CupBound: JR, after the game last night the Defensive 7 seems to be clear as mud.
EJ, Cola, Jax, Polak, seem to be a lock, Bell, Sydor, Weaver and Petro looked good last night. Bell is on a 2 way contract, Sydor is on a tryout basis and if Petro doesn't make the team he has to go to Jr's. So, who will be our 7 D for the start?

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't think it's any more clear than the day camp opened. Several of them have played well and no one has really hurt their chances.

Wagner didn't fare well in the conditioning test last week at the Mills, but then Andy Murray singled his performance out in the exhibition game. I would think, though, that Wagner and Jonas Junland will start in Peoria.

That leaves four guys (Bell, Sydor, Pietrangelo and Strachan) battling for two NHL spots. Do you keep Pietrangelo? If he's played well enough and you decide to keep him, he eats up one of those spots. To me, that decision needs to be made first because he can't go to Peoria like the other guys.

Once that decision is made, then your procede . . .

If you keep Pietrangelo, I think the choice for the final spot is either Strachan or Bell. It depends if you're looking for offense or steady defense. Pietrangelo gives you offense, but he hasn't proved it in the league like Bell has. So you can keep both Pietrangelo and Bell.

Sydor remains an option, but I think the Blues would keep him more because of his leadership and mentor ability than because of his play.





Then you have to decide if you want to keep Pietrangelo.

Xavier: Hey JR,

how did Paul Kariya looked in his first game since nearly a year ? (tuesday against the wild)

and how about his line overall (kariya-berglund-boyes) was there some chemestry going between those three..i know boyes and kariya were pretty amazing two years ago together so i expect this line would be good this year

thank you for your time and your great work !!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Kariya looked good, picking up a goal. The Blues are going to be careful with Kariya early in the season. He's been on the ice for 1 1/2 months, but not in game situations.

The Kariya-Berglund-Boyes is going to be fun to watch. Kariya has wanted to play regularly with Berglund, who he thinks can be a 100-point scorer in this league. Boyes, of course, has led the Blues in goals the last two years.

hisTALLness117: With so many solid players in camp and so few positions available, do you get the feeling that the Blues will just do their best to keep as many of the players in their system as possible? AKA the guys who have two way contracts would get sent to the minors, the ones that would have to pass through waivers would get to stay.

Also, I know that in baseball's system, there are sometimes restrictions that say if you bring a player to the majors too early, the earlier you lose the rights to that player. Does hockey have anything like that?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I understand what you're saying, but I don't think the Blues can afford to hoard guys in their system like that. If they think Brendan Bell is a better option than Alex Pietrangelo, they've got to keep Bell and send Pietrangelo back.

If they think Sydor is a good fit, they have to send guys like Wagner, Strachan, etc., to Peoria and risk waivers later. You can only protect guys to a certain extent. Now that the Blues are nearing the end of the rebuilding project, winning is going to be more important.

NHL teams have a drafted player's rights for seven years. So when a guy like Pietrangelo plays 10 games in the league, the clock starts. That's why the Blues are careful to decide if he can play at this level. If not, they'll let him play nine games and then send him back to junior hockey.

Scott L: Hey JR, thanks for taking questions...

My question is since Mason is due on contract this coming off season and believing that his season this year would probably decide if he gets that contract or not, what are the odds of Bishop becoming the #1 goalie in the near future?

Just from listening to the game Tuesday on the Wild radio, and your article posted, it seemed like he is bounded for that spot in the near future. Maybe within a year or two....What are your thoughts about that?

Jeremy Rutherford: Bishop is at least two years from starting or being the fulltime backup with the Blues.

The Blues signed Ty Conklin for two years, so he will be the backup next year. Whether the starter is Mason or someone else, I don't see it being Bishop.

So as well as he has looked in camp, Bishop probably won't be in the permanent plans until the 2011-12 season.

Mark: JR, a month or so ago in one of these chats, you said Alex Pietrangelo had a 99% chance of making the team. Would you give him the same odds now? I kind of get the impression the Blues are floating the "it's possible he gets returned to juniors" thing out there mainly as a way to keep him and the other players motivated. What's your take?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I believe that I wrote that before Brendan Bell signed, before Darryl Sydor decided to try out and before it was widely known that Eric Brewer wouldn't start the season.

I still think there's a good chance Pietrangelo could make the team, but with those other developments, the chances did slim down a bit.

Pietrangelo looked good at the rookie tournament in Traverse City, he was fairly solid in the first preseason game and he's looked steady in camp. If nothing else, he's made it hard for the Blues to send him back to junior.

