Jeremy Rutherford:
Time to chat . . . let's go! |
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Tim: JR,
The Blues finished last season with 81 points and after 70 games this season they sit at 69 points. The way this team is playing it's possible that they could finish with less points (3 points in their last 10 games)and a worse record than last season. If this happened, how would Blues management view and evaluate this season, because obviously they can't say they improved. Also, do you think it's possible that Murray has lost this team and his message has now gotten tiresome? |
Jeremy Rutherford: This season has already been dubbed a disappointment. Even if the Blues finish with one more victory or one more point, this is not what the team expected . . . especially after its fast start.
John Davidson said a couple of days ago that he's going to look at the positives (Manny Legace's play, Erik Johnson's development, etc.). But overall, the management has no choice to look at this season as a failure.
Many are asking if Murray has lost the team, or if his message is getting stale. I'll ask you: Is the message stale in San Jose or Anaheim? No, because the team's winning. If the Blues were winning, the message wouldn't be stale. The message wasn't stale when the Blues were 16-9-1.
Murray may have issues that he needs to control, but I would leave it more on the players' shoulders to produce. |
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Scott: JR,
Why are both Jackman and Brewer so terrible at handling the puck? Their puck control abilities are a complete nightmare and I'll never understand what Jackman is doing on the PP. I would rather see them both just get rid of the puck everytime they touch it instead of trying to handle it because when they try to make a move or stick handle the puck there's a 95% chance you can count on a turnover and the opposition scoring a goal. These 2 are supposed to be the team's leaders and yet they're doing a marvelous job at filling Backman's shoes as being the Blues worst defensemen. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
Neither are terrific at getting the puck out of the zone, but they're OK. The Blues just have too many defensemen who fit the same description. It's nice to have a core of defensive defensemen, but too many can be a problem . . . especially when it's glaring that you need an offensive-defensemen other than Erik Johnson to play the point on the blue-line. |
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Andy: Hey JR,
What are the Blues' options with McKee? Can we trade him, eat some of his salary, and move on? He was a great leader with Buffalo but it has been obvious his signing has not been money well spent. We have too many younger guys that need NHL experience. What do you think?
Thanks, |
Jeremy Rutherford: Here are the Blues' options with McKee, who has two more years left on his contract at $4 million per:
1) Keep him
2) Trade him (doubtful than any teams will take on his salary)
3) Waive him (doubtful any team would pick him up because of his salary)
4) Waive him and when he clears waivers, bring him back up through re-entry waivers. When a player has cleared waivers and then is brought back up from the AHL on re-entry waivers, a team can have him for half his salary. So if the Blues did this prior to next year, a team could have Jay McKee for two years at $4 million. The Blues would pay the other $4 million.
I believe that if the Blues want to get rid of McKee, the re-entry waivers is the only way that will happen. |
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| Adam: If Jackman would have signed the contract extension earlier do you think he would have been named captain? |
Jeremy Rutherford: That's a good question, but I don't think so. Even though he waited until after the All-Star break, I think Andy Murray had his mind set on Eric Brewer.
There was some speculation that Murray polled several players in the locker room about who the captain should be, and he received a variety of names. Jackman didn't receive any more votes than any of the other choices. |
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| Adam: KPLR showed a video of you and the Blues players playing baseketball. What were the teams and who won? And did you dunk on anyone??? |
Jeremy Rutherford: We had some free time one afternoon in Calgary and a few of us hacks decided to go to the YMCA.
We mixed up the teams, but the guys playing were Jeff Wright (Blues massage therapist), Chris Kerber (Blues play-by-play), Mike Caruso (Blues VP of public relations), Tim Pabst (FSN Midwest), Phil Molica (FSN Midwest) and Trevor Nickerson (Blues radio engineer).
I was playing the role of Charles Barkley as the "Round mound of rebound." It was a lot of fun. Timmy Pabst filmed some of it and played it on the air on KPLR. I heard Bernie Federko, who we couldn't get out of his hotel room, took a couple of jabs at us.
No dunking. My vertical his horrible. I can't jump over a credit card. |
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Bruce Glazer: This Blues road show continues to be a comedy of errors...
Inaccurate shots on goal, poor defensive setups, and being in the wrong place
at the wrong defensive time! On Tuesday, at Edmonton, after an early goal by Zach Stortini, DJ King immediately tried (twice!) to goad him into a fight. For what purpose - to inspire his team or to draw another stupid penalty? This team cannot score but has two brutes playing on the same line?
Also, the Blues continue, game after game, to take senseless penalties, mainly because they are continually getting beaten in the offensive zone!
