Dan in San Antonio: JR,

Thanks for the chats. I saw the current makeup of the lines, and they look really strong. There were three legit scoring lines, and the 'energy' line was last years shutdown line. As odd as this will sound given the years of the Blues making due with grinders, will we miss some of that? Maybe all the injuries caused me to give up on having this much talent, but it just seems shocking to see those lines written down.

Thanks again,
Dan

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues had the makings of three scoring lines last year before injuries claimed Kariya, McDonald and Oshie. Now that they're back on the ice, the skill depth is back. The way I look at it, if you have Steen-McClement-Crombeen as a fourth line, you've got three pretty good lines above them.

Matt: Hey JR,

Are the Blues or NHL going to do re-air the 1st Game in Sweden since it will be on Verses, and not everyone has Verses?

Has there been anyone at camp that has really raised their stock, with a great camp, and has there be anyone whose stock has dropped, because of a bad camp?

Matt

Jeremy Rutherford: I'm not sure about a TV replay. I'm sure you'll be able to find it somewhere.

Raising their stock: Brad Winchester, Derek Armstrong, Alex Pietrangelo, Ben Bishop

Stock falling: I'm not going to get into names here, but Andy Murray said this week that he's put a few veteran players on alert.

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: What is your relationship with Andy Strickland? Do you consider him your competition? Do the two of you feed off of each other? Do you have the same sources? What does Andy discuss that you will not touch...vise versa?

Jeremy Rutherford: We're are dating.

Just kidding. I know Andy very well and he does a terrific job covering the Blues. As far as competition, I've never been a reporter who looked at my job as battling another media member head-to-head. It's about telling stories and letting people inside the locker room. Sure, my job requires me to break news, and that's a fun part of the job. But I like telling stories a lot more.

Andy has a lot of sources and breaks a lot of news, but hopefully over the long haul, I'll break some news, too. We do talk a lot about the Blues, but don't really share secrets. With his website, Andy gets into a lot more rumors than I do. I'm not a big rumor guy, but obviously there's a market for that.

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: A question I posted on the boards...

What if:

Brewer returns, Pietrangelo and Sydor are both playing well. The two of them are rotating with Mike Weaver...each sitting about every third game. What kind of decision does the team make? Will they keep 8 defenseman or try to work a trade with another team? Or do they cut ties with Sydor/Weaver?

Jeremy Rutherford: That's a good question, and it may be coming sooner than later.

Brewer has been skating lately and is starting to feel a lot better. I still think it'll be November or December before he plays. If those other guys are playing well when he returns, that will be a good problem for the Blues to have. The key there is Pietrangelo . . . if he stays, they're going to play him. The Blues have a lot more allegiance to his development than the do Sydor.

I doubt the Blues would keep eight defensemen, so somebody will be moving. Too early to speculate who.

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: Which will fall out first...BJ Crombeen's front tooth, the the hair on top of your head?

Jeremy Rutherford: You probably mean, 'Which fell out first?' because I looked in the mirror today and my hair is gone. Then I went to the rink today and interviewed Crombeen, and his tooth is gone, too.

I'll have to ask him when he lost it. I started losing my hair a few years ago.

Steve C.: JR,

I'm sure you're tired of questions regarding Pie, but here's one more. All indications seem to be that back in Junior's, he's a man among boys. Yet he's not quite ready for the NHL due to his lack of aggressiveness on the defensive side. If the former is true, how would that benefit him by sending back for another year? If he is indeed such a better player than his peers, how do you expect him to develop intensity, other than facing it head-on? Keep him on the team and bring him along slowly, let him learn on the fly. That is the only way you can get experience and learn from it.

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't think that Pietrangelo has anything to gain by going back to juniors. In fact, sending him back a second time could do some harm. He was pretty disappointed to go back last year, but accepted it. He worked REALLY hard this summer to make sure it didn't happen again. If the Blues sent him back, and they have every right to if he's not one of the team's best defensemen, I think Pietrangelo would be completely demoralized. Just talking to him a little bit, I don't think he could go through that again. He would develop more just being around the Blues than he would playing in juniors again.