Stephen: To me, Mark Cundari has looked fairly solid in the practices and scrimmages I've seen. Can he play for the Rivermen or is he too young like Pie is?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Cundari will play junior hockey for the Windsor Spitfires this year.

Ryan: JR,

How will the Tomas Kana era be remembered? I assume we won't see him again?

Jeremy Rutherford: Although Kana wasn't in training camp this year, he is expected to play in Peoria this year.

Thomas: Do you think the Blues managment will have a problem, such as the Blackhawks are going to have, signing and keeping the young core talent group??

Jeremy Rutherford: That will become a big question. When guys like Oshie, Perron, Johnson and Berglund are due raises, can the Blues keep them all?

The Blues should be able to keep those four, and the reason is, their contracts are staggered.Perron and Johnson will get contracts after the upcoming season, and then the Blues will deal with Oshie and Berglund the following year.

Remember, these guys have to continue progressing before they get the big money. If they all play out of their minds the next couple of years, it may be tough to sign them all. Look at Phil Kessel's situation in Boston. But the Blues are aware of the situation and they are planning for the future knowing that that will come into play.

Dan: Hey JR, I appreciated you having Andy Murray on last week, it was awesome to have him answer some questions and take some time off his busy week. Although recently, I have noticed the Blues's website buzzing about the rookies and the new-coming veterans. I'd like to know for one if there is a strong possibility if one of the rookies can make an impact if they play in the NHL regular season, and two, which previously injured or new coming veteran would make immediate success if they recieved the playing time?

Jeremy Rutherford: If you're talking about rookies making the team out of camp this year, the only player with a chance is Alex Pietrangelo. A guy like Lars Eller (shoulder, mono) will get his chance later in the year.

As far as injured guys coming back, Paul Kariya and Erik Johnson will be the two big returners, followed by D.J. King and Eric Brewer (when he comes back).

Thomas: Is it realistic that the Blues send Berglund to Peoria to light a fire under him?? Or do you think they take away a roster spot from Stasny and let him figure it out in the bigs??

Jeremy Rutherford: Berglund will be with the Blues. His conditioning was in question last year, but he's had an entire summer to prepare. That's not to say that if his play slips the Blues won't send him to Peoria. They could make a move like that if he really digresses. But he's shown enough talent to be in the NHL.

Also, I know all roster spots are equal, but the Blues aren't going to keep a fourth-line, penalty-kill specialist like Stastny and send a skilled guy like Berglund to Peoria. If the Blues happened to send Berglund to Peoria, they would look for a skilled guy to replace him.

Thomas: Am I misinformed, or does it seem that Jonas Junland isn't taking the necessary steps to be a full-time NHL defencemen?? I'm reading that he hasn't bulked up and gotten stronger, and that he doesn't have a sense of urgency. Is this true??

Jeremy Rutherford: Sadly, Junland has not bulked up like the Blues had hoped he would. His conditioning looks to be good, as he finished No. 1 in his conditioning group the other day. But Junland really needs to add some strength. He may have tried this summer, but it's not noticeable. He's got a body that needs to fill out.

ryan: i was at training camp the other day and i saw dj king leave the ice holding what appeared to be his wrist or hand. any idea of what happened and how long he could be out for?

Jeremy Rutherford: King has a thumb injury that will keep him out at least a couple of weeks.

ryan: Do you have a list of the players that will be signing autographs for fanfest?

Jeremy Rutherford: That hasn't been determined yet. It will be the players who do NOT dress for Saturday's game against Dallas.

Mark: JR,

Anthony Nigro blocked a shot in the 3rd game up in Traverse City, left the game, didn't play in the 4th game and now he's not a part of training camp. Is he ok? I heard he was icing his wrist. Is it broken?

Also, where's Ian Schultz? Why isn't he in camp like a lot of the other prospects are?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Nigro wasn't expected to be at Blues' training camp.

With Schultz, he was expected to be here. I don't have a reason why he wasn't, whether it was injury-related or what.

Aaron: Hey JR, what's the deal with King? Is he going to be out long enough to open up a spot for someone else? If so, who do you think gets that spot? Stastny? Armstrong?

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues have 15 forwards and will probably keep 13. That means two guys won't make it. If King's injury goes into the regular season, he will go and IR and that will taken them to 14. They'll still need to trim one guy. So it doesn't really open a spot if King is out.

Aaron: Got another question for you JR. What's keeping Crombeen off the ice? What's his injury and what's the timetable?

Jeremy Rutherford: Crombeen had an undisclosed minor injury, but he told me he was OK and he's on the ice today.

