BillP: If the Blues do to trade Perron for Pronger, at 34, how much left do you think Pronger has to offer. You think he can play at a high level for another 4 years? Also if the Blues go this route, do you get the feeling that the Blues next move would involve Pietrangelo? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Chris would be fine for four more years. The game comes pretty easy to him, with his size, range and skating stride.

But trading Perron . . . bad idea. The kid has star potential. The Blues have missed on those type of players again and again -- including Filatov, who went to the Jackets. The team already moved Stempniak to get Colaiacovo. And the team already threw long-term dollars at Brewer and Jackman. And the already has Johnson, Polak, Pietrangelo and Cole stacked up for years to come.

BillP: Any chance the Blues may pull a surpise and make a pitch for Backstrom in Minnesota?

Jeff Gordon: I'd rather see that move -- a trade plus a contract extension -- than a big investment in a twilight-era Pronger. Bishop's play at Peoria this year left the door open for a big goaltender move. Mason has been great the last two months, but he is deep into his career.

BillP: Hey Jeff, you are right, Kessel out of Boston would be a hugh pickup. Any chance the Blues can swing that? Last I heard was a rumor of Kessel for Pronger, but Boston is feeling like that may be too much to sacrafice. It looks like Boston is looking for the right veteran defenseman in return and that may leave us out of the picture, but then again Kessel has been cold lately so maybe the Blues can still catch them at the right time and offer someone like Pietrangelo like you had said earlier? Got any feeling if the Blues are looking into this? Thanks and Have a good week!

Jeff Gordon: Getting Kessel would be difficult, admittedly. Boston wants to win now. If the Bruins deal Phil this season, then it would have to be a Pronger type. If this happened down the road, then perhaps the Blues could get involved.

Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Gordo,

Please tell me the Rams are going to sign another FA? Have you heard anything regarding Leonard Weaver or if the Rams are even interested? How about James Butler? Is he or isnt he going to be a Ram? Thanx

Jeff Gordon: Too bad the Rams didn't lock up Butler on his visit, but they apparently didn't get close. Their approach will be dictated by their ability or inability to move Pace and Holt in deals.

FloTrain: Honestly, I didn't expect MU to win but would've liked a better showing.... That was brutal! But the rest of the way they will NOT face an environment like that in enemy territory... Just A&M on the road and conference and NCAA tourneys. So, brush that off (as HARD as that will be) and I think they'll be good. CMA will have them ready to rock on Wednesday and you know Carroll and Lyons will be going gangbusters once both tournaments start....
My question, K-State and Illinois were one thing to brush aside but considering ALL the circumstances in this game today, how hard is it going to be to ease the psyche of the players? Also, I know you're probably going to answer this a hundred times today and even more later but realistically, what are the chances CMA leaves? That would hurt.....

Jeff Gordon: Anderson's wife seems to be comfy in Columbia, according to reports, so that helps. He has a better chance to build Sweet 16 teams here than at places like Alabama, so that helps.

As for the Tigers, they were lucky to survive a terrible first half against KU at home. The Jayhawks could have buried them in Columbia. That happens.

This beating could refocus the team for the games ahead. I don't think those guys have fragile confidence. This ought to toughen them up a bit.