Scott L: Hey JR,

Here is that Algebra problem....

Paul Kariya has constantly had a ratio of 3 assists to 2 goals every two games. If Paul has currently 32 goals on the year, how many assists will he have? Also how many games has he played? I will let you know if you are correct or incorrect.

Jeremy Rutherford: All right, our Algebra student is back. For those of you who don't remember him, Scott submitted a question to last week's chat because he was bored sitting in class. I asked him to send us an algebra problem, but he wasn't able to do it last week.

OK, here's my answer: 48 assists, 32 games

How did I do?

Scott L: Hey JR,

Here is the Blues related question now..... You reported that Andy Murray was leaning towards Pietrangelo and Sydor to make team. What is the biggest difference for Strachan and Junland who would be first call ups in Peoria, to Pietrangelo and Sydor who would make the team?

Jeremy Rutherford: Well, Murray didn't say he was leaning toward Murray and Pietrangelo. I've been talking to some folks and I've been getting that impression.

Also, I think Andy Murray did an interview with Bernie Miklasz on the radio and Murray said that he really liked Sydor and Strachan.

There are circumstances that factor into all of these decisions, so you can't look at it like, 'Who's the best defenseman out of the group?' The Blues may want Sydor for experience, they may want Pietrangelo because they don't want to send him back and they may want Strachan for a different reason.'

We'll see . . .

Ryan: JR, you said the other day that you have heard whispers that some teams might be interested in Armstrong in the event the Blues put him on waivers. Do you think that the Blues would try to keep from putting him on waivers then? If so, what kind of moves do you envision for them to keep Armstrong on the team? They'd have to either trade or demote someone wouldn't they?

Jeremy Rutherford:
That's another good question. The bottom line is that the Blues want to put the best team on the ice. But I know they also want to protect their assets. If it's true that there are teams interested in Armstrong if he goes on waivers . . . and I say if because talk is cheap . . . there's a chance you could see the Blues keep him on the NHL roster.

I think in the end, though, that Armstrong will be here only if he warrants a spot, and so far he has. In talking to people within the organization, the Blues have a philosophy in which they're not afraid to lose guys to waivers. A lot of teams, and fans, in the NHL overvalue their own players and think that other teams will jump on them. That's not the case.

And plus, Armstrong couldn't find a contract a month ago, so who's going to take him now? Sure he's playing well, but so are other guys on other teams.

forehandbackhandwaterbottle: What will Darryl Sydor's contract look like?

Jeremy Rutherford: I would think it would be one year. I can't see the Blues paying more than $1 million or less. Sydor says he's here to continue playing, so it's not like he's going to hold out for me.

Dan: Hey JR, What is your input on the swapping of the offensive lines with Berglund and Tkackuk?
Also, do you think they will re-unite some lines like the kid line, or Boyes, McDonald, and Kariya?

P.S. Scott L. is also in my algebra class (honors algebra to be more specific) and I authorized that problem that he made. Note: He proudly wore his Blues jersey to wacky tacky day yesterday.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Murray said he swapped Tkachuk and Berglund because they wanted to loosen up Berglund. It's not a bad move because he's got chemistry with Oshie. Meanwhile, Tkachuk has played well with Kariya and Boyes, so I don't think it hurts to try it.

Wow, we have an entire algebra class logging into the chat. Which school is this?

Ryan: Will the NHL get rid of those lines behind the goals preventing goalies from going into the corners any time soon? I don't understand what positive consequences come from them.

Jeremy Rutherford: It's called the trapezoid and it was adopted a few years ago. In the past, goalies had the advantage because a guy like Martin Brodeur could come out and play everything. It makes things a little harder for the goalies, but the players like it. I haven't heard any complaining from players about that at all.

Ryan: Hey JR im sure you have heard about the boyes for jordan stall trade rumor by now. I highly doubt this is legit but i was just wondering if you have any insight on this topic?

Jeremy Rutherford: I saw the rumor, but there doesn't appear to be any truth to it. I like Staal but why would the Blues need another center and another youngster. What they need is a right winger who can score goals and that's what they have in Boyes. Granted, he needs to be better defensively, and the team seems to be talking to him about that, but you can't deny that he can score goals in this league.

