T.J. Oshie: Hey it's T.J. I just got back from the Cardinals game. It was a good first experience. Let's get this thing rolling.

Tim S.: Hey T.J.

I'm looking forward to watching you play next year. Have you picked a number yet?

T.J. Oshie: No, not yet. It's a tough decision. I'm going to wait and think about it for a while.

Badadio Levy: What's goin' on TJ, big ups on signing/finishing up school. I would like your perspective on a few topics.

1. Who do you feel is the best player in the game today?
2. What current player in the league do you feel resembles your style the most?
3. Do you worry about incriminating photos from facebook emerging when you're making a Cup run in 2011?

Thanks big dawg and keep up the good work.

T.J. Oshie:
1. Sidney Crosby. Just because of the way he carries himself on and off the ice and his level of talent and competitiveness on the ice.
2. Not sure. I don't watch too much hockey, except for the playoffs. But my style of play would be a physical and offensive player.
3. No, not at all. That's just me having fun and having a good time.

Mitch: JR -

Thanks, as always, for hosting these chats...especially for the guest stars you bring in!

T.J. -

Welcome to the Blues! I had the pleasure of seeing you live at the Frozen Four last year, and several times on the tube over the past couple seasons...I really look forward to seeing you on the ice this year!

Questions:

1. What specifically are they asking you to work on during off-season conditioning? Adding muscle to upper / lower body? Increasing speed / quickness? How different is Coach Ayotte's regimen from the program at UND?

2. Watching the WCHA, it seemed that a lot of obstruction went uncalled. Do you think the stricter enforcement of clutching / grabbing in the NHL will give you more playmaking opportunities?

3. Any preference for playing center vs. wing...or just wherever they put ya?

4. Any idea what jersey # you'll be assigned?

Best of luck this season!

T.J. Oshie: 1. I want to work on my lower-body strength, as well as doing prehab on shoulders and knees. Prehab would be doing exercises that would prevent injuries in the future.
2. Yeah, I think it will open up my game a lot more, and give me more time and space to create offense.
3. I like playing center more just because I'm around the puck more and have more responsibility. But I am in a more elite league than before, so wherever they put me is fine with me.
4. Don't know yet.

Jeff Q: Thanks to JR first off for keeping the chats going.

TJ -

I know everyone will say this, but its great to see you signed and excited to play on NHL ice. Welcome to St Louis and welcome to the Blues. There are alot of excited fans who think were on our way back to having a really good team and its great to see you a part of it.

Are you feeling any pressure (organizational or personal) to produce early like your former teammate Toews and guys like Mueller, EJ, Kane, and some of the youngsters in Edmonton who have had a solid impact already.

What do you feel is the most underrated part of your game? Alot of fans talk about your passion and desire, what do you bring that we maybe havent seen on youtube or read in scouting reports?

What player you wouldnt mind being compared to in 5 years at the NHL level?

Enjoy it TJ, i know its your job now, but it sure looks like a fun one. Have fun out there and check some guys next year. Again, welcome to the Blues.

T.J. Oshie:

1. I think there's definitely pressure from the media and fans to make a large impact. I'm first and foremost just looking to make the team, and then I'll take it from there.

2. The most underrated part of my game is my defensive play. I've taken a lot of pride in that aspect of my game this past year.

3. Not sure. I hope to make my own name.

Ellen H.: Hi T.J.
--I'm 16 years old and a huge Blues fan. I am so happy that you'll be here in St.Louis for next season. I was just wondering a few thing: How does it feel finally coming to St. Louis after three years? And how does it feel to be part of the rebuild process of this Blues organization? Are there any players in particular that you are looking forward to working with?
Thanks, Ellen
P.S. I can't wait to see you sporting that Blue Note at Scottrade Center.

T.J. Oshie:

It feels good. It was a very pleasing welcome. It's a dream come true and I'm excited to be here. As far as being part of the rebuilding process, it makes me more comfortable that I'm going through it with other people in the same situation.

Obviously playing with Tkachuk and Kariya would be a great feeling, as they've been my heros growing up.

Wes: What's up TJ?

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. I really look forward to watching you play for the Blues. Keep playing a gritty game and throwing big hits in the NHL! Blues fans love that.

My question is, do you know any current players on the Blues team (personally I mean)? Possibly Erik Johnson? We have a lot of young guys like Perron, EJ, Stempniak, Backes, King, and pretty soon you and many more, so you should fit right in.