Wes: Hey JR. Do you know how long D.J. King will be out? I wish he would stay healthy because I'd much prefer him in the lineup over Janssen.

Jeremy Rutherford:
At least a couple of weeks. I've not been told that it will be longer, but it's a possibility.

Stephen: Hey JR, after reading the reviews of Sydor's first game in a Bluenote, the opinions seem to be all over the map. How do you think he performed Tues night? Just how likely is it he actually makes the team? The only thing I see he could add is to be that mentor the Blues were apparently seeking earlier in the summer (Zubov) but if they keep Sydor, that could very well be at the expense of the guy he'd likely need to mentor - Alex P.

Jeremy Rutherford:
The jury is still out. Sydor has been what most folks imagined, a veteran with poise, but nothing overwhelming. It's pretty hard to evaluate a 16-year veteran in training camp. True, Sydor is fighting for a job, but he's been through this 16 times before. Here's the kicker: if Sydor is here, that probably means Pietrangelo isn't . . . and isn't mentoring Pietrangelo one of the reasons Sydor would be here.

bl00m: Hi!

Bluesfan in Sweden who'll take his young familiy to the game 2nd of october. Will it be possible to buy some Blues items (jerseys, caps etc) at the Ericsson Globe Arena or do we have to order it beforehand? (i mean, I live in Red wing country so it's practically an away game..)

And, will it be possible to look at the game day morning skate? Thought of bringing my 7 months son there to give him his first blue note experience :)

Thank you for any answer or direction where I can get an answer.

Jeremy Rutherford: Oh, I'm sure there will be some Blues' gear sold at the game. At the gift shop inside Scottrade Center, they're already selling a T-shirt calling it the "Premier series." Pretty snazzy shirt.


I'm not sure about access to the morning skate. I don't even know yet if they'll let me in the building.

djm448: I like to ask this to players and people directly involved with the game...

We all have that special puck at home, or jersey signed by our favorite all-time players, etc.... What piece of hockey memorabilia do you own that is your favorite/means something to you, and any reason why?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I don't have a lot of memorabilia, really. And the one that means the most to me might sound corny to others.

It's a Wayne Gretzky Blues jersey . . . yes, the white jersey with the red stripes.

My mom, who has passed away, bought me it for me as a birthday gift. It was the first authentic jersey, with the stitching, that I ever owned. I think of her every time I look at it.

Puckmvr: When Colaiacovo and Steen came to the Blues from Toronto, it was noted that both players were 1st round draft picks who had as-yet unrealized up-side. What more might we see from Steen than we saw last year, particularly if he is relegated to a checking line?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I think we saw last year what kind of player Steen is. When he came to the Blues, he got some minutes on the top line, but that was more out of necessity.

He was moved to a third-line role, with some penalty-killing chores. To me, he was a solid contributor in that role. This year, he'll again be playing on a line with McClement and Crombeen, and he'll be counted on for some PK work.

iamkariyablue: Hi JR,
I was at the game Thursday, and was really surprised to see EJ looking confused and getting knocked down. On the power play, he was the same old EJ not being able to keep it in on the point, and I never saw that "cannon of a shot." The team he is coming back to is much faster and more skilled than the one he last played with. Pietro was a huge contrast, looking smooth, swift and more the type of Dman this current team needs. Kariya also missed almost a year, and he seemed to adapt well to the increased speed and skill level of the team. What do Blues need to do for EJ to come up to speed? Frankly, I'm concerned.

Incidentally, my son got an autograph on my jersey from Kariya Sunday, and he could not have been nicer...thanks Paul!

Jeremy Rutherford:
IT WAS JOHNSON'S FIRST GAME IN 17 MONTHS. He was hard on himself after the game, and Andy Murray told him not to be so hard on himself. It will come with time. If that's what you see out of Johnson in February, re-submit the question and I'll answer it again.

I'm glad to hear Kariya was nice to you. I wish he was nice the media. Just kidding.

OPTIMEGUS: JR,

When Jarmo and the scouting staff evaluate the prospects with interviews and questions, how is that information used in the coming years when the players enter the NHL as opponents? Something that JD never discusses is the professional scouting of other teams. Should we expect an improvement in game planning based on the evaluation of young talent Jarmo has reviewed over the recent years?

For example, November 21st, the Blues play the Islanders. The Blues would know Tavares' greatest strengths and weaknesses because he told them before the draft, right?

thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford:

I see where you're going, but I don't think teams collaborate with their scouting staff to that degree.