Ryan: From what i understand Pietrangelo will most likely get a 9 game trial. First of all will the 9 games be the first 9 games of the season, or spread out a little more and what do you think the odds are that he makes the team after his 9 game trial?

Jeremy Rutherford: Pietrangelo will get a nine-game trial and those games can be spread out. He could play eight games in the Blues' first 25 games and still be OK.

Ryan: do you have any idea why the blues bought out jay mckee's contract?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Financial: Freeing up that money allowed them to sign Winchester and Weaver.

Peformance: While McKee could block shots, the Blues didn't feel he could skate well or move the puck anymore.

Tim: JR, of the rookies that were sent down to Peoria or back to their junior team; who made the biggest strides from last year to this year? Do we have any sleepers in the organization that nobody saw anything from last year and now gave us something to think about from this camp? Thanks

Jeremy Rutherford: The youngster who made the biggest impact was Aaron Palushaj. But there were others: Ryan Reaves, Philip McRae.

I'd keep an eye on Reaves. He's back to Peoria, but if he continues to play well, the Blues will not be hesitant to bring him back if they're looking for a physical player for the fourth line.

BluesFan: Hey JR,

Couple of quickies:

1) In terms of basketball analogies, is Perron a point guard who can shoot or a shooting guard that can pass? I would argue that the former is someone who can net 15-20 goals a year and get 60-80 assists, while the latter is a 25-35 goal scorer with 40-50 assists...

2) Best team attitude I have seen in a long time (and my family has been season ticket holders since I was born. How resilient do you feel that this team is. I am slightly worried because of the European start that we could come out of the gate slowly...

Jeremy Rutherford:
Perron is a goal-scorer who is coming into his own. Remember, he hit a lot of posts last year. That doesn't get you anything in the NHL, but with some fine-tuning, he could score 30 goals or more. So I'd say a point guard who can shoot.

The attitude is real positive, but that's the case in about 30 locker rooms right now. The test will come when they face some adversity. But the Blues couldn't have had any more adversity last year and they passed the test.

Bert: JR- excited to see the team's youngsters grow. Perron seems to be an extremly talented offensive player. However, his point totals aren't that great. What are the chances he gets 90 pts this season?

Jeremy Rutherford: If Perron is playing with Backes and McDonald all year, he's got a chance. But I don't think he'll get 90 this year. I'm thinking more like 70.

stlsprtfanaddict28: JR, loved you on Dallas all those years. One of my favorite shows.

My two-part question is, of all the Blues players on the roster, is there one guy that you see as being a 100-point guy, either this year or in the next few? And how many point per game guys do you think we have on our current roster??

Thanks for the time & for all that you do. Now LET'S GO BLUES!!!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Who shot me?

I would have said last year that Patrik Berglund had the best chance to have a 100 points in this league, but then Berglund faded. He's got one year under his belt now and he beefed up in the offseason, so he should be better equipped to handle the rigors of the schedule. If Berglund isn't hitting 80 or 90 points in a few years, something is wrong. He's got the tools.

Aren Springer: With the mix of youth and veterans on this team the Blues seemed poised to make a little run in the playoffs. How will this affect your use of run-on sentences?

Jeremy Rutherford:
You don't really spell your name "A-R-E-N," do you?

How's it going, buddy? Hope you're doing well.

Ryan: Hey JR,

How's King coming along with his thumb injury? Will it keep him from making the initial 23-man roster? What are the chances his injury opens up a spot for someone else? If so, who do you think gets it? Armstrong? Stastny? Tallackson??

Jeremy Rutherford: King is back skating, but he's not ready to play in a game. The primary reason is that he can't drop the gloves and fight with the condition he's left thumb is in. He could be on the IR when the season opens.

Keith: Jeremy,
Thanks for keeping hockey alive during the summer. Your coverage of the whole organization(prospects)is awesome nothing like the old days. I have a couple questions are the Blue's interested in signing Jack Combs? I though he looked good in the prospect camp and the article about him made it sound like he would be a good prospect.
Second do you know anything about Josh Soares, and Jean-Philippe Lamoureux the top two and guys at Alaska last year and will they be back? Thanks again

Jeremy Rutherford: They like Combs, but I have heard nothing about signing him.

