SALLIEMAN5: Gordo; I noticed that Miroslav Satan was not picked up on waivers yesterday, any chance he could help the scoring on this team at a cheap price? Also, what are the Blues going to do for a back-up goalie? If Mason goes down or starts to get tired they could be in real trouble. I think the Blues realized yesterday that with a strong draft this summer and if they don't make the playoffs, their pick could be a pretty good player (and hopefully an offensive player.
Thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: I watched Satan a lot this year with the Pens. He's OK with really dynamic linemates, but he isn't a real difference maker at this late stage of his career. That's why Pittsburgh put him on waivers and went after Kunitz and Guerin. I'd pass on that.
I found it interesting that Gerber moved on waivers. I like Legace more, but maybe that is just personal. For now, the Note is exposed at the back-up goaltender spot -- assuming that they really don't want Manny back in the group. I'm a big Bishop fan, but it appears he is a year away.
I agree on the draft: Take a forward first! The Note is stacked up on D and it appears Jake Allen is on track to compete for goaltending work in a few years. |
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netboy65: Hey Gordo!
Thanks for doing this extra Blues chat! I'm very relieved that we didn't mortgage the future just to get Pronger. That being said, before next year or at least the near future, we're going to have quite the glut of young talent coming through. Now if they want to put a package together for say Kolvachuk down in Atlanta that would be great! What do you think? |
Jeff Gordon: That is every fan's dream, to land that one explosive offensive player to build around. I believe the Blues could be fine without a 100-point guy if Berglund, Oshie, Perron, Backes, Eller, et al keep developing.
There has been some chit-chat about a Kovalchuk-for-Malkin deal, since Evgeni would flourish as a true No. 1 center on a lesser team and Crobsy would love to have a gunner on his flank.ues
If the Blues bundle up some future commodities for a veteran impact guy, I'd like to see them add a proven scorer up front with some character or a younger high-end goaltender to team with Mason. It's up to the coaching staff to get a big return on the huge money already invested on D. |
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| Bert: Gordo- with the Blues looking set now, and in the future at Defense, what kind of forward can they bring in during Free Agency? They have a lot of great young players, but you can only be so young. |
| Jeff Gordon: The top forwards looking to cash in include Marian Gaborik, Mike Cammalleri, Martin Havlat (who is working on a new deal in Chicago), Marian Hossa (who wants to stay in Motown), Johan Franzen (ditto), Ales Kotalik (an interesting power-play point man). A better bet would be to deal for a player about to cash in as a restricted free agent, like a Phil Kessel. |
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| Griff21: Little disappointed with the deadline moves but happy at least we didnt give up perron or oshie. One glaring hole I was hoping they would address ( trade or waiver pickup ) was a goalie. are we still looking in that direction or do they think bishop can handle the playoff push |
| Jeff Gordon: Goaltender is still a near-term issue. There are lots of veterans still waiting to be claimed on waivers, if it came to that. For next year, the team definitely needs to add a second goaltender to support Mason while Bishon and Allen progress. |
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Griff21: PHX Is looking pretty good they gave up some good guys but got a nice return. pens did well too. so 3 questions
which team did the best at the deadline ?
which was your favorite trade?
what do you think was the worst trade? |
Jeff Gordon: which team did the best at the deadline ? I like Calgary getting Jokinen. Keenan had the guy before, so I see him being happier in Calgary than he was in Phoenix. Leopold gives them some depth at defense. Phoenix did well in its sell-off, replicating some of the Blues' earlier success on that front.
which was your favorite trade? Pittsburgh gave up nothing, really, to get Guerin. Getting the Islanders to take a conditional pick (as low as a fifth) for a pretty useful player was a great stroke.
what do you think was the worst trade? I know the Blackhawks had a surplus on D, but I liked James Wisniewski this year coming back from his injury. Chicago should have locked him up and moved somebody else to get a checking forward.