What are your thoughts on coming onto a team like this with a lot of highly touted prospects?

The future is bright for the Blues, so hopefully you like playing in St. Louis.

T.J. Oshie:

I know EJ from playing with him in World Juniors in 2005. Other than that, just acquaintances.

Josh: Hey T.J.! Welcome to St. Louis! What do you see as your biggest obstacle this coming season? Good luck!

T.J. Oshie:
I think just making the team and establishing a spot in the lineup.

nms: Welcome to St. Louis T.J.!

Is there one aspect of your game that you think you will have to work on the most to make the jump to the NHL this fall?

T.J. Oshie:
I'd say strength and conditioning. The season in the NHL is a lot longer than in college, so to be conditioned well enough.

Bert: Hey T.J.- have you played w/ Eric Johnson before? Do you think you'll get some Power Play time as a rookie? The Blues need some help there.

T.J. Oshie: Yeah, I mentioned I played with Erik at World Juniors.

If I make the team, I'm hoping to get some power-play time in and prove that I can be a power-play player.

Patrick: TJ, I am glad that you are finally in a Blue Note jersey. Last year you attended development camp and were impressive. What did you learn from that and what did you really work on during the season to prepare yourself for a run at the Calder trophy?

Good luck this year, stay healthy, put the biscuit in the basket and smile your about to play in the NHL.

T.J. Oshie:
I learned at the development camp that the speed is a lot faster and that you have to be a lot more conditioned to play at this level.

George: T.J. welcome to St. Louis. What do you enjoy more, playing Wing or Center? How do you compare your style of play to that of your buddy Jonathan Toews? Are you a more physical player than he is and who is the better skater? I hope you have as much or more success than he did last year. Thanks for your time and good luck this year. Look forward to seeing you in the Bluenote.

T.J. Oshie:
I feel like I'm more physical than Jonathan as far as big hits go. I don't want to take anything away from Jonny . . . he's the complete package.

Buzz: T.J.,
Think about it. You have your own Q and A session today and you've never played in the NHL. To me, this stresses the Blues commitment to youth as a means of taking the team to the next level (The playoffs), and beyond. Are you up for the challenge? Are you eager to become one of the next generation of Blues team leaders? Thanks.

T.J. Oshie: I definitely appreciate the Blues patience and support over the past couple of years. I feel like I'm up for the challenge and hope to be taken under the veterans wing and one day be a leader.

Roger: TJ,

Welcome to St. Louis!
So when can I get my Oshie jersey? Are you gonna duke it out with Walt for #7? ;)
I can't wait to see your fire and enthusiasm catch on in the Blues locker room. I think you'll add a spark and fire that this team (and fanbase) really need right now. Go out there, be yourself and STL will love you. Good luck and I can't wait for camp bro;)

Roger

T.J. Oshie:
Walt happens to be quite larger than me, so I'll tap out now and give him the number. Through his leadership and commitment to the organization, I think that should be his number.

Another T.J.: Mr. Oshie:
Thank you for taking the time to talk. I am a fellow UND Graduate who has come to love college hockey with a passion. As so, I have gotten to see a lot of game at different venues. One in particular in Colorado Springs where they have international ice. I love it!! It allows the player to show more of their speed and agility. With you excelling in both of those areas would you like to see the NHL go to a larger size ice? Do you think it would help create more interest in the league? Don't get me wrong, I love to see checking but there is nothing sweeter than seeing you or anyone skate coast to coast for a game winner!!

Good Luck and I wish you and the Blues great success this coming season.

T.J. Oshie: I like the NHL-size rink the way it is. I feel like there's more action. Coming from college and playing in many Olympic-size rinks, there's not as much action on the ice and it makes this fast game seem slow.

John C: TJ, welcome to St Louis.

Am I correct that you are related to Henry Boucha & Gary Sargent? I had a chance to see both of them play before they made it to the NHL and then saw them play against the Blues.

What has been the influence of these successful hockey players on your growth as a player and as a man?

How are Boucha and Sargent doing these days?

T.J. Oshie:
They are both cousins of mine. They are the reason, for the most part, why I started playing hockey.