I'm not sure where Soares is and I thought Lamoureux went to Buffalo's summer camp. Somebody else could help me on whether he signed with the Sabres. I didn't hear that.

Thomas: Hey JR! Was just wondering, why is it just about every hockey publication is picking the Blues to miss the playoffs?? To me, the Blues can only get better, in theory. They get Karyia and Johnson back, and they don't lose anybody of high impact. What gives??

Jeremy Rutherford: It seems like most of the national publications are predicting the Blues to barely miss the playoffs. It's probably a situation where they didn't see the Blues play much last season and they figure what they did was a fluke. I don't think many people could have a handle on the Blues unless they watched them night in and night out. I'm not drinking the Cool-Aid, but I believe if the Blues can play with the same hunger as they did last year, and add the talent of Kariya and Johnson, they should be better.

Thomas: Do you agree with the one way contract of Mike Weaver?? And, depending on how he is in the lockeroom, I don't agree with keeping Sydor. I don't think the Blues go to the next level by keeping dead weight on their defense. Can you say Backman?? Mckee??

Jeremy Rutherford:
Mike Weaver wouldn't have accepted a two-way deal. If that's what the Blues wanted, he wouldn't be here. Some team would have given him a two-way deal. I really don't mind paying Weaver $800,000 for one year. He was very steady last year. Sure he's not going to intimidate guys, but he makes very few mistakes. I rarely remember saying to myself last year, "Self, that was a bad play by Weaver."

BleedinBlue04: JR, thanks for taking all of our questions. It is greatly appreciated by us crazy blues fans.

I was one of the people who have been skeptical about Pietrangelo ever since we drafted him but now I can say, he looks really good out there on the ice. My question is has he always had that cannon for a slap shot or has he been working with Al or EJ or someone to help him develop it? I thought he was more of a pass first defensemen but the practices I've seen, he's got a great slapper. Has he always had this?

Thanks for everying JR. I look forward to the morning skates every day when I get to work!!

Jeremy Rutherford:
From what I understand, Pietrangelo has had a nice shot in his career. It's nothing compared to what folks were saying about Johnson a few years ago, but it's a nice shot. The thing is, he needs to use it more. Coaches have been critical that he's passive when it comes to letting go of a slap shot. I'm sure Pietrangelo talks to EJ about his shot, and some of that should rub off. I'm not sure whether MacInnis is involved, but he should be.

Steve: JR, what's your opinion of how Berglund has performed thus far in camp and preseason? He seems to be "just ok" to me. Is that perhaps the reason why he was taken off the line with Kariya and Boyes?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Remember last year, he was great in the preseason and then dropped off during the regular season??

He's been OK during the preseason. It seems like he's putting a lot of pressure on himself and that's why the Blues moved him . . . to loosen himself up.

I hold off on judging him until we get into the regular season.

Adam: Since Backes had a very good year...Is he now playing for his next long term contract? Is he expected to make the Olympic Team?
Thx

ADAM

Jeremy Rutherford:
Backes has this year and next year left on his contract at $2.5 million per season. Backes has told me he would love to be on the Olympic team, and based on Brian Burke's positive comments after the U.S. camp, I think Backes has a good shot.

Tolcou15: JR thanks again as always!!!

First, Can we expect to see Steen on the point of the Power Play again this year like we di in the playoffs last year?

Second, And what are the chances Shanahan or Pronger wears the bluenote this year?

Third, How many readers do you think broke their monitor or keyboard when they read my second question?

8 MORE DAYS!!!

GO NOTE!!!

Jeremy Rutherford:
1) I'm sure Steen will get some time on the power play, but right now the Blues have Johnson-Kariya as point men on the first power-play unit and Perron-Colaiacovo on the second PP.

2) 0, 0

3) 20,000 (haha)

Thomas: Depending on how the season shakes out...if the Blues secure a low playoff position, do they trade a high-end prospect this year to get to the next level?? Eller, Palushaj, Pietroangelo??

