So what should the Blues do with would-be scorer Paul Kariya?

If he isn’t ready to even practice with the team now – when his team is headed for a playoff showdown with the favored Canucks – then he shouldn’t be considered for these playoffs. Period.

He isn’t Wayne Gretzky or Mark Messier, so it’s time to move on. Fish or cut bait. If he can’t play. pack him up and send him home for good. Let him rehab with Troy Glaus.

Let him rehab with Mark Mulder. Whatever.

Maybe the Blues include him in their 2010 plans . . . or maybe they should buy him out and let him try elsewhere. That will depend on what the team sees from players actually able to play in the biggest games of the year.

Perhaps his time with the franchise has come and gone. It was a nice thought, signing him, but he has done precious little for the Blues.

The franchise spent a fortune on Kariya. He has done little for the team and little in the community. The Blues have moved on without him. Few fans care about him anymore.

If he wants back in, make him earn it. If he is ready to skate through a wall for this team after sitting out most of the season, fine. Let him try.

Otherwise . . . thanks for coming, here’s your parting gift. Enough is enough.