I can only draw one conclusion from this comedy of errors: This team plays undisciplined hockey! They are becoming unbearable to watch! Am I the only one who is thinking this way? |
Jeremy Rutherford: You are not alone. My pal DJAxeom said that when you tune in lately, you already have the feeling that the Blues are going to lose. That was the case in Edmonton, when they got down 3-0 after nine minutes.
Teams are going to respond to King's request to fight when they're already beating up on the Blues. There's no reason for Stortini to fight (especially after HE scored).
If the Blues were winning, King and Janssen would be able to play their roles better.
This team is taking a lot of bad penalties, and as I wrote in Wednesday's paper, the Blues look like they're going through the motions at times. |
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Justin: JR,
Until the second period of last night's game, the Blues had played a number of sloppy, uninspired and undisciplined games in a row. I believe such play reflects on the coaching staff.
Andy Murray seemed to hit on two line combinations that worked last night, but even a broken clock is always right twice a day. I continue to be baffled at his constant line-juggling, and believe that once these current combos go through a dry period or two, Murray will change things around. The Blues are a below-average offensive team, to be sure, but there is no excuse for how badly they have given away a shot at the playoffs.
I know that Murray is a far superior coach to Mike Kitchen, but I don't like what I've seen over the past two months. It isn't just that the Blues have lost games -- it's the way in which they've lost them, and (except for last night) the uninspired way in which they've done it. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
How many times have the Blues had the same line combinations for three straight games this year? The answer is once.
How many times have the Blues had the same line combination for two straight game this year? Somewhere around 10.
Murray says that he doesn't like to change the lines much, but he's done it a lot this season. Obviously he has to try something when things aren't working, but why aren't they working.
Players won't make excuses, but I've heard a few mention that some continuity might help. |
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| Ben: So now that it appears that we are going to have a top 10 pick in this year's draft, who do you like for the Blues? |
Jeremy Rutherford: Go to Mynhldraft.com . . . they have the Blues picking fourth overall and taking defenseman Drew Doughty.
I don't know about that pick. I think the Blues are in a position where they've got to get offensive help. I know Oshie, Berglund and possibly Eller will be ready soon. But if you have a top-four pick (and the Blues could be higher than that), you've got to get a guy that can play next year, if not 2010. More and more of these draft picks are ready to play in the NHL sooner.
Look at Edmonton Tuesday night. Rookie Sam Gagner sets up rookie Andrew Cogliana for the OT winner. |
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Bradley: HI JR.
I have been a fand of the Blues since the late 80's and watching Blues hockey on NHL Center Ice since the 2001-2002 season and every year since then, minus of course the lockout. During that time I have had a few games where I was disapointed in the Blues effort and system. But NEVER have I been embarressed to bleed Blue. At least until the last month. I just don't understand what has happened to the Blues team that showed so much heart and effort. And not to say its either Andy's fault, but isn't it weird that the team has been playing like this ever since Doug Weight left. I was happy that we got McDonald for Weight and still feel its a good trade based on talent. But I think it is obvious that there is a HUGE void in the locker room in leadership. The team is going young and keeping its future. I just don't think that trading Salvador and Weight in the same season was so smart, unless the Blues think that they are getting one heck of a player in the draft this summer. I am not suggesting they are tanking the season to go for the lottery pick, but it doesn't sound to paranoid watching the lackluster play of the Blues.
The Blues want the fans to continue their support while rebuilding. Thats fine. I have and always will support the Blues no matter where I live. BUT if they don't start showing the heart, desire and passion that we demand and expect for our support, they will start to loose the fans again. I know JD can't be happy right now. What the heck can the Blues do to turn this around and build momemtum JR? To me, the problem is the coachs system. AM has the Blues playing so tight its crazy to watch. The latest example: One forechecker in OT last night against Edmonton? Does he not know with his 'pregame plans' how great of a goalie Garon is against the Shootout? Why not take a chance and go for it in OT? No, they instead sit back and then Jackman makes a BS pass that winds up being a turnover for the GW goal. The Blues want us fans to be excited and support them? GO FOR THE WIN THEN DANGIT!!!
Sorry for the long post and appreciate your time and coverage of the Blues from down here in Florida JR. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
I talk to a Blues player the other day who said it's no coincidence that the team's play slipped after Weight left. He was the emotional leader on this team. The record since the trade is evidence of that. Again, it's a trade you had to make (Weight for Andy McDonald) . . . the Blues will be better for it in the future. But would the Blues have hit the skids if they hadn't lost Weight's locker room presence? |
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Darryl: Hi JR,
I was wondering if you had any insight on the overall feeling of management with regard to how the team has played in the second half - particularly of late - after such a promising first half. It's one thing to have struggles, but the team has looked as bad as it ever has recently, which makes one wonder if the rebuilding process has hit a bump in the road? |
Jeremy Rutherford: I have talked to JD about it, and the main thing that concerns him is the lack of goals.
