Jeremy Rutherford: Well, what did you think of the Blues draft? The early reports are good, but obviously no one will really know for a few years. Some of the recent draft picks are among the 43 players on the ice this week for the development camp at Scottrade Center. The drills have been somewhat mundane, but you can still get a peek at prospects who will be talked about next season. The scrimmage game is Friday at 7 p.m. at Scottrade, so if you've got one chance to get down here, that's your best bet. Let's take some questions . . . we have more than usual this week, so in order to get to as many as possible, the answers may be a little shorter this week.

Thanks,
JR

Rob: Thanks for keeping this going through summer JR!

I was wondering if you have any info on the gate tax the Blues deal with?

How much does it affect the revenue for Checketts?

Has there been talks about getting rid of this and what will it take for it to end?

Jeremy Rutherford: My knowledge on this topic is limited. The last I heard, the tax was still in place and it didn't look like it would be lifted any time soon. If that is still true, I know that Dave Checketts will continue to visit the issue, as it remains a stumbling block for the ownership group.

corey clark: rate the draft between a-f.i think mason is a very good pick up.what about basil mcrae kid how long before we see him a blue note

Jeremy Rutherford: It's really difficult to rate an NHL draft, but I've heard that other teams liked the Blues' draft . . . so we'll see. I think the Mason trade was a good move, even though he had a tough season last year. He should give Manny Legace some help. Philip McRae told reporters that it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that he was playing in St. Louis in three or four years.

Andy: Hello JR,

What are your thoughts on the second day of the draft? It was my understanding that this was one of the deepest drafts in years. Also, do you believe that in 2 years, we will be one of the top teams in the NHL? And finally, McKee has obviously been a bad investment. Its time to move on. What does JD think about that?

Thanks,

Andy

Jeremy Rutherford: Day 2 wasn't bad. The Blues picked up McRae at 33 and Jake Allen, the goalie, at 34. Allen looks to be a talented netminder, but he's going to take some time. I think it's going to take more than two years for the Blues to be one of the top teams in the league. They have a lot of good young, skilled talent, but it's going to take some time to develop. It will depend on how much work the Blues do in trades and free agency, mixing the young talent with established veterans to make them a contender. McKee hasn't been worth the $16 million the Blues are paying him, but at the time, it didn't look like a bad move. They needed a veteran defenseman who could be a leader and McKee fit the description. He's been hurt and has never really gotten into the groove that he showed in Buffalo.

Scott L: Adding 32 year old Mason appears to have filled a hole, but it was costly in temrs of future payroll. With the upcommiming release of late 20's Raycroft from Toronto was it possble that a more cost effective trade was available? Thoughts?

Jeremy Rutherford: That's not a bad thought, but the Blues have watched Mason the past couple of years and really like him. Mason is a bit older and more expensive ($3 million per season for the next two years), but I think he'll be OK. It'll be interesting to see how Manny Legace responds to the Blues picking up Mason. And if Legace continues to play well, what will people think of the Blues spending $3 million on a backup? They had to do something . . . but did they go overboard? We'll see.