Jeremy Rutherford: I just had a conversation with Lars Eller, the 13th overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Blues. He's in town following shoulder surgery. I got some good stuff from Lars and hope to post it in a blog later today.
Let's get to the questions.

rich4mde: JR Thanks for taking questions as always!

I know you will probably get asked this 20 times today but who do you see sitting when Kariya comes Back. I'm guessing Hinote or Crombeen. The only thing is Hinote has the playoff experience!
And also How well do you think the kids did so far this year? Exceed expectations? I think they very much did!

Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford: This will be a very tough decision for Andy Murray. Dan Hinote is a candidate, but he does bring the playoff experience, he's playing pretty well right now and he's such a big part of the penalty kill, which is 3rd in the league. On the other hand, how do you break up the checking line of Steen, McClement and Crombeen. They've been great. I'm glad I don't have to make the decision.

On the kids, you've got to be happy with the progress. The points are there, and they're learning so much. Yes, they've had their ups and downs, but there's no way when the season is over that someone could say it wasn't a productive year for Berglund, Oshie or Perron.

ross mandernach: hey jeremy i am 15 and i wanted to know do you think if the blues make it into the playoffs will Chris Mason have the energy to perform well

Jeremy Rutherford: Yes, I think the Blues will make the playoffs. They have a chance to win both of their remaining games and Nashville will have a tough time winning at Detroit and Minnesota. It looks good for the Blues.

I also think Chris Mason will have enough stamina. He's started 30 straight games and while he had a tough game in Dallas, he bounced back against Phoenix.

brann316: Hi JR,
I have a question about the NHL waiver rules as it pertains to the post season. God forbid, but if Chris Mason got hurt during the playoffs, and the Blues wanted to bring Manny Legace up from Peoria, would he still have to go through waivers, since the regular season would be over, or could he come right up and play? And would the Blues even want to bring him up, or would they just go with Bishop?
Thanks,
Mike

Jeremy Rutherford: Here's the deal: The Blues could call Manny Legace up from Peoria, but he would have to go through re-entry waivers. A team could claim him, but they can NOT put him in the lineup. I think the cut-off to claim someone and play them was the trade deadline. So in other words, with Legace's contract expiring this summer, the only reason a team would claim Legace would be to (tick) off the Blues.

But if your San Jose and you're facing the Blues in the playoffs . . . Mason goes down . . . the Blues call up Legace . . . why wouldn't you claim him? The Blues would certainly claim the SJ goalie if the situation were reversed.

swingandalong1: JR,

If Kariya comes back, do you think he could be a difference maker? If so, might the Blues snake a series or two (assuming they make the playoffs)?

Also, where do you think the Blues would have been in the standings had EJ and Kariya stayed healthy this season?

Thanks.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Kariya would help this team, no question. It may take him a few games to get into "game shape" but he would no doubt help.

The second question is tough to answer. What has made this a playoff team in my mind is that everyone doubted them. The current Blues were motivated by the premise that nobody thought they could make it. They have great chemistry and they love playing for each other. But if you have a healthy Paul Kariya and a healthy Erik Johnson in the lineup all season, you have to believe that this team would have been in the playoffs and possibly a higher seed.

jeff: Hey JR,

looking to next year and signing a goal scoring free agent, the blues will need to dump some salaries. their hands could be tied by injuries to brewer and kariya which leads to my questions.

1. looking ahead to next year, is kariya due another 6 million and if so, could the blues dump that contract by cutting or trading him?
2. what about brewer and the length of his contract?
3. similarly, how long is mckee's contract?
thanks for your time.

Jeremy Rutherford:
1. The Blues won't "dump" Kariya. With surgery on both hips, they think he can be better than he's been in past years. It's unlikely a team would take his $6 million contract in a trade. He's going to be a Blue.

2. Brewer has two more years on his contract, although his future is up in the air because of the nerve issue in his back. Keep an eye on that story.

3. McKee has one more year left on his contract.

Rodimus Prime: How much consideration will Andy Murray really get for the Jack Adams (assuming we make it in)? A couple national types (ESPN NHL writers most recently) mentioned Murray as a possible candidate.