Kariya, Stempniak, McClement, Tkachuk, Rucinsky . . . they all should have scored more.
I agree with him; however, I don't know that the Blues have enough scoring even if those guys play to their ceiling. Kariya has 15 after having 24 with Nashville last year. Yeah, nine more goals from him would give you a few more wins . . . Stempniak, same deal. But you knew what you had in Rucinsky, Tkachuk has 21 and probably can't be counted on for more than 25 at this point in his career. McClement's not a scorer. Stempniak has been a disappointment, but how could you count on 25-30 goals from him? He's done it one time (27). There's not much of a track record there.
And no one could have predicted Boyes would score 37-plus. So that's money in the bank. I think the Blues have too many grinders and not enough guys with scoring potential. |
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| john: Not really a Blues question, but maybe you can help: I understand game stats like shots on goal or blocked shots, but what the heck is considered a "scoring chance"? |
| Jeremy Rutherford: A scoring chance is a legitimate shot on goal, basically. The Blues may have 32 shots on net, which is what the NHL records, but the coaches only count the chances they actually had to score a goal. |
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Jim: Hi J R,
With the Blues heading South instead of North, Who are the top 5 picks in this years draft.
Thanks for your time. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
I'll have to refer to mynhldraft.com again.
Their list is . . .
1. Steve Stamkos, center
2. Alex Pietrangelo, defenseman
3. Kyle Beach, center
4. Drew Doughty, defenseman
5. Cody Hodgson, center |
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Jeff Quirin: Thanks for the chats JR. Gave me something to look forward to since St. Lukes gives wifi and the baby kept me up a good 4 hours between midnight and 7am :)
Looking at the upcoming draft and the next two offseasons. There has been tons of talk about Stamkos...but with this draft and where we are heading as an organization, would it be better for us to take Doughty? There are a few good FA forwards this off season (Langkow, Rolston, Huselius) and big names next (Gaborik, Lecavalier, Cole, Gionta). Combine our chances to take another forward and add in the kid crew coming up, would we be better to get another Dman? I just think the Blueline depth in the organization will thin before the forward.
Are the Blues exploring Langkow and Rolston this offseason? If we aren't/can't is it a money thing?
I got a Blues Onsie made for my baby from a friend, I was going to put a name and number on the back. EJ or Backes? |
Jeremy Rutherford:
Can you fit #42 on the back of baby clothes? You might have to go with Johnson's #6. Congratulations either way.
I think you make a good point. I said earlier that the Blues should go with offense and take a guy who can play next year.
However, keep this in mind. The Blues HAVE to make the playoffs next year. They have to do it for financial reasons (to keep the team on solid ground), but they also have to do it to keep the fan base interested. This is the first time in franchise history the Blues will miss the playoffs three straight years. Could you imagine missing a fourth straight year next season?
So with that said, IF the Blues are going to spend some money and land a Rolston or Huselius, then maybe they do need to go with a young d-man in the draft. I don't think it's mandatory because they have good young d-men in Polak, Johnson, Wagner, etc. But it's definitely worth considering. |
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Buzz: JR,
Given the Blues stunning collapse, what changes in approach should Andy Murray be looking at for next season? His teams have struggled on the PP for three straight years. Bernie thinks they may have been overworked, and so fatigue may have played a roll in the great fade. Thanks. |
Jeremy Rutherford: I think they're definitely going to look at their strength and conditioning routine, but there's more to point the finger at.
The power play wasn't good early in the year, and the fatigue factor had nothing to do with that.
The Blues will have to look at the PP scheme and the personnel. Murray's PP wasn't bad early in his tenure in LA, and injuries (Demitra, Frolov, etc.) didn't help the PP late in his tenure.
When looking at the Blues problems, you could start just about anywhere. |
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Nick: Hey JR,
Whats the developmental status with the blues #1 pick, Lars Ellers, could you give us an ETA? Also is there anyone else, besides David Perron, from last years draft that could possibly make strides toward the NHL next year?
