Jeremy Rutherford:

I just left practice and I'm back at the hotel, ready to chat. With the Lee Stempniak trade this week, I'm sure there's a lot to talk about. For those that didn't see my post on Blues Talk, Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Steen will be in the lineup tonight. The Blues have said since Monday that their immigration paperwork couldn't be done by tonight, but that has changed. They will be in the lineup against Colorado tonight.

rob in creve heights: were the blues aware that colaiacovo and steen were going to need 4 days to get their paperwork in order? if so, why would the blues hamstring themselves knowing they had back to back games this week (nashville and colorado)? if kariya and oshie and berglund and hinote and mcdonald and on and on were healthy, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. but with us rolling the rivermen out there, and stempniak being on a relative hot streak, it just seems like we are putting ourselves behind the eight ball for the next two games. for all i know the rivermen are going to go out and grab four points, but i don't think the blues are giving themselves the best opportunity to win games this week.

Jeremy Rutherford: I agree that if the Blues knew they couldn't get Steen in Colaiacovo in the lineup for two games, they really did hamstring themselves.

However, the Blues had a little luck because they won last night without the players, and as I wrote up above, they will be in the lineup tonight.

matt: Is John Davidson a mouth piece for Checketts?

Jeremy Rutherford: John Davidson is supposed to be a mouth piece for Dave Checketts. JD is the president of the Blues and the face of the team. I don't understand your point.

Andrew Sampson: Hi Jeremy

As of this chat, is there any word that Alex & Carlo are rocky mountain bound?

While I'm pleased as punch to see the results the fill ins have been producing, some will have to go once the injured forwards return. Who do you think has a shot a staying with the team once that starts to happen?

Jeremy Rutherford: Colaiacovo and Steen are "Headed for the Mountains."

Chris Porter has been sent back to Peoria . . . so it looks like Cam Paddock, Steve Regier and Brad Winchester are safe for now. When Kariya and Berglund come back (probably another a week), then Regier and Winchester will probably be sent back. Paddock could stay until Dan Hinote (ankle) is healthy again.

The Blues will send a defenseman to Peoria following tonight's game. It will be either Steve Wagner or Mike Weaver.

Mike: Hi JR,

Wow, what a game last night huh. Mason was awesome. That said, the Blues were severely outplayed. They really need to get healthy. So, two unrelated questions for you. First, With Mason playing good, do you see AM playing Legace and Mason as a 1A and 1B kind of goaltending platoon? Second, what is the health status of all injured Blues (timetable for their return, if possible)?

Thanks for answering my questions and have a good Thanksgiving.

Cheers,

Mike

Jeremy Rutherford: Mason has really gained everyone's confidence with his last two games. If I can add correctly, he's stopped 77 of 78 shots in a 2-1 win over Minnesota and 1-0 over Nashville. I still think Legace will get more starts, but the Blues schedule will start to pick up soon and Mason will be in net a lot . . . especially if he continues to play like last night.

I know in talking to Andy Murray this morning that he was planning to light into the team a little in the morning meeting. He wasn't happy with the way they played in front of Mason last night. The Blues had only 17 shots. They almost had as many shots in the shootout (2) than they had in the third period (3).

These are guestimates . . .

Berglund: another week
Kariya: another week
Oshie: 2-3 weeks
McDonald: 7 weeks

Peter J.: Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What's your take on the Stempniak trade? At face value it seems like a wash, with the potential to swing in our direction. Just wanted to see what you think as you have a better insight into the team then most of us do. Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford: This is the way I boil it down: I like Lee Stempniak's talent. I think he can be a good player. He had a bad year last year, and even though he was off to a decent start this year, he might not be the 30-goal guy who many thought he could be after 2006-07. And if he scores 20-25, is Stempniak worth the $3.5 million he'll make next year?

The Blues needed a puck-moving defenseman and Colaiacovo was available. So if you can get a 2-for-1 trade, and Alex Steen can somehow match the potential people say he has, or at least give you what Stempniak would have contributed, then you've probably made a good deal.

The key to the deal is Colaiacovo staying healthy.

Rodimus Prime: Happy Turkey Day JR!

After the last 5 games, what can be said about the Blues needing to add size to the roster while still adding skill? We know Kariya and McDonald can play with the best of them, but look what an influx of guys 6'0+ 210-225lbs have done.

Does the Stempniak trade speak to any feelings the Blues have on Junalnd seeing NHL ice this year? We know Cola can hit and has offensive upside...wouldn't Junland fall in to a similar category to an extent? Solid Dman who has Offensive upside? Not trying to pin down anything, just that fans heard a new name that was doing well and now we aren't seeing him.

Thanks JR - LETS GO BLUES!

Jeremy Rutherford: Good oberservations. Winchester and Crombeen are bigger guys and they can hit, and even Regier is a bigger guy. The Blues had 25 hits in Minnesota and a few more last night in Nashville. The style is working for them, but obviously everybody would like to have Kariya and McDonald back in the lineup. The Blues have to find the right mix.