My picks (can't decide on three, but these I think should be in the running):
Murray
Hitchcock
McLellan
Julien
Boudreau
*DeBoer (if FLA makes it in)

Who would you vote for?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Murray will be mentioned as a candidate by a lot of people. With the Blues' playoff chances looking good, he'll get even more consideration. He would be a solid choice, but I don't see how you wouldn't give it to Todd McLellan of San Jose. Yes, he's got talent, but he's a first year coach who knocked Detroit off its perch.

netboy65: JR,

Thanks for the chats!! So, the hot topic of the day appears to be whether or not Paul Kariya should play once he's cleared. To me, it's a no brainer, he's been a point-per-game for his career and he can provide a spark for the playoffs. In no way can I understand any of the arguements against him playing, especially considering who he would probably replace (Hinote) What do you think?

Jeremy Rutherford: I agree with you, and I'll have more on that in Friday's Post-Dispatch.

rich4mde: JR,

Say Nashville loses tonight and we win on Fri and are for sure in the playoffs, Do u see the Blues starting Bishop in goal Sunday? It makes sense, giving Mason a break before the playoffs. IMO I could care less if we are in the 7th or 8th spot as long as were in! Thanks JR, keep up the good work! Everybody here appreciates the work you do and the time u put in!!!

Jeremy Rutherford: If the Blues clinch Friday night, I would start Bishop Sunday. I believe the Blues would make that move as well. Take your chances with Bishop and give Mason five days off until the playoffs start. If you win Sunday and somehow climb to seventh, fine. But if you don't and you're eighth, go see what you can do against San Jose. The Blues played them tough in the regular season, finishing with a record of 2-1-1 against the Sharks.

walt: J.R.,

As promised a couple of weeks ago here is my prediction for the Blues in the playoffs. I'm assuming they get it done the next couple of games and then roll right on in. My boys know that this prediction goes all the way back to around the first of the year, so Walt is not jumping on the bandwagon with all the other noobs. Walt's prediction: the Blues make it to the conference finals, or for the basketball types out there, the Final Four. Go Blues!

Jeremy Rutherford:
You heard it here first!

Andrew: JR,

If and when the Blues get into the playoffs, who would you rather face in the first round? Detroit or San Jose? Presonally I'd rather go against San Jose since we have matched up well against them all year. Thanks for these chats.

Jeremy Rutherford: I'd rather face San Jose. That's not taking anything away from the Sharks, but like you said, the Blues match up better against them. Some around the NHL believe that Detroit is a better team, but when both are healthy, that can be debated. Either way, the Red Wings give the Blues fits. I'd rather take my chances against San Jose.

John: JR, thanks for taking these questions all the time. I love having this outlet. I have 2 questions and 1 comment. My comment is, wouldn't it be great to "get even" with the Sharks and beat them after winning the presient's trophy? My questions are: Can you give us what your "gut" says about Paul Kariya making it back for the playoffs (game 1)? Second question: Do the Blues bring back Manny Legace for the playoffs? I know the easy answer is NO WAY, but I trust him vs the Red Wings more than I trust Mason (vs Red Wings). Mason just looked so human vs the wings, and Legace has played them so tough (even when the Blues were on the bottom of the standings). What's your thoughts? Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford: We'll find out soon if Kariya will be cleared to play. The reports I'm hearing is that the testing in Colorado went very well. So it appears likely that he'll be ready and I suspect he'll be available for Game 1.

I don't think the Blues will bring back Legace unless Mason were to get hurt. The Blues have had good chemistry the second half of the year and not to say Legace would disrupt that, but I think the Blues have moved on.

Jonny Faux: Hey JR,

Thanks as always for the chats. I am in the camp that believes if it's not broke don't fix it, in regards to the Kariya situation. This team has played at a high level without him since early January. But my question is if the Blues decide to sit Kariya during the playoffs what does that say about their investment in him as a player and their confidence in him going into next year? If I am Paul Kariya and have accomplished what I have, am the highest paid player on the team and don't see the ice when Paul and his doctors believe he is good to go. Well I might be a little bitter going into the next season. Thanks for your time.