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| Griff21: Figured we woulda moved Woywitka. hes been average at best this season and recently just made some costly mistakes and looked so out of place. he wouldnt fetch much ( possibly another team's castoff)but at least open up the spot to a guy who can handle playing here. |
| Jeff Gordon: Move Woywitka where? Every team has depth guys like that. Next year, the Blues need to get their top guys on the ice and not have so many depth guys logging big minutes. |
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kingoftruth: Hey Jeff,
When does Pronger's contract expire? Could the Blues make a play for him as a free agent? |
| Jeff Gordon: In a year, the Blues could take a run at him. Or they could try to acquire him this summer and extend him. Trouble is, the bidding could be more fierce this summer than it was this week. |
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Griff21: mckee is a great shot blocker last 2 games he had 20+ blocks , but he does little else. at his current( & high ) salary nobody really wants him. In the new NHL can teams ship cash in deals along with players?
thats about the only way we can get rid of him |
| Jeff Gordon: The cap rules are dicey. GMs would love to see cap/cash considerations included in deals, but there would be widespread abuse. |
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netboy65: One more,
Have you heard any specifics on what JD turned down for Tkachuk? |
| Jeff Gordon: The top price for players like Tkachuk was a second-round pick plus a young player. As J.D. said, there were a combination of players and picks on the board. But without a good first-round pick up for grabs -- or a forward that the hockey guys really loved -- why make the deal? |
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teddy daniels: Gordo,
On our fan forums and even in some columns we all accept that we can't hold on to all of your young talent. My question is, why not? Here's a list of past teams to win the cup: Red Wings, Ducks, Hurricanes, Lightening, Devils, Red Wings. Did any of these teams make blockbuster deals at the deadline that mortgaged their future down the line? Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it's not like the Blues have reached a saturation point at any one position -- as the Cards have in the outfield. If Pietrangelo, Cole, Polak and E. Johnson all pan out on defense, great. If Junland and Strachan pan out, great. If that means that Davidson has trade leverage down the road, great.
In the meeantime, pile up the assets. The Blues have made progress, but they aren't there yet. They had some terrible drafts earlier this decade. |
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| woodstown@excite.com: I understand the desire for a Chris Pronger/Doug Harvey style veteran, shut-down defenseman to mentor EJ and Petro, and I don't think it's a bad idea. I don't think Pronger would've developed the way he did without big Al pointing him in the right direction... However, looking back at the Islanders dynasty with Potvin and the Oilers with Coffee- these organizations allowed their talent to mature together. Do you feel EJ and Petro (and the rest of the D) can develop into leaders without a strong mentor? Are there any current examples of strong teams that built for the cup through the draft? Even NJ seems to be trading more and building less... |
| Jeff Gordon: This is a fair point. You would not put Brewer, Jackman or McKee into the Hall of Fame mentor category. Captain Al was unique that way. However, the coaching staff has the responsibility to develop players. MacInnis, as part of that group as needed, can provide some mentoring. Trading a ton of commodities to get an on-ice teacher doesn't make sense. If your coaches can't develop these kids, then hire new coaches. |
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Go Cards Go Blues: With Bishop getting called up yesterday, do you see him getting some ice time soon? Wasn't expecting that move, but it'd be great to see the hometown kid get another NHL game or two under his belt while he's here. I have no doubt he can handle it.
Putting my bias as a fan aside though, I was a bit surprised to see this move. Mason is obviously hot right now, and the schedule is thin until late next week in the home stand. There's obviously a reason JD made this move though. My guess is that the Blues are anticipating giving Mason a rest about a week from now, but I trust your gut feeling more than my own. Would love to hear your thoughts...
THANKS GORDO! |
Jeff Gordon: Bishop won't necessarily play, unless something bad happens to Mason. The idea all also was to flip flop Holt and Bishop in the back-up role here. This allows Rick Wamsley to work with both guys and for both guys to get a look at NHL-caliber shots.