Stealth JD: Yo TJ,

Welcome to STL. How about you convincing Toews to sign in St. Louis once he becomes a UFA? By then you and Porter ought to be rocking and rolling and hopefully you guys, EJ, Eller and the rest will already have a couple of Cups under your belts. Tell Toews that the Blackhawks are the Cubs of the NHL and if he ever wants to hoist Lord Stanley that he needs to do it in the Lou. Seriously, I can't wait for the CHI/STL rivalry to be reborn. Both of these franchises have fallen on hard times recently and yourself and Toews are going to have some epic battles over the next decade and we're looking forward to them all.

T.J. Oshie:
I'll talk to Jonny about coming over and being linemates again. But I hear he has a good situation over in Chicago. Maybe I'll play him in golf for the decision to see who goes to which team.

barclay8: Center is such an important position to learn in the NHL because of the defensive responsibilities and need to cover the whole ice. Do you think you'd benefit starting out as a winger and growing into the center ice position, or are you comfortable with your defensive game?

T.J. Oshie:
I think starting at wing and getting a feel for the speed of the game would benefit me. Eventually I'd like to be put in the middle.

B. Smith: Will your friendship with J. Toews diminish now that you are in the Blue Note and have to play the (less than desirable) division rival Chicago Blackhawks?

T.J. Oshie: Definitely not. Me and Jonny are good friends. On the ice, it will probably look like we hate each other, but after the game, we'll be good buddies again.

ibleedblue1968: Hey TJ.
Congratulations on your signing.
We are excited to see you join the BlueNote.

When you were selected in the NHL draft, you were listed at 5'10" or so - considered small. We have heard that you grew since then. How tall are you at this point, and what is the ideal weight Nelson Ayotte is looking for you to be at?

Best of luck in your offseason.
Thanks for taking our questions.

T.J. Oshie:

Right now, I'm 5-11 and 1/2, weighing in at 195 right now. It would be great to grow a couple of inches, but if not, I'd like to be at 195, but stronger by the season opener.

Colin Stevens: Why did you leave a close ball game early?

T.J. Oshie: I left the Cardinals game to talk to you guys. But I'm watching the game on TV as we speak.

germanblues: Hi T.J. and a big welcome to the Blues from Germany.

1. Any chance for you lately to talk to J.Toews and the beginning of a big rivalry with the Hawks? Must be weird to play against a former teammate.

2. Any idea where Ryan Duncan will be playing next year?

Good luck with the BLUES, T.J.!

T.J. Oshie:

I'm excited to build the rivalry with the 'Hawks and Jonny.

As far as Dunc, he's decided to go back and will be a great leader and an impact player at North Dakota for another year.

Mark Williams: Welcome to the club!

Do you have an idea on where you will stay this summer / next season? Have any vets offered you a place in their homes?

Thanks!

T.J. Oshie:
I'm not sure where I'll be living. I've got to make the team first. I'm fine living with anyone. I get along with everyone.

If I had to pick, it would probably be with one of the guys on the team. We'll have to see who I build a relationship with first.

Colin Stevens: What are you predications in the Cup Finals? Pens or Wings?

T.J. Oshie:
I want the Pens to win just because I skate with Ryan Malone in the summer. He's had a great year and works hard. I feel he deserves to hold the Cup.

slap shot: T.J.,

Welcome to St. Louis and welcome to the Blues! We're glad you're here. We know you can help. We hope you put many "biscuits" in the basket this coming season.

I hear you're a "heat-seeking missile" on the ice. We welcome more size up front, more forechecking in the offensive zone and a nasty attitude towards the opposition. I hope your attitude is contagious. I've heard you compared to a St. Louis icon, Brian Sutter. How would you describe your style of play? Do you think you can grow into the role of a "power forward" for the Blues? How do you think that you can help the Blues to reach the post season? Is there any one particular NHL player that you tried to emulate?

T.J. Oshie:

I like to be nasty on the ice and get under the other team's skin. I'd like to think of my position as a power-skilled forward. I'm not sure what my style of play will mold into in the pros.

Dave: Oh yeah I have to ask or she'll kill me. My sister is a 21 year old student at Truman University. She wants to know if you'll marry her.

Remaining hopeful...

T.J. Oshie: I don't marry anyone without a first date. I'm looking forward to meeting her, though.

T.J. Oshie:
Thanks for chatting with me. I'm glad to be in the Blues organization finally. Thanks for your patience and I hope to see you at the rink.