Jeremy Rutherford: Whatever happens with Kariya in the playoffs, the Blues won't have any less confidence in him moving forward. It will strictly depend on if he's cleared and how he looks in practice.

For those who are on the fence about Kariya playing, please read my story tomorrow. I talked to Dan Hinote, who told me about Peter Forsberg missing the regular season in Colorado one year and rejoining the team in the playoffs. He was a big boost for the Avs, and Hinote says Kariya could do the same for the Blues.

Jonny Faux: Who will be the Blues backup goaltender in the playoffs, Holt, Bishop or Legace?

Jeremy Rutherford:
As far as I know, Bishop.

cobramanSTL: Not a question but a Comment: No matter how the Season ends, this group of Guys showed what a real "TEAM" is. They fought through adversity and have shown that this "TEAM" is headed in the right direction..Thoughts?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I agree . . . and that is a question. I always make statements to Andy Murray and then say: "Thoughts?"

Jason M: I don't want to jump ahead since we are on the verge of a playoff berth but....Which prospect has the best chance of making the team next year?

Jeremy Rutherford: Alex Pietrangelo

John: How long is Jackman under contract? Would the blues be willing to deal him at some point? He seems to be having a tough year. Lately he has been making more and more mistakes and giving up the puck on careless plays. I cringe everytime he has the puck.

Jeremy Rutherford: Jackman is in the first year of a four-year contract. He's not going anywhere. John Davidson said the other day, "I don't know where we'd be without him." Jackman would be the first to admit he hasn't played great for the last stretch, but he showed in the first half he can be a solid player. He hasn't complained but he's dealing with a lower-body injury.

Colin: Do you think we will see Keith Tkachuk in a St. Louis Blues Uniform next Season? If the Blues do not resign Tkachuk. Do you think he will Retire or sign with another team?

Jeremy Rutherford: I think the odds are getting less and less that Tkachuk will be back. He said a few weeks ago that he did want to play next year somewhere. So if the Blues don't try to re-sign him, my guess is he'll scout the market. If he doesn't find the right fit, maybe he'll retire.

Justin: JR, is Andy Murray really considering not using Paul Kariya when he returns, even if PK has a clean bill of health? Or were his comments just a way to pat hardworking guys like Crombeen, Winchester, et al. on the back?

Jeremy Rutherford: I think Andy Murray was genuine with his comments in my blog this morning, but in the end, there's no way Kariya will sit out if he's healthy.

I do agree with you that Murray was patting a few guys on the back with his comments. Furthermore, I believe he was letting the team know: "Hey guys, if we don't get Kariya back, we've still got a good team as we already know."

TheDuke32: Hey JR,

I've been making it through these days off by watching YouTube Blues footage and found Charles Glenn doing his thing during the introduction of then-new Blues mascot, Louie. Remember that? He was wearing a suit and hat and sporting an alto sax...way better than the jerseyed, pants-less Louie of recent past. My question: any talks within the organization of going back to the original get-up and putting some pants on that big blue bear?

Jeremy Rutherford: I was wondering this myself. In fact, when John Davidson called me back about Kariya's status today, I told him I'd have to get back to him later because I was on the phone with Louie. Check my blog later for your answer.

danza.tonydanza: I got nothing. This is the best April for a Blues fan in 8 years. Let's go Blues.

Jeremy Rutherford:
I got nothing either. Good to chat with you.

Aaron: JR,

Thanks for taking my question,

I was wondering your thoughts on Mason, since he has been playing almost every other night we now know that he is not a transformer and he does let in weak goals just like all goalies. my quesiton for you is this if the blues make the playoff (im praying every night for it) how will mason fair compared to goalies that have been in the race before and know what its like playing in june if we make it that far? following up on that the rookie how will they fair in the playoff race? we all know how Oshie will fair because of the frozen four. Your thoughts on that.



Thanks for taking the time

Aaron

Jeremy Rutherford:
Goalies are playing every game all over the league, and if you watch the teams closely enough, those goalies are letting in their share of soft goals. I think you have to look at the big picture and the big picture with Mason shows a guy that's playing really well. That's all I would look at.

