche consider trading Matt Duchene...?

Amid the blockbuster trades done today by the Sabres and Jets, the floodgates have cracked, and we're all just waiting for the flood.

The Colorado Avalanche have a myriad of talent throughout their roster, yet aside from last year, they have been a bottom 16 team for the better part of the last 10 years.

This needs to change.

The Avs have had top draft picks that have been almost wasted on smaller skilled Canadian forwards. After taking Duchene 3rd overall in 2009 and MacKinnon 1st overall last year, you'd think that the Avalanche would aim to draft bigger, meaner players in order to protect them and work the corners. Roy & co. have fired their head of scouting Rick Pracey, and look to be trending positive as far as team depth goes. With this, let's take a look at who the Avs have on their roster, and some potential trade targets.

1. Ryan O'Reilly

O'Reilly is a tough one to try and speculate on, only because we all know how stubborn he and his agent are with contract negotiations. He is a UFA by 2016, so banking on re-signing him long term after a trade can possibly end up the same way the Stastny blunder played out. O'Reilly is statistically in the same playing field as Evander Kane, so he could easily garner a huge return for the Avs. He plays a disciplined 200ft. game, and could be a top 2 center anywhere in the league. If I were looking to trade him, I'd want to make it a bundle trade in order to get more in return. I like the idea of OEL or Yandle playing for the Avs, but if ROR is looking to get a long term contract, it's doubtful he'd want to stay in the west. Keep an eye out for trade talks with Ottawa. They have a glaring need for a top center to play with Bobby Ryan, and Colorado could sure as hell use a Jared Cowen.

2. Reto Berra

I'll take a washing machine and a box of Snickers in return. Get Berra out of here. Take Guenin with you.

3. Jan Hejda

Hejda is perplexing because he is the big journeyman that the Avs need, but he's 38 and getting slower. Hejda plays his role, he's the humble goaltender guardian, and he can lay a monstrous hit at any given moment. Package him or Stuart with Guenin, and there goes our biggest puckhandling liabilities in our own end. I'd do Hejda and Guenin for a 3rd/4th pair D man. If the other teams have a brain though, they'd see Guenin's name and vomit in their mouths a little bit.

4. Prospects

As previously stated, the Avs have lots of small skilled forwards. Sgarbossa won the OHL scoring title a couple years back before turning pro. We also have players like Paul Carey, Andrew Aggozino, Colin Smith, and Joey Hishon all stuck in the same rut, unable to earn a roster spot. Calvin Pickard looks to be the young stud backup Colorado needs to make a legit run in the future, so Olympian Sami Atitokallio could use a change of scenery too. Bundle them with a current bottom 6 forward/bottom 2 defenceman, and that could yield a solid puckmoving defenceman in return. A lot of teams could use depth skill, and the Avs have lots to deal.

5. Matt Duchene

Now, for me to say this about my favourite player says a lot about the state of defence in Denver. Duchene is the 2nd most point producing forward from the 2009 draft behind John Tavares, so to say that he would garner a huge return is an understatement. I bet the Leafs would be willing trade Phaneuf, Franson, and Bozak for him alone. Since nobody really wants those Leaf bums, you have to wonder what a Matt Duchene translates to on D. With Johnson and Barrie both nursing injuries, the Avalanche need a minute-muncher on the back end who can help ease the pain of injuries. When EJ and Barrie got hurt, the Avs were left with an AHL defensive corps aside from Stuart and Hejda, which aren't much better than AHL caliber. Duchene bleeds burgundy and blue, so trading him would have to be an absolute last option. 

6. Injured Players

There are a few players on the roster who have barely played this season due to injuries, if they even played at all. Winchester was an off-season pickup from Ottawa, and he suffered a concussion before the season started. He is supposedly a faceoff and PK guy. McGinn, Wilson, Bordeleau, and Rendulic all had season ending injuries, but they all offer size and grit to any team. Ginner is a prototypical 3rd or 2nd line winger that could fit on almost any roster in the NHL, so pairing him with either a prospect or even Hejda could be a great package deal to land that ever elusive reliable defence the Avs so desperately need.

The defensive situation in Colorado is an eye opener to say the least. Yet, there is still hope. Siemens is shaping up to be that mean Adam Foote-esque net front presence we have been missing since Foote retired, and Bigras has the potential to be an elite defender. Not to mention NCAA American Will Butcher showing exceptional promise as well. The fact remains though, the Avs need immediate help, and must stop relying on young prospects or random out-of-the-blue journeymen.They can't keep relying on Varlamov to be outstanding while giving up 35+ shots a game while only getting 18-22 of their own. Our roster is loaded with expendable skill, and it's about time we turned that skill into trade bait.