My guess is that Mason will continue to start every game as long as the team is alive and as long as he can take the load. |
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| Glenn: Which new young players do you see making their debuts with the Blues next season? The Blues have a good young strong talent base. Goaltending seems to be the only area of concern and Bishop is still young and promising enough. Do you see the blues making a deal for a young goalie or maybe another vet to team with Mason next year? |
Jeff Gordon: The Blues will need another goaltender -- and one that is younger than Mason. That will also Bishop and Allen to develop without being rushed.
As for break-in players next year, Pietrangelo, Junland and possibly Eller could go to the front burner. Cole will stay in college unless he believes he will get his NHL shot right away -- which is unlikely, given the depth here. |
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| sltest: Where does Jungland fit in? It seemed as though he would have made the team out of camp without the injury, now he’s an AHL all-star. If he doesn’t make it to the club next year will this impact other blues prospects from crossing over and playing in Peoria? |
| Jeff Gordon: Junland is still adjusting to the North American tempo. These guys don't like to spend more than a year in the AHL without getting a look, so, yes, it is important to move them along the trail if possible. In the past, guys like Backman waited too long to come over and stunted their growth as a result. |
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| sltest: To me it seems like Detroit’s success starts with their checking line centered by Draper is also their energy line, allowing the wings to use three scoring lines not just the traditional two scoring, one checking, and one energy line. Is this a model for the Blues or is that too aggressive for Murray’s style? |
| Jeff Gordon: We've seen Andy balance scoring over three lines as much as possible, then use the fourth line to bang around. But injuries cut into his ability to have three lines that are dangerous on the counterattack. Not only did Kariya disappear, but McDonald missed a lot of time. So did Oshie. We've seen better balance lately. |
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| sltest: How do you see the blues forwards looking next year? If we get Karyia back we add a skill guy, only to possibly lose Tkachuk, netting not much of an upgrade. Even assuming better offensive years from the Kid line and maybe Backes, it seems like they will be a forward short of a very good two line team, not to mention short of being a three line team with some pop. |
Jeff Gordon: Ideally, Eller would develop into a factor. But I'm not sure he is developing fast enough for that. If Tkachuk goes, I'd like to see the team spend from the defensive surprise to get another scorer of some description.
Another issue: How much offense can guys like Crombeen and Winchester really provide? Have we already seen the peak? |
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| Chris: I understand that within the next couple years, we'll have no choice but to trade away some of our prospects. Out of who we have, who do you see being the most likely trade candidates? Who will absolutely not be moved? |
Jeff Gordon: Don't move: Oshie! Never!
Move: Junland, if another team wants The Next Backman.
Maybe move: Pietrangelo or Cole, if there the surplus on D holds up. Can't keep them all! |
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Wilk: Hey Gordo,
What goalie if any will the Blues go after in the offseason to backup Mason? |
Jeff Gordon: There are a lot of quality guys sitting behind other guys. I like Halak in Montreal, if they are still committed to Price. He is a starter-caliber guy. And he could go to Europe if Montreal tries to keep him on the back burner.
I don't know if Lehtonen can be turned around, but Atlanta has turned the page on him. |
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stlfan17: I am happy that the Blues stood pat at the deadline. They have so much to gain going forward, this is not the time to start changing philosophies. My question is in regards to what you see the Blues doing with Keith this off season. Do you think that he figures into the Blues' plans next year?
I was also thinking about the Blues possible defense next season, and I just don't see the need for Pronger, especially if Pietrangelo can step up. Here is what I came up with
EJ Brewer
Polak Jackman
Colaiacovo Pietrangelo
With Wagner, Junland, Woywitka, McKee and Strachan as trade options/extra dmen.
That is a pretty solid defense, and in addition each pairing finally has both a puck mover and a solid stay at home guy. |
Jeff Gordon: I agree. There are a lot of potential mix-and-match combos with vets and kids. And there are more kids on the come.