On the rookies, it will be very interesting to see how Oshie, Berglund and Perron respond in the playoffs. But not just them . . . remember McClement, Backes, etc., have never been to the playoffs. The Blues have nine guys who have been in the playoffs: Mason, McKee, Jackman, McDonald, Hinote, Tkachuk, Winchester, Janssen and Crombeen.

BrettB: Hey JR, Great stuff as always. I also think radio is your calling(FYI). So when the Blues clinch the playoffs on Friday night are you coming out with the (North Dakota)fam? It's going to be a great playoff party!

Jeremy Rutherford: Where's the party?

Griff21: Whats are the contract status of Crombeen, cola, &Winchester ? Crombeen and Cola are still signed for next year but Winchester is to be a RFA? correct or no?

Jeremy Rutherford: Crombeen is a restricted free agent
Colaiacovo has one more year on his contract at $1.3 million.
Winchester is an unrestricted free agent

stlmo: JR - who do you think our best Forwards are on the defensive end? I would be interested in who you thought would be #1-#9.

Thanks
Drew in Tucson

Jeremy Rutherford:
Backes, Berglund, McClement, Hinote, Steen, Crombeen, Oshie, Perron . . .

dust: JR,

How much damage could the Blues do if they get into the playoffs? I can honestly see them going pretty far IF they can get in. Especially how well they've played San Jose, AND, the fact that they beat Detroit in their last game gives them the confidence that they can beat the wings.

What are you thoughts?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I would not be surprised to see them play San Jose tough and possibly win the series. Whether they can go two or three rounds, I don't know. If you beat San Jose, why couldn't you go further? I don't consider the Blues a serious Cup contender, but if they get in the playoffs and compete against San Jose the way they did all season, why couldn't they make some noise?

BrettB: JR, am I the only one that thinks the Blue Jackets might lose their next two to the Blues and Wild.. Meanwhile the Blues win out.. Therefore I predict the Blues landing in 6th, and play Calgary.. Which spot do you predict??

Jeremy Rutherford: It could happen, but that's asking a lot. I think Blues fans would be happy with the eighth spot.

Also, while Calgary has been slipping, the Blues might prefer to play San Jose over Calgary. You don't need to say anything as the coach except: "Go do what you did all season against the Sharks."

Chris: Hey JR,

What is the current lineups for the blues? Which line is the kids line? Finally, what line would you see Kariya filling in at.

Thanks,
JR

Jeremy Rutherford:
McDonald-Backes-Boyes
Perron-Berglund-Oshie (kid line)
Steen-McClement-Crombeen
Winchester-Tkachuk-Hinote

I think the Blues will keep Backes at center in the playoffs. I also think they'll keep the line of McDonald-Backes-Boyes together. That means Kariya would have to fit in on the second line with some combinations of Berglund, Oshie and Perron.

BrettB: JR, you're the coach, we're in the 2nd round of the playoffs after we beat Calgary in the 1st round. All of a sudden Mason tweaks his groin. Blues call up Manny to backup the goalie, knowing their opponent is going to claim him, they decide to leave Legace in Peoria to help win in the playoffs. Do you bring in Holt, or go with that kid in Alaska who's setting goaltending records? (Dallas brought in a young fresh goaltender, and that seemed to work)

Jeremy Rutherford: You have to go with Bishop.

Cory: Pertaining to Perron, I have heard that the Blues might try to trade him this summer. Is this possible? I know they will need to trade some of these assets in the very near future, because they all cannot play at the same time. And it makes sense to trade an asset with NHL experience, since you will get more in return for him. And also his contract year is the same as Johnson's, but I hope his amazing hands have proven to the Blues that they need to keep this guy. I would be extremely disappointed if that happened, he is going to be an amazing player in the next couple of years.

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't see how you trade Perron. Although he's still raw, he has as much skill as anybody on the team. If the right deal came along for Chris Pronger, I would NOT rule out the possibility of the Blues trading Perron, but I wouldn't do it.