By: Brian

7 Hole Hockey 2015 Mock Draft

Hey guys hope everyone is having a good week.

So I decided to put up a Mock Draft for this years draft. Remember its a deep draft and anything 
could happen come june. I got most of my stuff from draft rankings and looking up every player and there skills off scout sites like elite prospects and hockeys future. I put a little write up about every player from what scouts have said about them for your convenience. Also for a few I put where I think they would fit into that lineup.


I used http://nhllotterysimulator.com/#/ to simulate it if you got some time screw around with it.

1.Arizona: Connor Mcdavid, C Erie Otters

No Brainer here generational player, he will have no problem helping the disaster that has happened in Arizona as of late. Lots of good young players there that would have a lot of fun playing beside the kind of player Mcdavid is. The Combination of Vision,Skill,poise,smarts,and compete is really amazing. He will be a fun player to watch and he probably cant wait to show the best players in the world what he's got. Imagine Max Domi-Connor Mcdavid- Shane Doan combo bet that would put a few extra years on Doaner.

2.Buffalo: Jack Eichel, C Boston College

Can’t complain with getting a franchise player. Hopefully Buffalo can surround him with some help. They have a great player in Sam Reinhart who will also be ready for full time NHL duty next year thats a pretty nice 1-2 punch to have going into the future. Tell you what i wouldnt mind seeing Eichel between Moulson and Ennis. Its been proven Moulson can put the puck in the net when he has a high level passer giving him the puck.

3.Edmonton: Noah Hanifin, D Boston University

Thought about putting Dylan Strome here but hopefully Edmonton makes a wise decision and takes the defensemen great player here would look good beside or behind Nurse. The kid just knows how to play defense, and he has been winning battles in the NCAA all year as an underage freshman and looked good in the World Junior Championships. This kid would definitely be a good pick on a defensive struggling team in Edmonton.

4.Carolina: Dylan Strome, C Erie Otters

Good player would be a key piece of the future in Carolina and if Eric Staal stays Strome would have good players to look up to and learn from. Great size, very good strength with and without the puck. Elite offensive talent who is deadly on the power play. I think Carolina would be a good place for Srome to be. I would personally like to see him beside Jeff Skinner if he was in Carolina.

5.Columbus: Zach Werenski, D Michigan

Big smart defensemen as a 17 year old Freshman defensemen at Michigan. Would be a stud back there with Ryan Murray and company. Werenski has been said to be a great puck mover and will be a very good Offensive D man. Has some things to work on but has all the tools to make it in the NHL. 

6.Toronto: Lawson Crouse, LW Kingston Frontenacs

I have him dropping here to 6 and Toronto wont pass on the Ontario boy I think it will be a good fit if they give him time to develop. He has NHL size, strength, and speed. Possesses NHL caliber shot. Hasn't put up the numbers you would expect from a player who can physically dominate opponents at will. 

7.Ottawa: Ivan Provorov, D Brandon Wheat Kings

Strong All Around defenseman in Brandon at least that’s what scouts say I feel he would fit in well in the Capital of Canada. Knows the North American hockey game very well because he has been playing in North america since he was 14. Makes great first passes and wins his battles.

8.New Jersey: Oliver Kylington, D Färjestad BK

Adam Larson has found his own this year and I think Oliver would fit in well with a fellow swede who could show him the ropes of the NHL. Could make for a good back end for the Devils. Great skater and just a natural hockey player. Makes great passes and knows when to skate it out.

9.Philadelphia: Mitch Marner, C London Knights

A player the Flyers would love to have this kid, has been leading the whole CHL in points this year so you know he would fit in nicely with Claude Giroux and company. He works hard, competes, although he is only 5'10 you don't have to worry about that he battles hard and has a natural ability to put the puck in the net.

10.Dallas: Mathew Barzal, C Seattle Thunderbirds

I think this kid could be a great Star, amazing vision and I feel he could potentially get picked higher even after his injury this year. Amazing vision and would be perfect fit behind Tyler Seguin in the future.In this draft Barzal is my favorite not named Mcdavid. He plays a full 200 ft game, thinks the game so well and just knows how a play will unfold. Patient and doesn't force plays that aren't there makes everyone around him better.

11.Minnesota: Miko Rantanen, RW HC TPS

Two way forward would fit nicely into the depth chart of the Wild. Plays an all around game uses his body to his advantage. Good shot and knows how to fin the back of the net. Strong player that will protect the puck. Understands that all plays start in your own zone first.

