Jeremy Rutherford: This is our first chat since the season ended. I've taken a glance at the list of questions and there are a lot about the June draft. I'll answer as many of those as I can, but I also want us to hit on a variety of other topics. Thanks for taking time to post your question.

JR

DJ Axeom: JR,

Excellent interview with JD & AM. Seriously, you asked some tough questions, kudos.

While sitting there with the two of them, did you get any feelings that those two are on the same page or not? I just wonder if the whole Perron issue may have revealed a difference in philosophies that may not be easily reconciled. Again, keep up the great work!

Jeremy Rutherford: DJ -

I didn't ask all of those questions posted in my Morning Skate blog. There were a dozen or more reporters at Scottrade Center for the end-of-the-year interviews with JD and Andy Murray. I typed the interviews verbatum so you guys could hear their answers. I asked several questions, but certainly not all of them.

I do feel like JD and Andy Murray are on the same page. Yes, they have some differences, but for the most part they're thinking alike. This summer should open the door for them to talk about some issues that popped up over the season and how they were handled. I'm sure JD would also like to talk to Murray about next season and how things will be handled with players like Berglund and Oshie. It's best to have a feel for those things before they happen.

Chaz: Making the playoffs seems like a more realistic goal for '10 than for '09, but would Andy Murray survive another "rebuilding year" which nets the Blues another top 5 pick?

Jeremy Rutherford: I think that Andy Murray could be around for 2010 even if the Blues don't make the playoffs in '09. JD realizes that it's going to be tough next year with a roster that looks like it will be younger. Some around the Blues feel the team might take a step back before it gets better. If the Blues can stay consistent and JD can see that Perron, Berglund, Oshie and Johnson are improving, Murray will be around for 2010.

Will Bereswill: A little research shows that Ray Bennett's power play statistics are dismal. Under Murray, prior to Bennett, Dave Tippett had the King's powerplay rated #1 (also 7th and 10th). After Tippet left for Dallas, Bennett took over that the powerplay stats plunged.

Is it Bennett, or the staff he's had to work with? Is there any indication that the Blues will do something about it next year?

Jeremy Rutherford: Hey Willy:

I am aware of the trend following the Ray Bennett-led power play and the Blues are aware, too. But at this point, and it could change, there is no scuttlebutt about releasing Bennett.

Paul Kariya told the media Tuesday that the Blues need to be more of a shot-based power-play unit. I can't imagine Ray Bennett telling the players not to shoot more. So that's got to fall on the shoulders of the players.

With that said, perhaps the Blues won't retain Bennett just because they want to see if something else works. It's the ugly part of sports, but perhaps the Blues want to show the fans that they're trying to fix it.

Tom S.: Do you think there is anyone in the upcoming draft that we can select that could play next year? I know they're saying that Stamkos will probably play next year, but he won't last by the time we select at 4. However, this draft is supposed to be the best in the last 15 years, are one of the 3 defenseman or any forwards ready?

Jeremy Rutherford: Stamkos will probably be in the NHL next year. If the next tier of players were forwards, there's a chance we could see more than Stamkos. But the next level this year is a solid group of defensemen, which makes the question more difficult to answer. I asked Jarmo Kekalainen a few nights ago if Doughty, Schenn, etc., were ready to play next year and he said it's too early to say. If he can't answer the question, then I certainly can't.