True, Kekalainen does have a report on all of the prospects, but they're used for other purposes. If Davidson calls Kekalainen in three years and says, "We're thinking about trading for so and so, who drafted in 2009," then Kekalainen can see what he wrote about him.

I believe that Kekalainen also charts the progress of some players drafted by other teams. That way, he can see if his opinion on the player turned out to be true.

But what Tavares did in a junior hockey game one night probably won't help the Blues in their game-planning against the Islanders.

Jan: Thanks for taking my question...

Ive seen where the Blues are planning on taking 3 goalies to Sweden. (Im guessing it will either have to be Bishop or Toivonen.) Do you know who the 3rd is? And how was he chosen?

Go Rivs :D

Jeremy Rutherford:
Yes, the Blues are allowed to take an emergency goalie to Sweden. The team has not said who that will be . . . Bishop or Toivonen. My take is that it would be whoever is playing better, and right now that guy is Bishop. Toivonen is dealing with a leg cut and just got on the ice yesterday for the first time.

Andrew: JR,

I was at the preseason game on Tuesday and I have to say I was very impressed with Derek Armstrong's play. What do you think his shot is at making the final roster? Also, Backes was wearing an "A" at the game. Is he our new alternate? (I love the idea!)

Jeremy Rutherford:
Armstrong has really played like NHL guy in training camp, but I don't think he'll get that shot with the Blues out of camp. But that's the chance Armstrong took when he signed with the Blues. He says himself that he didn't have a lot of options. Europe was one. But if Armstrong doesn't make it, he said he'll go to Peoria and be ready when the Blues need him. That sure is some nice depth.

Mark: Hey JR, when do you think the first cuts will be announced? The Blues said it would be after the Determination Cup was awarded, which is today, so could we see cuts as early as later this afternoon/evening? Or perhaps sometime tomorrow? Or will they want to take a look at a few of the youngins in Friday's game before sending them off to Rivermen camp or back to their jr team? Thanks as always for taking our questions.

Jeremy Rutherford:
There will be some today. I'll post them on a Morning Skate blog when they're available.

Mark: Why'd Boyes leave the ice early yesterday?

Jeremy Rutherford: I didn't see it, but I know he's OK.

Rodimus Prime: Great crowd at the game Tuesday, can't wait to see how the Scottrade looks Friday JR. Thanks for getting the chats rolling again.

Is Hannu Toivonen going to be backing up Bishop in Peoria this year? I know he had the cut on his leg holding him back. Is he the only option right now?

Will we hear some surprise names the first round of cuts that are coming?

General thouts on Sydor and Armstrong so far and their chance to earn a contract?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Toivonen and Bishop will be in Peoria, as you mentioned, but I don't know how the games will be divided. My sense is that Bishop will get the opportunity to play more, but it's up to him to play well. While Toivonen is not a guy who the Blues are banking on in the future, he had a decent year in Europe last year and wants to give it another try. Can't blame him. Who knows how it will turn out?

I don't expect any surprises with the cuts. Mostly, it'll be guys heading to Peoria and a few guys going back to juniors.

As I mentioned, it's going to be difficult for Sydor, but his chance isn't dead yet. Armstrong is highly thought and will be in a Blues' uniform at some point in the season.

Justin: Hello JR,

Just wanted the most up-to date status on DJ King. Sprain? Break? How many weeks? Also was wondering how Backes is feeling from that nasty collision Tues. night. I know he played the third period, but was wondering if it is a concern.

Thanks,
Justin

Jeremy Rutherford:

Sorry, I don't have the exact nature of King's status yet. Again, the word I heard was he could be out at least two weeks.

Backes is fine.

djm448: I know everybody will wait to see how he plays this season, but what price range do you think it will take for a team to sign Paul Kariya for next season? And do you see today of a "need/role" for him here in St. Louis that nobody can replace next year?

Jeremy Rutherford:
It all depends on what kind of year Kariya has . . . At age 35, Kariya won't make $6 million a year again, but if he puts up 25 goals and 80 points, he could probably fetch $4 to $4.5. Do the Blues want to pay that? Not sure.

If Kariya puts up 80 points, there's definitely a need here. But who else could you get next year? I'd have to look at the list of free agents to be next season.

Tolcou15: JR do you play NHL 10 and if so what's your gamertag?

Jeremy Rutherford: I wish I had time. This job keeps me pretty busy.

Matt: Hi JR-

Thanks for the chat the great Blues coverage you provide.
I know he didn't have a chance to make the team this year, but why isn't Rundblad in camp?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Rundblad stayed back home to play for his team in the Swedish Elite League.