12.Colorado: Thomas Chabot, D Saint John Sea Dogs

The Avalanche are in desperate need of defenseman and Chabot is a smooth skating good transition defenseman, who can lead a rush. They compare him to Keith Yandle, so if he keeps developing like he has no telling how quick he could be in the Avalanche uniform. He can close lanes against opponents quickly and transition it up the ice really well. 

13.Los Angeles: Pavel Zacha, C Sarnia Sting

Some say could be like San jose’s Thomas Hertl and with the demotion of Mike Richards he will be a nice asset for the future.A shoot before pass player but the kings like that because they have the players that love to bury a juicy rebound. Zacha will hit defenseman instead of just trying to take the puck from them. A player who is still learning the North American game so might need another year or two in the OHL. But he will be a very good player in the future. Has also drawn comparisons to an Eric Staal, thas pretty good I  would say.

14.Florida: Timo Meier, RW Halifax Mooseheads

Good goal scorer, big body who is a strong player on the Halifax Mooseheads. Fit nicely with Aleksander Barkov or Johnathan Huberdeau. Meier is a versatile player who can play in different roles on any team. Knows his way around the offensive zone but can shutdown lines if need be. Needs to improve his D zone, most kids his age do need to do that. Quick release shot and always finds a way to be in an area to receive a pass in the offensive end.

15.Calgary: Jeremy Roy, D Sherbrooke Phoenix

Leading defenseman Point getter for the QMJHL, could be a good addition to the already producing Calgary D core. Gifted player who is a leader on the ice, thinks the game very well and plays a strong two way game. Great skater with and without the puck can use his skating to break up plays. Is a very good player in his own end. 

16.Vancouver: Jansen Harkins, C Prince George Cougars

All around player for the Prince George Cougars, played his minor hockey in BC the Canucks would love to add him just like they did with Jake Virtanen last year. Harkins out works who ever he is up against and makes all the right plays, leader on the ice and wont make bad decisions. 

17.Winnipeg:Nick Merkley, C Kelowna Rockets

I am really intruigued by the Winnpeg prospects with Josh Morrissey, Nikolaj Ehlers, Nic Petan, and Eric Comrie, With Jacob Trouba also on the back end I thought why not go with another Top Scorer in Merkley. He is a tremendous two way forward who is just Lethal around the net. Winnipeg could be dangerous in a couple years.

18.Sanjose: Evgeny Svechnikov, LW Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

6-2 power forward in Cape Breton that is a good point producer still learning the North American game. Will need some time to develop but San Jose has never forced any players into the NHL.

19.Boston: Brandon Carlo, D Tri City Americans

6-5 defenseman, the Bruins love big defenseman especially mobile defenseman who have the ability to kill penalties. He will shut down the opposition's best players and has the ability to adjust to anything on the fly. Minute munching defenceman who has a mean streak that can be scary for opponents coming down on him. Would be a great Bruin.

20.Washington: Paul Bittner, LW Portland Winterhawks

Prototypical power forward with the Portland Winterhawks, wins battles and protects the puck well. A player who can chip in on the score sheet too, very enticing to the Capitals  team who love big forwards to disturb the opposing defense. Has potential to add some muscle to that beast of a frame in the future, not scared to be in front of the net and get the gritty goals for his team.

21.Tampa Bay*(NYR):Jakub Zboril, D Saint John Sea Dogs

Skilled defenseman in the QMJHL, Two way D man who  lays the body pretty heavy on his opponents. Can QB a powerplay. Possesses tools to be a very good All around d man in the NHL will need time to develop this skill. Tampa bay has the time to do that.

22.Chicago: Jeremy Bracco, RW USA NTDP

Feisty forward who is Boston College bound next season, been a great player with the National team development program. Play maker first with the ability to score goals would look nice in the top 6 of the Chicago Blackhawks. Great two way player who can do it all in the offensive zone, pass first player who can also put the puck in the net. Once he adds some more weight to his frame at Boston College next season he will win some more battles.

23.Edmonton*(PIT)Travis Konecny, C Ottawa 67's

Let me say this first if Konecny drops this far I will be surprised this kid is a full package player who does it all for the Ottawa 67’s. Huge upside, will need time to put some weight on his frame. Would give the Oilers an opportunity to get rid of a bit of their core. Can score goals any way as well as play in his zone should not drop this low in the draft and if he does consider the Oilers the luckiest team in the draft.

24.Buffalo*(NYI):Colin White, C USA NTDP

Great Centerman who is off to Boston College, smart player who can be deceptive for his opponents. He will be a player who wears down his opponents game in game out.Hard worker who you wont see in the wrong spot on the Ice definitely a player the Sabres would love to have centering there 3rd line in the future. Will need some time to dominate the NCAA before makes the jump but well worth the wait I believe.

