Update: St. Louis Blues forward Paul Kariya
Blues forward Paul Kariya skated again today before the team’s practice and he continues to tell management that he could return if the club makes the playoffs.
“I just talked to him,” Blues President John Davidson said this afternoon. “He skated for about an hour this morning, and he said he feels really good. He adds 5-10 minutes to his skating each day, and he’s pushing hard. He knows his body. He’s still targeting the end of the season, the playoffs . . . we’ll see. The key is, if he keeps progressing, then he’s going to have to see a doctor and get cleared. But it’s all real good.”
I asked Davidson if there’s a chance Kariya could play in the final few regular-season games, or if his possible return was being targeted for the first playoff game.
“It’s more geared toward the playoffs now, but I don’t know yet,” Davidson said. “He’s got to be in a position where he feels like he’s ready to go. Then, he’s got to see his doctors in Colorado and then we’ll make a team decision. It would be a nice surprise (if Kariya played in the regular season), but you never know.”
JR
Let’s not bring Kariya back hastily. Sure, I’d like to see him earn some of that jack he’s been getting for these under-achieving seasons… but I think even he knows he can be more effective if he’s healthy. And a healthy Paul Kariya, which we haven’t seen in some time, makes this young, exciting team that much more dangerous to play against. I just hope instead of pass-happy Paul, we get the guy who buries the puck…
IF Kariya is healthy, and IF he’s back in game-shape, I’d be extremely excited by the prospect of having him back in the lineup as a forward as soon as possible. Any extra fire-power this team can generate on offense will go a long way in helping the defense relax and start playing “better” which is a kind word for what I’ve been watching lately. Perhaps more time in the offensive zone would be just what the doctor ordered for this defense!
My only issue with bringing in a rusty Kariya is that might effect the team chemistry. It MAY NOT at the same time and just give the Blues more fire power. Next question is who sits so that Kariya can play? And any updates on EJohnson for the playoffs?
There is NO way EJ comes back for the playoffs.
I’ve had an ACL job done, and coming back too soon is not the best thing for the organeyezayshun’s cornerstone defenseman. I would be shocked if they push to bring Johnson back this year.
As for Kariya, he might be able to add a little something up front, especially with KT falling off the second half. And maybe this rest from his hurt wrist will help him (KT) too. Kariya could be a good set of fresh legs in the playoffs.
Let’s Go Blues!
If the Blues are clearly out of the playoffs at season’s end, it would be pointless to bring Kariya back; however, if he feels alright and the Note is still in the picture, it would be nice to have him back.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO. Let him get completely mended and bring him back 100% next year. The team will NOT a Stanley Cup this year, with or wirhout him. Let’s wait until next season when we will really need his impact most. Management have taken such positive steps forward, even testing the patience of the loyal fan base…don’t get greedy now just for the sake of having him back. Keep him OUT!!!!
If it comes down to the final game or 2 in order to clinch a playoff spot, which is very likely, it won’t make too much difference in rehab with 2-3 days before the playoffs begin.
Kariya could be the difference maker, in extending the season. davidson has to know that is a very real possibility, so in all likelihood, unless the playoff spot is already clinched, that paulie will be seeing regular season action very soon.
You’d expect that if he was allowed to come back and pronounced fit by a doctor, fresh legs would be quite the understatement considering what kind of repair he had done.
If he receives medical clearance, practices, and pronounces himself fit and ready to play, I think it’s an absolute no-brainer to get him back into the lineup, and my choice would be to sit Dan Hinote (personally) if you’re looking for a target.
Let’s face it, the Blues since January are as hot as they can be, but no one can tell me that the Blues wouldnt be closer to where Chicago is had they not had so many injuries, one of the biggest one’s being Kariya. He has the playoff experience and not to mention we already have seen the boost the return of Andy McDonald gave us, what one earth will it be like when Paul returns. My only question is with how good the Blues are playing, who do you sit to accommadate him? Winchester hasn’t buried many goals but he’s a pest out there and has been putting a lot of teams on edge with his play. You can’t sit a fighter like Jans because you need those kind of players come playoff time. Any ideas of who would sit in order for Kariya to play come playoff time??
As I said yesterday, the choice is crystal clear on the selected scratch in favor of Kariya: Dan Hinote!