Carcus: Do you consider Paul Kariya a bust? I don't since was the most productive player on the ice here in STL while he has been healthy, but others I have argued with think so since his contract is as big as it is and he missed almost all of last season.

Jeremy Rutherford: Considering what Kariya did to excite the fan base, no he's not a bust. Has he delivered the on-ice production you think you're getting for $6 million per year? No. But that's obviously because of the injury last year, and you can't prevent injuries. This season will be a telling year on people remember Kariya's time in STL.

Matt Worman: If Armstrong makes the team is Crombeen or Janssen traded or waived?

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't see that happening. First of all, the Blues just signed Crombeen to a one-way deal and he hasn't done anything to warrant being waived. The Blues like him. Janssen has one more year left on his contract, which is also a one-day deal. Janssen has his role on the team, and he will be even more important to the roster if D.J. King can't play at the start of the season.

Armstrong, meanwhile, has a two-way contract. The Blues can send him to Peoria and pay him a minor-league salary. Obviously you want your best players on the NHL roster, but right now, with roles being considered, that includes Crombeen and Janssen.

Matt Worman: How long before Palushaj gets called up?--guys awesome.
Is size really a factor--I think not--What do you think?

Jeremy Rutherford: Palushaj could be the No. 2 guy called up from Peoria. I think Armstrong would be the first, assuming he doesn't make the team.

I know Palushaj needs to put in some time, and he might have some struggles in Peoria, like other highly regarded prospects have had. But Palushaj probably could handle himself in the NHL this season. The guy has been impressive.

Mark: JR, you've said a couple times now you expect the Blues to break camp with 13 forwards. I know the team typically only keeps 21-22 guys on the roster most of the season but don't they normally break camp with 23 and then pare it down as the season goes along and injuries arise? If they go with the maximum 23 guys, do you see them keeping 13 forwards and 8 defensemen or 14 forwards and 7 defensemen? I guess what I'm wondering is if they perhaps keep 8 defensemen for a short time in order to test Petro and then after he's played 9 games, they'll make a decision to either send him back to Jrs or send someone else to Peoria. Thoughts?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I am expecting them to keep 13 and likewise I am expecting them to keep seven defensemen. But yeah, they could keep 14 and seven or 13 and eight.

If we knew today that they were keeping eight defensemen, I don't know that that would tell us they were keeping Pietrangelo because if they're going to keep him, he needs to play.

My guess is that they would keep 14 forwards before they would keep eight defensemen and it has nothing to do with Pietrangelo's future.

Ryan: JR, out of the bubble guys that have to pass through waivers, how likely is it that any of Bell, Strachan, Wagner or Armstrong would get claimed? I could see Bell getting claimed.

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't think any of those would get claimed. Other teams have had a chance to sign them in the past and didn't. Keep in mind that if a team claims one of those players, they have to keep them on their NHL roster.

Scott L: Hey JR, I am bored in Algebra right now.. and I was wondering if you know who will be doing autographs at the FanFest Saturday?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I do not know who's signing autographs, but I opened your question because I, too, remember being bored in algebra.

If you're still on the chat, give me one of your algebra problems . . .

John: JR,

Question about the two-way contract. Are the two-way players paid by the week or by the game? Could a two-way player come up, practice with the team, not play in a game, be sent back, but receive NHL pay? Teams have injuries, and I can see a significant number of players making some frequent trips. Few roster spots are available and some of our players could use some more seasoning in Peoria..

Thanks and Go Blues!

Jeremy Rutherford: The contracts are paid by the day, regardless of it they practice or play a game.

djm448: I understand that Yan Stasny has a one-way contract this season. If he was to be assigned to Peoria to start the season... would he be required to clear waivers to be called up for NHL play? And if so, would that have to happen everytime he is called up?

I get confused on those rules regarding contracts & waivers....

Jeremy Rutherford:
As I understand Stastny's situation, he would have to clear waivers to go to Peoria, but would not have to clear to come up.

stlouisbluesfan1: Did Louie shower in the off season?

Jeremy Rutherford:
There may be no nastier place on this earth than inside a mascot uniform. I was in San Jose last year when the mascot took his "head" off and this guy was sweating more than thief at church.

I'm guessing he did.

Jeremy Rutherford: Oh well, no algebra lesson today. There were plenty of other good questions that I didn't get to today, but I've got to run.

I'm writing about Alex Pietrangelo for Friday's Post-Dispatch/STL.com, so remember to take a look if you get a chance.

And re-submit those questions next week and I'll try to get to them.

Thanks,
JR