I've heard that Junland is playing "just OK" in Peoria. He may get a chance at some point with the Blues this year, but he needs to have a good season in Peoria to stay on the radar heading into camp. Here's a look at the d-men going into next year:

Jackman, Brewer, McKee, Polak, Johnson, Colaiacovo, Junland, Pietrangelo, Wagner, Cole, etc . . . Woywitka, Wagner and Polak are in the last year of their contracts, but it's safe to say Polak will be re-signed for sure.

Franklin: Oh Jeremy,

Who plays the most this season for Your Saint Louis Blues?:

Porter
Regier
Winchester
Paddock
Woywitka

All best for your turkey fest,
Franklin!

Jeremy Rutherford: At this point, I say Woywitka . . . he's looked pretty good lately, although he wasn't great at Nashville.

Brian C.: Do you have any updates on how Junland is playing in Peoria? Wagner is not playing well at all and needs to go down. I'm assuming he's the casualty when Colaiacovo arrives???

Jeremy Rutherford:
I mentioned early that Junland has just been OK. But keep in mind, that Rivermen team is completely depleted . . . everyone is either in St. Louis or injured.

Jonny Faux: Hey JR,

Thanks as always for the chat. I was reading that this upcoming offseason Backstrom, the goaltender from Minnesota, is becoming a free agent. With the Blues inability to develop consistent NHL goaltenders and Manny being up at the end of the year would it not make sense to pursue him? It's obvious that to succeed in this league you need 2 quality consistent goaltenders and Backstrom is just coming into his prime. I dream of a Bishop & Backstrom tandem for years to come. Also what do you think his asking price and length might be. I realize you are just guessing but I appreciate any opinions and insight.

Jeremy Rutherford: It's a nice thought, but Minnesota will re-sign him if he wants to return there. The Blues have $3 million going to Chris Mason next year, so if they decide not to re-sign Legace, I think Mason would come in as the starter.

ibleedblue74: I just read in the Toronto Sun that they inquired about Bobby Ryan at the beginning of the year. The asking price was next years first round draft pick. Its a little late now due to injuries on the Ducks, but my question is why the Blues didn't jump on that right away? He was the third pick overall in 2005 and is a big body with hands. He would look great in a Blue Note.

Jeremy Rutherford: Ryan has been better, but the reports I've heard is that he hasn't lived up to the expectations. The Blues would have been crazy to send a first-round pick to Anaheim for Ryan at the start of the year. The Blues are playing well now, but there's a chance they could have a very high pick in 2009. I don't think you want to give up the opportunity to pick in the top 5 next year for a guy who hasn't lived up to his No. 3 selection.

bluesrule02: Hey J.R.

The team has played great as of late, A.M. has done a great job with what he has been given, I guess he proved he can work well with youth. My question is, as a coach how do you adjust your coaching strategy when all the injured players come back to keep the momentum going, since A.M. is sorta dealing with 2 different teams. You expect the call ups to work a little harder and give it their all because they trying to prove themselves and earn a future spot in the lineup. Does he use that as a motivator to let the veterns know they are replaceable and can be benched if need be.

One last question you forgot to answer for me from last week. Why are the pratices off limits to fans when held at the Scottrade Center and how can I sneak in to watch them.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Andy Murray won't come out and say it, but the Blues are forced to play a different style with this lineup. The system may be the same and the coaching might be the same, but it's certainly a grittier, play-within-yourself type of game.

I understand what you're saying about motivating the veterans, but I don't think there's any chance of Murray saying to Brad Boyes that he'd better watch over his shoulder because Steve Regier has three goals and an assist.

The call-ups are doing what they're supposed to be doing, but the Blues have to count on guys like Tkachuk, Boyes, etc., to be successful.

bss212s: In the game last Friday versus the Ducks, what happened to the second linesman? With one left in the game, he entirely missed a few offsides calls, such as right before the first Ducks goal. Just wanted to know what happened to him?

Jeremy Rutherford: They started the game with one linesman. I heard about that before the game, but I don't know why they were short a guy.

Steve: I like Stempniak, I really do, but honestly I think this is going to be a good get in both the short and long run.

The way I see it we traded a fifth round pick who has possibly over achieved, for two first round picks that surely have underperformed. For basically a salary cap neutral swap, we get two chances instead of one to develop an everyday NHLer, and the rest of this year, and all of next to decide if they are keepers.

I say Kudos to Davidson.

Jeremy Rutherford:
Once the players have played a few years, where they were drafted matters little. But you can say the Blues traded a fifth-round player for two first-round guys. Now, the Blues need Colaiacovo and Steen to play like first rounders.

Stempniak would have made $3.5 million next year.
Steen will make $1.7 and Colaiacovo $1.3, so the Blues will be saving about $500,000 in the deal.

Xavier: Hi Jeremy,

so what is the latest news about Paul Kariya, is he close to return ?
do you think he will be available for saturday's game ?
tell me what you know

thank you

Jeremy Rutherford:
I'm been going by what the Blues have told me. The past week or two, they've said day-to-day, so that's what I've written.

