With a long-term contract in hand, Blues defenseman Barrett Jackman is looking forward to training camp.

He used to be one of the young guys. Now, with the team rebuilding with youth, he is one of the veteran leaders coach Andy Murray will lean heavily on.

On “The Sports Edge” on KFNS (Monday-Friday at noon), I had a chance to visit with Barrett. Here was Jackman’s take on some of the team’s up-and-coming players:

Erik Johnson: “He learned a lot last year, from the beginning to the end. He was trying to do too much and live up to his expectations right off the bat. He has that big shot and vision of the ice. I just hope he gets off to a great start and carries it from there.”

David Perron: “He got a real quick awakening to the NHL. I think he played just one year  in junior hockey and all of a sudden he’s in the NHL as a 19-year-old. (He and Johnson) really matured last season. We’re going to see special things from David. He’s up there with Doug Weight with the way he handles the puck.”

Steve Wagner: “He has a ton of patience with the puck. It seems there was not much of a learning curve come from college. He played with the calmness of a 10-year veteran.”

Roman Polak: “He hits like a freight train. He just needs to gain experience.”

He reminded us not to overlook the addition of Mike Weaver as a depth defenseman. He and Jeff Woywitka will join Polak and Wagner in the fight for ice time behind Jackman, Johnson, Eric Brewer and Jay McKee.

Also, rugged Andy Wozniewski will compete for the old Matt Walker role. Walker is now a Blackhawk, which makes Jackman said. Walker was one of his best friends on the Blues.

“That’s a big disappointment to see him go – especially to the Blackhawks,” he said. “He has a lot of toughness. Fortunately we’re both defensive defensemen, so we won’t run into each other much.”
Here is a nice NHL.com breakdown of the top Blues prospects.

AROUND THE RINKS: Mats Sundin remains undecided about his future – and his indecision tormenting the front office of several teams. The Rangers, Canadiens and Canucks have made the strongest push for him. HockeyBuzz predicts it will come down to New York and Montreal, with Vancouver acquiring Scott Gomez from the Rangers to help that team make the cap work. This indecision directly impacts Brendan Shanahan, who remains an unsigned free agent. He could end up in Montreal if Sundin lands in New York . . . If the Wild can’t sign Marian Gaborik to a contract extension, the team may have no choice but to trade him (ala Marian Hossa) and move on. Other teams would give up plenty for the rights to a prime-age goal scorer . . . Hockey Guy always liked Stu Barnes, so it’s tough to see him retire from the Stars. He is joining the Dallas coaching staff. One of his likely jobs: Babysitting crazy Sean Avery, the team’s new agitator . . . There isn’t much left on the free-agent marketplace. The Blues don’t appear interested in wingers Glen Murray or Mark Parrish, but checking line center Randy Robitaille is a possibility. The Blues could use some veteran depth behind Yan Stastny.