Thanks for the time! |
Jeremy Rutherford:
Eller missed the first month of the season recovering from his wrist surgery. He is back and he played well enough to make the jump to the Swedish Elite League. He'll be in training camp, but I don't believe he'll be ready to make the jump. As far as anyone else from last year's draft making the jump, it's doubtful. Defensemen Ian Cole is the other first-rounder (along with Eller and Perron), and Cole is not nearly ready. |
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| Thomas: Murray used to be well respected by the fans, but now after some erratic moves, it seems everyone has lost anything positive to say about the man. The largest criticism by far is that of his handling of Perron. In a time where we need goals, he's benched. Not to mention we traded Salvador for.. Janssen. And then Janssen sits on the bench for half the games. How do you see his treatment of younger players affecting our future younger players signing here. We have a multitude of young players ready to step into roles, but I'd be more than hesitant if I was going to sit in the press box for over half the games. Money isn't everything; they're there because they love the game, and not playing, I'd think, will keep some from signing here as long as Murray is the coach. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
The management and the coach definitely have to be on the same page.
Murray didn't trade for Janssen, but he is the one who is criticized for not playing him. It's hard to put a coach in that situation.
Regarding the young players, this issue must be solved before training camp next year. JD and Murray must have the same feelings about T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund (how much they play, how much they're nurtured) or else that situation will blow up.
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| Bryan: Will Peoria play Bishop, and is there an option to send him to Alaska if he cannot get playing time in Peoria? |
Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues have just announced that Chris Beckford-Tseu has been sent to Alaska. That opens the door for Ben Bishop in Peoria. I don't know if he'll split time with Marek Schwarz, but Benny will get some time in net.
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| dennis: Hi, What do you think are the chances that the C will be on another sweater next year? Surely, Brewer has proven that he is not the a leader by example to enough people by now. Do you think EJ will have matured enough by then to take on the responsibility? |
Jeremy Rutherford: Not a chance. If there's one guy who Murray has attached himself to, it's Eric Brewer.
EJ could be a captain someday, but it won't be anytime soon. |
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Steve: JR,
There have been rumblings about Murray's job security and that in order to keep his job, he's going to have to change the way he does things? Any truth to this? Also, with Bishop going to Peoria, how many games do you think he'll play and is he pegged as a possible starter for next yr down in Peoria? |
Jeremy Rutherford: Murray has two more years left on his contract after this season. First of all, the Blues don't want to be paying three coaches at one time. Kitchen is still being paid for this season, Murray for two more and then a new coach . . . that doesn't make sense. The Blues will give Murray one more season to right the ship. If things are the same next year, then this question has more traction.
Bishop could see four or five regular season games in Peoria before the season ends. Unfortunately, Peoria may not make the playoffs and he'll lose that opportunity. I would expect that Bishop will be in the Peoria rotation next year for sure. |
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| Buzzkill: JR - Thanks as always for keeping us in the loop, and giving us a chance to voice our concerns! Bernie alluded this week to a concern regarding the Blues fitness and training regimen. Anything you can comment on - is this something being discussed? |
Jeremy Rutherford:
The strength coach is Nelson Ayotte, who many of the Blues (Weight, Tkachuk, MacInnis, etc.) used on an individual basis prior to the team hiring him.
I know there have been some concerns with his routine, which to be fair has been successful throughout his career. But this is the first time he's been in charge of training a pro team.
Some guys feel they have been overworked, particurly during the season and one game days. Paul Kariya has nothing but good things to say about Ayotte, but he told management several months ago that he didn't have his legs . . . meaning they were fatigued.
This is something the Blues are currently addressing and will continue to monitor. |
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| Thomas: Jeremy, they showed you playing basketball with some Blues staff the other day, and your lack of defensive pressure resembled that of the Blues. Were you trying out for a spot on D or just lazy? |
Jeremy Rutherford:
The Blues at least show some defensive pressure. I had none. That was definitely being lazy. |
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Chris: JR,
How bad would it be if the Blues finished last in the Central Division behind Chicago and Columbus? It's definitely a possibility, especially the way this team has been playing, losing 10 of their last 11. Wouldn't it be considered a setback if the Blues finished last in the Central and with fewer points than last season, since this is the 2nd year of a "rebuilding" stage?
The Blues collapse since January is alarming. Don't you think at some point Murray has to be held accountable? After high hopes for this season, this will be the 3rd straight year of missing the playoffs. |
Jeremy Rutherford: It's a fair question, but I don't think anybody is looking at the Central Division at this point. If the Blues finish 15th in the West behind LA (which is still possible) . . . that will be disappointing!
I think Murray is beginning to be held accountable by fans, and that's why next season, after the Blues have a chance to regroup, will be a HUGE season for him. |
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Mike in Iowa: JR, thanks for taking my question, I look forward to Thrursdays for some Blues insight.
