Jeremy Rutherford: Blues President John Davidson couldn't be with us this week, but we will try to get him lined up in the next couple of weeks to answer your questions. So you're stuck with me today. Let's get chattin . . .

Nick: Hey JR,

I am a relatively young hockey fan, 18, and really don't remember much of the days before they implicated the Instigator Rule. I know that it drove guys like Chaser and Twister out of the league.

My question is why did they get rid of it? I understand that the NHL probably didn't want goons running hte show, but it has not just impacted the enforcers, if you can call them that anymore...I hear many experts talk about it and how there also may not be another scorer like Gretzky, unless they get rid of it.

My view is that the rule is probably not going anywhere, but there have been many rumblings for it to be revoked.

What's your stance? I would really like to see what Kinger and Janner would be like without such limits.

Just want your take.

Jeremy Rutherford: I've heard cases for both sides. Personally, I don't like the instigator rule. I believe that things can be taken care before they escalate. If D.J. King can't take care of his job when the problem is brewing, then the league is asking for something bigger or some sort of cheap shot. We've seen a lot of cheap shots over the past few years. You've also seen little pesty guys take shots that they wouldn't take if there wasn't an instigator rule. The league may never change the rule, but as you mentioned, there are enough high-profile ex-players and officials who are against it, so I think they'll take a long look at it one day.

Derek: Jeremy

To the point. Any word on when / if Oshie signs a contract for the St.Louis Blues

Thanks

Jeremy Rutherford:
The Blues have begun preliminary talks with T.J. Oshie's advisor. I think there's a really good chance Oshie will be wearing a Bluenote next season; however, the two sides have to go through the negotiating process. Yes, the salary for a rookie coming into the NHL is already set, but there are still negotiations for incentives and such. This is particular of interest with Oshie because he was drafted 24 (not a top 5 or even top 10 pick), but he's established himself the last few years as one of the top college prospects. Oshie may be able to get a few more bucks from the Blues by waiting, but he will do himself no good by going back to college. It would stunt his growth for sure.

Bryan S: I have read that the Blues have to sign Rito Berra to a contract or else he will go back into the draft. How aggressively are they going to pursue him, and what are their options if they do sign him?

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't have that information in front of me. I will have to check on Berra's status (when the Blues surrender his rights). Berra is the backup for Davos in Switzerland and hasn't played much this season. I know the Blues still like him. I would think there would have been some talk among Blues officials about getting him signed before they lose his rights and I've heard nothing. So I will check, but my guess is that they still have some time to some time to sign him.

Bryan S: Will the Blues in the offseason try to bring any of the Russians they have the rights to? (They do hold their rights indefinitely until there is a transfer agreement correct?) Any hope of bringing any of these guys over? Lemtyugov, Alexandrov, Barulin or anybody else?

Jeremy Rutherford:

Lemtyugov is in Peoria and progressing well. Barulin is still in Russia and there doesn't appear to be any plans to bring him over. The Blues still have his rights and it's not known when the Blues will lose those rights. I've asked Blues officials before and they're not sure. The team will continue to keep tabs on him, and from what I hear, Barulin is playing fairly well.

I have to do some more homework on Alexandrov.