Jeremy Rutherford: Things are a little quiet now, but there's only 6 1/2 weeks left until Blues player report for physicals. Some key questions will be answered as we get closer to camp, but let's see what questions are lingering in the dead of summer.

thomkraftstl: Hi JR,I have a cuple of qustion to ask you?
1) Now that Philadelphia and Chicago have signed Pronger and Hossa that won't be around in three/four yrs. Do you think they are going to regret ever signing those two players long term?
2) With the young talent that we have whom do you think will be here when the season opens? and do you see anyone that you think could be a surprise?
3) With the young defense do you think they are going to take a longer look at some of these player during training camp?

Thomas

Jeremy Rutherford: 1) Chicago may regret the Hossa signing, if his recently uncovered shoulder injury is serious. Supposedly, he suffered the injury in the playoffs, which might explain his dismal performance in the postseason with Detroit. Even if he plays up to par, I don't understand the 12-year contracts. Yes, the money is front-loaded and you can part ways with a guy toward the end, but it's still a LONG time. I don't think Philly will regret the Pronger signing. Seven years is also a long time, but he could help them win a Cup next season.

2) I really don't see any surprises in camp. Alex Pietrangelo should make the opening-day roster if you call that a surprise. Lars Eller is a player to watch, but the Blues have so many forwards on one-way contracts that he's a long-shot to make the team.

3) Tyson Strachan has a good chance to make the team and the Blues will keep an eye on Jonas Junland. Those are the two players who have a shot to play in St. Louis, especially if Eric Brewer is unable to start the season.

Scott Lunte: JR,

I don't know if you got my email or not but... With all these forwards the Blues have signed, including Crombeen and Winchester being most recent, do you think JD could have something up his sleeve when we get toward November like the Stempniak trade for Steen and Coliacavo? I can re send that email to you if you would like.

Jeremy Rutherford: I did get your email, Scott, and will respond soon.

As far as signing Winchester and Crombeen, the Blues liked their size and toughness. I don't see a trade coming as much as I see one of either Janssen or King departing. The Blues liked the overall team toughness Winchester and Crombeen gave them, and that doesn't bode well for one of the tough guys.

Matt: Thanks for your excellent coverage of the Blues this summer and always. We still need to get the paper to give the Blues more space daily, but that is another story.... I recall in previous years at this time, JD & Co. make some unheralded "depth" signings (Winchester, Wagner and others I believe) that on face value seem to affect only Peoria, but in the end proved surprisingly astute for the STL squad. Who are the under the radar signings you like most this year, what if any additional similar signings do you foresee, and who is JD and staff most excited about that would be considered under the radar type players? Thanks.

Jeremy Rutherford: Great question. There haven't been too many additions in Peoria this offseason, but the recent signings of right wingers Barry Tallackson and Adam Cracknell were notable.

Tallackson, 26, is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound forward who was New Jersey's second-round pick in 2002. Peoria Rivermen beat-writer Dave Eminien says Tallackson has earned NHL call-ups in each of his four pro seasons (20 games).

“Tallackson has NHL size and skating, and he has experience in the NHL,” Blues director of pro scouting and Rivermen GM Kevin McDonald told Eminien. “We needed his experience, at both the NHL and AHL levels. We wanted guys who can win call-ups, and he fits that.”

Cracknell, 24, is a 6-foot-2, 211-pound forward who was Calgary’s ninth-round pick in the 2004. Eminien says Cracknell played his first FULL year in the AHL last season with Quad City.

“We’re very excited with Cracknell,” McDonald told Eminien. “He has a history of scoring at every level he’s played at. He has size and scoring, and we had a need for scoring, wanted more than what we had.”

djm448: When a player goes through arbitration, is that reflected as a "negitive image" to upper management/GM's? Every year I see reports come out that include the line "....signs to contract, avoiding salary arbitration."

Jeremy Rutherford:
Not necessarily . . . the club knows it's a business just like the player does. That's not to say that management doesn't scratch its head about why a player is asking for a certain amount. But when all is resolved, even if the player wins the arbitration, I've never heard of any lingering negativity toward a player.