My question is, during the Calgary game this week, the Blues played the best I've seen they play in a while in the first 7 mintues of the 2nd period. They were working hard, forechecking, getting scoring opportunities, and frustrating the Flames, especially after Boyes' goal, but as soon as Calgary scored the short-handed goal, the team looked like they just quit. That goal made it 4-2, and it looked like they wanted to save energy for Edmonton the next night. JD has said this team won't be outworked, well when you quit it's pretty hard to outwork someone. With this happening, has Murray giving up as well?? I'm sure it's difficult once the season is winding down and you realize you're not going to the playoffs, but come on. Throwing in the towel is making the season look a lot worse than it was. |
Jeremy Rutherford: In the Calgary game, the Blues did appear to throw in the towel after the shorthanded goal. It had to be a case of "Here we go again." But that's not a excuse that anybody's willing to listen to.
I think you have to consider that Hannu Toivonen was in net, and the team doesn't seem to play with a lot of confidence in him. That's why I thought it was an interesting decision to make the switch after the first period.
Boyes comes out and scores early in the second period, and the Blues are trailing just 3-2. Manny Legace probably stops the shorthanded attempt by Lombardi and the Blues remain in the game. Regardless, Legace could have finished up that game, and Toivonen start Tuesday in Edmonton, if that's what you want to do.
If you want to be sick about something, you should have been sick after the first period in Edmonton. The Blues were going through the motions. Sure they had a good second period, but they wouldn't have been in that position Tuesday if they didn't start out so bad. |
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BrotherBri: JR,
Thanks for the discussions. Always very helpful.
In my mind, the time has come. Get Manny's surgery done NOW! It is more important for him to be 100% next October or November than for him to keep us in close losses in late March and early April. More importantly, we MUST find out if work can straighten Toivenen out, and it would help to see if Beckford-Tseu has any NHL value.
I do have a question -- is there any big offensive center likely to be on the trade block this summer? If so, is there any chance that team might take McKee in return? |
Jeremy Rutherford: Manny said the other day that he might NOT have the surgery. While I believe he will have the surgery, I don't have a reason to think he's fibbing right now.
I think the Blues have already lost hope in Toivonen. I don't think he'll return as the backup.
Meanwhile, the Blues must not have much faith in Beckford-Tseu, after sending him to Alaska today. I know they want to get Bishop some games, but if Beckford-Tseu in their plans, then Schwarz would have went to Alaska.
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Justin: JR,
With Roman Polak and Steve Wagner ready for full-time, top-6 duty next season, should we assume that the Blues won't pursue Wade Redden, Brian Campbell or even John-Michael Liles in the off-season to bolster the power-play? |
Jeremy Rutherford:
If the Blues don't pursue Redden, Campbell or Liles, it's not because they think Polak and Wagner are ready. It would be because those UFA's will cost too much and the Blues already have a lot of money tied up in their defense. Campbell would be perfect for this team, but they don't have the money he'll be asking for. |
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| Fyten: What happened? |
| Jeremy Rutherford: Ding, ding, ding . . . best question of the day. Unfortunately I can't answer that one. |
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Lesa: JR,
I read that Ryan Johnson turned down a contract extension. Any truth to that? Will the Blues try to keep him. He is a very dedicated player one that the Blues cannot afford to lose. |
Jeremy Rutherford:
I heard that too, but I don't have anything on record. Ryan Johnson made $800,000 this season and deserves a raise. I don't know how much that will be. I thought the Blues might be able to sign him for $1 million per, but I'm assuming he's asking for a little more. I think the Blues will still get something done with Johnson because they realize how valuable he is. Right now, they're still playing the negotiating game. They don't have to get anything done until late June. |
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mike: Hi JR,
If you add 40 goals (.5 goals per game) to this team, do the Blues make the playoffs?
If the answer is yes, does that mean the Blues should go after Hossa in the offseason?
Thanks,
Mike |
Jeremy Rutherford:
1) Yes, they probably make the playoffs with another 1/2 goal per game.
2) No, they won't go after Hossa (Too much $$$$) |
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DeeBee: JR,
Was that you they showed in a heated conversation with Al MacInnis in the pressbox during the second intermission of the Edmonton game? Actually, he was the one who seemed heated, and who could blame him with the way the team's been playing of late? |
Jeremy Rutherford:
Nothing heated . . . just talking pucks. |
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| Scott L: I missed the game, but the guys on satellite radio indicated Alex Hemsely ran Manny and none of the blues took offense, including Jackman who was on the ice at the time. Did this happen, was a response warranted? |
| Jeremy Rutherford: If I remember the right play, Jackman pushed him into Legace. It was pretty clear. |
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Jeremy Rutherford:
Thanks for the questions today. We'll try to get JD back in the hot seat soon. Stay tuned.
JR |