Jeremy Rutherford: I'm sure that we are only months away from seeing the Blues deal one of their top-end prospects. They'd be foolish not to, assuming the deal makes sense. Not all of those prospects can play here, so they're only hurting the club by keeping them all.

Jim: JR:
Will Larry and Wendy Plaue stay in STL after Larry retires?

Jeremy Rutherford:
The Pleau's may stay here for a year or two. JD has said that Pleau has a job here as a consultant if he wants it. However, the Pleaus have said that they eventually want to retire on the East Coast.

SpacemanSpiff: Can you say 8 days and one hour until we see Blues hockey for real?

JR, questions:

1) Murray seemed very enjoyed about the ability of Tallackson. With his size, and skills, do you see him being a better and cheaper alternative next year to a Brad Winchester, should he get his game together?

2) What's the feeling in the room? Excited about going to Sweden, or grumbly that we have to play the Wings back to back to start the season?

3) Any youngster that has really surprised the staff? Do you see Eller / Palushaj being called up or would that depend on how they're doing in the AHL? Or would Murray just call up someone like Stastny because he's got more senority?

Thanks, dude....

Jeremy Rutherford: 1) Good question, but first Tallackson has to show it. He's been around for a while, and hasn't proved it yet.

2) The players are really juiced about going to Sweden. It's been brewing, but today was the first time I actually heard guys talking about it getting close.

3) It depends on what they need. If Eller gets going, and they need a skilled guy, I think they'll give him a shot sometime this season. The same goes for Palushaj, when his foot heals.

umslbirdie: Sydor and McKee were similar IMHO in that both are over-the-hill vets with a lot of heart.
The difference is Sydor can move the puck offensively.

Seem like a fair analysis?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Not far off. Sydor is cheaper and can move the puck. He played really well with Johnson the other night and the Blues took note.

BSmith: JR, thanks for taking questions again this week.

I think the biggest question of the year regarding the blue line is Eric Brewer. So much will swing on his ability to come back from his injury...namely the need to keep Sydor in order to mentor the young guys (Pie and EJ).

I have heard Brewer has been skating with the team, and I've heard that we won't be back until halfway through the year. Considering all of his set-backs and that he is dealing with a lower back injury (with numbness), what expectations should we have for Brewer this year? How long does Andy Murray wait before giving Brewer's "C" to Tkachuk or Backes?

Jeremy Rutherford: I would keep the expectations for Brewer very low when he returns. I know he won't come back until he can contribute, but his injury is a very serious one and it will take him time to get going.

Murray said that he will not name a temporary captain. He said that the players - not him - would take that as being disrespectful to Brewer.

WilliamGoat: Hey JR,

Hear about Chicago losing Burish for 6 months? I mean, you've gotta love how nothing seems to go right for that team. So my question is: Are the Blackhawks turning into the Chicago Cubs of NHL or what?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I wouldn't go that far, but after all the good publicity for the 'Hawks last year, NOTHING went right this summer.

hullnoates: Hey JR,

Who's a better skater, you or Garth Brooks?

Jeremy Rutherford: If Garth can stand up on skates, then I'd go with him.

Greg: Miklasz reported that Murray stated he will keep both tough guys (King and Janssen) on the opening roster.

So...what about Steen and Crombeen? I'm guessing they have the better chance of making the regular, nightly lineup. That would be 14 fowards overall. Two spare forwards in the pressbox?

I find this hard to believe.

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues put Stastny on waivers today, as they try to get him to Peoria.

That leaves the Blues with 15 forwards, including Derek Armstrong. They'll keep 13 or 14, so at least one more has to go.

rjbettger: Hey JR,

Thanks for the chats!

I really liked the quote from Wamsley about Bishop...

“We don’t develop No. 2s,” Wamsley said. “It’s not a lack of confidence. For us, we still see Ben as a future No. 1 goalie and he’s got to play games. Coming up here and getting behind a guy that played as well as Chris Mason, that’s no good for anybody. Ben has got to establish himself as a bona fide guy that can win and take his team deep into the playoffs in the American League and then hopefully he’ll do that for the St. Louis Blues as a No. 1 guy up here.”