Griff21: I'd just like to throw it out there, our building seems so much brighter and lively than other arenas in the league. Watching away games , most other places the ice seems dark and shadowy. Not sure if its actually like that , or if its TV. Kudos to the Blues and our lighting crew!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Griff, how many years have you been on the lighting crew? I'm sure your colleagues will thank you for posting this message.

Griff21: With all the time Oshie missed , would he still be considered a rookie next year?

Jeremy Rutherford: You're no longer considered a rookie after playing 25 games. He's well past that.

BrettB: JR, I've heard some players have some good pre-game rituals/superstitions. For an example my buddy from UND Zpar, eats a Milky Way before each game. Have you developed one? After all you are part of the team..

Jeremy Rutherford: Yeah, I sit at my computer and make fun of all the readers that send in 20 questions to the chat . . . just kiddin' BrettB, keep it up! Love the questions!

Griff21: What is the situation with Brew? surgery seemed to go well but then I hear he has massive nerve issues and repeatedly tested ' nerve positive' ( whatever that means but apparently its bad, very bad...) He isn't close to my favorite player but i by no means hate the guy ,n nor wish him bad luck. Is there a possibility we have seen him play his last game??

Jeremy Rutherford: At this point, I don't have any information that says Brewer's career is in jeopardy. I've spoken with him several times, and for now, there's no much he can do. The nerve is not regenerating itself as fast as everyone hoped. All he can do is wait and wait.

Backes2thePlayoffs: JR,

What has been your biggest surprise this season?

Biggest disappointment?

Also, what was your favorite game this year?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Surprise: the Blues in the playoff hunt, although I guess that's everyone's surprise. Digging deeper, probably Mason's turnaround is the biggest surprise.

Disappointment: Seeing Legace unravel after going to the All-Star game last year.

Favorite game: Against Vancouver a few weeks ago, when the fans were chanting "We want playoffs."

Ryan: JR,

I hear there's a possibility of Pietrangelo finishing the season out with the Rivermen once his OHL team gets eliminated from the playoffs. Will this effect his contract at all or will his contract still start next season still?

Related question: If Petro does end up going to Peoria, do you think he would make much of an impact?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Yes, Pietrangelo can join Peoria, but not until his junior season is over. It's likely that Pietrangelo would sign an amateur contract with Peoria and play in the playoffs with the Rivermen.

But here's the deal next year: Since Pietrangelo has another year of junior eligibility, he can only play for the Blues in 2009-10 or go back to junior. He can NOT play in Peoria next year until his junior team's season is over.

As fas as his impact in Peoria, you would hope he would be noticeable on the ice.

skicks3535: JR,

Quick question for you. A buddy of mine picked up some standing room only tickets to tomorrow's game (and I would have done just about anything to experience this game/atmosphere tomorrow, but I waited a bit too long), but I was wondering if you knew where the standing room only sections are located. I didn't think that standing around outside of seats was allowed except for stopages in play. Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford:
The standing room only level is the very top level of the arena, just off to the side from the press box. It's not a bad view and you can definitely feel the energy of the fans from that area. Not a bad deal if you don't mind standing.

Displaced Fan: I know the chemistry (one of AM's least favorite words) has been real solid, but when are we gonna see Cam Janssen play again? I know the play-offs are unlikely. I was at the Dallas game, and I saw him skate just prior to the start. I've never been a huge fan of "enforcers", but he seems to be the spark the Blues need every once in a while.

Is Chris Mason as level-headed as he seems? Most goalies seem to have weird personality quirks or tend to lose their compusure at the drop if a hat.

Thanks for all the great coverage!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Janssen's chances of playing again aren't looking good. He won't play against Columbus and if Kariya returns Sunday or for the playoffs, it would be really hard to get Janssen in the lineup. It's a tough thing for Janssen to go through because he's contributed so much this season. I spoke with Janssen and Hinote about this topic today: you could go through the lineup and name at least three memorable things each guy did to contribute this season, whether it was a goal, a game-changing fight, etc.

Chris Mason may be the most down-to-earth PERSON I've met in my life, nevermind most down-to-earth athlete.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Thanks for the questions . . . now I've got to get back to work, real work!

JR