25.Detroit.Kyle Connor, LW Youngstown Phantoms

Off to University of Michigan which would make it easy for the Red Wings to keep an eye on his development. Hard working player shift in and shift out. One of those players who is a threat everytime he has the puck. Great vision and hockey sense with and without the puck, can find a teammate no matter the pressure the opposing team has on himself. Could be a ver good Red Wing in the future.

26.Montreal.Filip Chlapik, C Charlottetown Islanders

Great Hockey sense from the Czech republic but playing in Charlottetown for the Islanders. Always in the Right place with or without the puck. Has the offensive package is constantly working on defensive game.See's the ice very well and finds his teammates in good places time and time again.

27.Tampa Bay.Jordan Greenway, LW USA NTDP

Big Player off to BU next season 6-5 222 pounds, has a strong athletic ability will definitely need time to develop his full set of skills but Tampa has the time to let him develop. He needs to work on his consistency, but once he does he will be a force to battle with for opponents in the future. Has a great shot and can put the puck in from different angles. Good defensive player in his own zone.

28.Nashville: Brock Boeser, RW Waterloo Blackhawks

Goal scorer in the USHL was committed to Wisconsin but re opened his recruiting process. Personally I think the golden gophers have a good shot at this Minnesota boy. No interest in the CHL and couldn’t find if anyone holds his rights. He is a strong pro style player who has a lethal shot, which ever NCAA team gets him is very lucky. Plays in his D zone very well, 200 ft player. Almost NHL ready needs to develop just a little bit.

29.Anaheim:Daniel Sprong, RW Charlottetown Islanders

Speedy player with a ton of skills, has a great eye for the net. Scary dangerous in the Offensive zone. Needs to work on the defensive consistency because at times you can see it. Needs to get a little stronger but Anaheim would be a good place to be because they have the ability to let him develop his game.

30.Buffalo*(St Louis): Jake Debrusk, LW Swift Current Broncos

Great player who is a beast on the Forecheck, menace to the D men causes a lot of turnovers in the offensive zone. Has a strong ability to score or make a quick pass, has a very high hockey IQ. A late bloomer type player so no telling how good he could be. Needs to fill out his 6 foot frame.

Pick #21 Tampa Bay received this pick as part of the Martin St. Louis Deal with the New York rangers.

Pick #23 Oilers received this pick from the David Perron trade this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pick #24 the Buffalo Sabres received this pick from the New York Islanders trade for Thomas Vanek.

Pick # 30 Last years trade when the St.Louis Blues traded for Ryan Miller and Steve Ott.

Tyler

St Louis Vs Arizona

54th game here on the dockett for the Blues tonight against the Arizona Coyotes, should be a good one tonight as the Blues have dropped two straight since setting the franchise record of 13 games straight with a point. To start I would like to congratulate Ty Rattie on his first NHL point there in Buffalo on Dmitri Jaskin's goal. We all know there is many more to come from him. Jori Lehtera is back in the line up for the Blues which is a great sign for the STL line, hopefully they can heat up tonight against the not so deadly Coyotes.


If you didn't catch the Buffalo Sabres game here is Jake Allen's 2 pad stack on Zemgus Girgenson's, I saw it live. The video doesn't do it justice.

What we need to see.

What could be a help tonight is a big 60 minute effort from everyone, as well as finishing the checks this evening. The Arizona d men hate to have that kind of pressure on them every time they have the puck. The Blues need a stellar performance in net but that should not be the deciding factor seeing as on that franchise streak did they ever steal games for them. The Blues need to limit the second chance shot by getting the bodies away from the net. Make easy plays pucks deep, short passes and shoot. Need to grind out the win tonight, so just keep it simple.

What we cant see.

What ever happened in that Columbus game. No words for that. If you missed the game the game can be described in the photo below.

Opponent.

Arizona, could be explained as a team waiting for the draft lottery to see if they get a chance at Connor Mcdavid. That is not their players though who are professionals and play with pride so never take them lightly. On paper the Blues are 10X the team the Coyotes are but if you give them an inch they will take a mile. So get on them early and don't stop they play with pride.

Line up tonight

Steen-Backes-Oshie

Schwartz-Lehtera-Tarasenko

Jaskin-Statsny-Berglund

Ott-Goc-Reaves

Butler-Pietrangelo

Gunnarsson-Bouwmeester

Jackman-Cole

Allen

Elliott

Scratched: Joakim Lindstrom

Injuries:  Kevin Shattenkirk, Chris Porter

Prediction: 4-1 for the Blues Jake Allen with a big night to turn it around and David Backes is going to show the boys whats up. he is due for a 2 goal 1 assist night.

Look for me to post a mock draft up in the next few day's just putting a few tweaks on it.

Tyler