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