I'd be more focused on goaltending and scoring. |
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| Chris: Do you think the Blues will sign Tkachuk after this year is done? If not, is there a scoring winger set for free agency that could be enticed to come here to fill the void Big Walt leaves? |
| Jeff Gordon: Given Walt's willingness to play center -- and check -- he could serve a nice role if he wants to play again. I noted some of the FA candidates earlier, but don't rule out possible trades. |
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Alex Ferrario: Hey Gordo,
Now that the trade deadline has passed for the Blues, what are your thoughts for the offseason, who should they go for.
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: The two things we've mentioned here over and over: A goaltender to team with Mason and another offensive threat of some description to add depth and power-play punch. |
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SCOTT RHEIN: Hello Jeff, Thank You for taking my question. What are your thoughts on the trade deadline. Since we stayed the course and did not move Tkachuk, then what did we do to improve the team? We want to make the playoffs. What about Legace, Mckee, and Hinote? Could we have gotten some draft picks?
Scott |
Jeff Gordon: McKee has no trade value because he has another year and another $4 million left on his contract. That is way too much for the type of player he is at this point in his career.
Teams passed on Legace when he went through waivers and there was no real interest in him at the deadline -- even though his contract is expiring. Other goaltenders moved instead.
Hinote could be a handy guy for a playoff team. But, again, there wasn't much to be gained even if another team wanted him.
How do the Blues get better? By playing meaningful games for the last quarter of the season so that the returning players will benefit in 2009-10. |
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SCOTT RHEIN: I noticed today that we are talking about getting a goalie this summer. What are your thoughts on Craig Anderson of Florida and Scott Clemmenson of New Jersey? Also, did we not have Craig Anderson at one time?
Scott |
| Jeff Gordon: Anderson came into the league as a Hawks prospect, then moved South. He could be an option. Ditto for Clemmensen, although N.J. could try to lock him up as Brodeur's long-term replacement. But Scott would have to believe Marty is nearing retirement to take a long-term deal in Jersey. |
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Chris: Gordo,
I was wondering what you thought about the current economic state of not just the Blues, but the NHL altogether. What happens if the salary cap drops significantly in the next year or so? Would any teams be completely screwed because of bad long-term deals being handed out over the last couple of years? i.e. NYR and PHI. Is there a legitimate possibility that teams in weak markets like Florida, Nashville, Colombus, Phoenix, etc. could completely fold and be gone for good if the economy gets worse? |
Jeff Gordon: A steep cap reduction would force a lot of teams to scramble. That may not happen for two years -- because the revenue shrinkage may not really hit until next year, when the sponsors fall by the wayside. Teams better plan ahead.
As for the stability of many teams, it's not great. Even the Blues, in this town, are in some long-range peril. The local economy is tough and the ownership group doesn't have extra-deep prospects. |
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SCOTT RHEIN: One more question Jeff, I read what you said about Satan. I thought he would have been a good pick up. He is close to 20 goals and 20 assists. He is a plus player. He could have been with McDonald, Tkachuk, and Boyes on a line. We then could have the Kid line and the 3rd and 4th we could mix up. Since we are pushing for the playoffs. I thought a player of his skill and plus we would get him for next to nothing. I do not see a lose.
Thank You for your time.
Scott |
| Jeff Gordon: But . . . playing with Crosby and/or Malkin has put him in an amazing position to score. He has only done OK with that, which is why Pittsburgh made changes. If he played with more ordinary linemates, his produciton would really fall. I saw him a lot this year and I saw him miss a LOT of scoring chances. |
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| CJBlues82: Hey JR. Just for fun...Who has the hardest shot on the team? Winchester? Coliaicovo? Boyes? |
Jeff Gordon: I'm thinking a healthy Karirya is that hunt as well. And a healthy Johnson. Not sure how that competition would play out. This reminds how devastating those injuries were this season.
Thanks for all the questions and comments. I'll be back Monday. |
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| CJBlues82: ooops Gordo, no JR |
| Jeff Gordon: Thing is, J.R. would know. I couldn't find the team skills competition winner off-hand. I know this: Boyes has the best shot on the team. It is unhappy how he can hit the mark with his one-time blast. |