With Bishop having a great camp, how has the goalie pecking order changed? What are the plans for Toivonen and Allen in the near future? What's Sebastian Dahm's story?

Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Wamsley is always good for some insight.

Even though Allen is still playing in juniors, he seemed to surpass Bishop in the pecking order over the summer. But Bishop has squashed that with his play during training camp. It's evident that he really worked hard over the summer.

The Blues have no real plans for Toivonen. They just thought it was worth it to give him one more shot. What can it hurt? He's not blocking anybody from playing time right now.

Chris Stamer: Correct me if I'm wrong, but with Yan headed to Peoria, we're down to 3 players for the last 2 spots. Janssen, King, and Armstrong. Who do you see not making the cut? And where do they go?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Murray has said that Janssen and King will be here. So unless there's a deal brewing, I have to think that Armstrong will be sent to Peoria, even though he's played well in camp. For Armstrong, that's the downside of having a two-way contract. The Blues can send him down to Peoria and pay him a minor-league salary. Of course, though, he'd have to pass through waivers.

BSmith: Are the Blues keeping Junland around just for the trip to Sweden to play in a preseason game against his former team Linkoping....OR....has he really outplayed the likes of Bell? It was my understanding that he did not come to camp as physically prepared as some other players on the bubble.

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't understand the Junland situation. He's still here, but he's not playing. They don't seem to want to get a look at him. The Blues are basing all of their opinions of Junland on one preseason game. Heck, if Bell or Wagner would have played only preseason game, they might have left a good impression, too.

Are the Blues really keeping him, so that he can play a preseason game in his hometown, Linkoping. I can't believe that's true.

baddawwg69: JR,

Great article on DP today. It sounds like his tendency to be a (young) knucklehead is gone.

If you are the Blues and he (and Johnson) are playing well, do you try to extend them before the end of year or wait and see like they did with Backes? In you opinion would they commit somewhere between 10-14M on each over say 4 yrs to lock them in? It would set a precedent, good or bad, for dealing with Bergs and Oshie.

Can you comment on how DP-Bergs-Oshie have looked? We haven't heard to much about how the former kids have looked pre-season. With Bergs switching down a line just wondering if one or more of them haven't been as impressive as we would like them to look.

Thanks.

Jeremy Rutherford:
The Blues will probably let the season evolve and see what kind of year Perron has. If teams based their offers on what they thought a player could be, they'd all be broke. Perron and Johnson are going to get big paydays, but I'm sure the Blues will wait till the end of the year or summer. There's no rush. They hold their rights.

Perron has been good, while Oshie and Berglund have been OK. It's real hard to judge in the preseason, though.

PuFFs: JR,
Lamoureux did sign with Sabres for a 1 year deal. Do you think bishop needs another year with the riverman? Do you think Allen going to be a future goalie for the blues? Friday when Ty played against colorado, he look really sharp.

Jeremy Rutherford: Thanks for the update.

Allen and Bishop are battling for the "goaltender of the future" distinction. Still plenty of time before that happens.

I also thought Conklin looked good Sunday. He looks like a good addition and I'll be interested to watch how he does.

potato: Hi JR.

I saw that you said that one more forward would have to go down or get released. What if they put Kinger on waivers? That would open a roster spot right?

Also will Charles Glenn be at the home opener?

Thanks for everything as always!

Jeremy Rutherford: I believe that you mean put King on IR . . . yes, the Blues could put him on IR and keep the rest of the guys. But what do you do when King comes back soon? Same problem, just more time to deal with it.

stlouisbluesfan1: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions again. How many St. Louis athletes do you know are on Twitter?

Jeremy Rutherford: Gosh, I couldn't tell you. I do know that you can now follow David Perron at Twitter.com/DP_57.

Jeremy Rutherford: That's all the time I have today. Thanks for your questions!

I will be landing in Sweden on Sunday and will have plenty of blogs and interviews, which I will post on STLtoday.com. Hope you'll be checking it out.

JR