Now I'm hearing that he could be out another week, so no I don't think he'll play Saturday.

George Araujo - Port Dover Ontario Canada: Colaiacovo has the following stats entering his 8th season in the NHL
Games 111 Goals 12 Assists 21 Pts 33 PIM 57.

Why would the Blues want him?

PS Toronto Fans are happy to see him off the payroll.

Jeremy Rutherford: Because he brings some element of offense from the blue-line, and the Blues have none. He hasn't lived up to his potential and he's had a lot of injuries, so the acquisition is suspect. But they Blues are willing to roll the dice.

Nick Rolando: Is the Stempniak a way of just trying to clear money to re-sign McDonald and possibly a guy like Johnson down the road?

Jeremy Rutherford: No, the Stempniak trade was a move made out of necessity in the Blues eyes. They'll only save about $500,000 next year . . . not chump change, but not enough to give up on a player (Stempniak) if they felt he could be a major factor.

topshelf Shawn: Hi JR,

If the Blues end up being one of the worst teams in the NHL by years end, and they hold the 1st or 2nd picks in the draft and pick the big Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, does that make Alex Pietrangelo or Erik Johnson a valuable trade asset for the Blues? With Pietrangelo stepping in fulltime next year, EJ coming back from inury, and then with the possible addition of Hedman, it seems a possibility that Pietrangelo or Johnson could be traded for a top level forward? I doubt that would all happen, but was fun thinkin' about it.

Thanks

Jeremy Rutherford: Johnson isn't going anywhere. If the Blues can get Hedman, that would mean they had a horrible season, and they don't want that to happen. But if they get him for whatever reason, they'd be thrilled. I've heard he's a very talented prospect.

Johnson will be in the lineup next year, but it looks like Pietrangelo really has to make some strides if he wants to be on the opening-day roster. He's done well back in Niagara, but will it translate into more intensity at the NHL level?

bd8123: Hey JR love the chats! How tired do you think the team will be, with such a high energy/emotional game last night, tonight against Colorado?
Happy Turkey day!

Jeremy Rutherford:
Tonight's game will be a tough one, after flying in from Nashville late last night. This schedule is really bizarre with three straight sets of back-to-back games. I didn't think the Blues would fair too well against Minnesota, after playing Anaheim the night before and traveling. But they did a nice job in that game. You would think it would catch up to them at some point. Looking ahead, they play back-to-backs again Saturday and Sunday.

Nick: I know Steen had a pretty good rookie year scoring-wise, but is he that much of a scorer and what kind of impact do you think he will have?

Jeremy Rutherford:
He scored 18 as a rookie (not bad), then 15, 15, and 2 this year in 20 games. I haven't seen him play much, but hearing that he was playing on the third and fourth line in Toronto, a team that's rebuilding, doesn't say a whole lot about him. With the Blues' injuries, there's a chance that Steen could see some time on the top two lines, which could be good for him.

Nyght: What do you think the chances are that the Blues resign McDonald after the season?

Do you think that it may be necessary to drop some payroll from a player such as Kariya, Tkachuk or Legace to be able to do so?

Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues will try to re-sign McDonald. I don't know how the injury will factor into that. He should be able to play a couple of months after he returns sometime in January. The thinking is that McDonald will be in the $4 million neighborhood (per year), but that also may change because of the injury.

Kariya has one more year on his contract at $6 million. Tkachuk and Legace are both in the final year of their deals. Tkachuk probably won't be back and Legace is still up in the air.

djm448: After a pretty significant trade this week, do you see the Blues still active on the trade block in the near future? And if so, for what/who?

Jeremy Rutherford:
We knew that the Blues were looking for a d-man and they got him. I don't see much happening until the deadline. The mission now is to get guys back from injury. If the Blues can keep up their current pace, without guys like Kariya, Berglund, Oshie and McDonald, perhaps they could put themselves into a contending position when those guys return.

Iowa: I believe the Stempniak trade is truly a "wait-see", it's possible that the two Leafs players could finally play like the number one draft picks they were with a fresh look, but one thing disturbs me for the future, where is the scoring going to come from?

Will there be cap room to sign a big time scorer when Tkachuk and Kariya are gone? I can't imagine next years draft making a difference that soon. We simply don't seem to have enough firepower to get rid of one of the few offensive threats we had, even Lee Stempniak.

Jeremy Rutherford:
If Tkachuk doesn't come back, that will free up about $4 million. The Blues are paying McDonald $3.3 million now, so if they re-sign him for (let's say) $4 million a year, that's not a big jump. The Bluse will look for scoring from Boyes, Oshie, Berglund, etc., and whomever they replace Tkachuk with.

Jeffa: Now that we know Steen and Cola will be playing tonight, who do you expect their line-mates are?

Perron-Steen-Boyes?

Cola-Jackman?

Jeremy Rutherford: For Steen, my first guess would have been third or fourth line left wing because that's what he was playing in Toronto. But this was a big trade for the Blues and maybe they want to see if Steen can rise up with his new team and play on a top line. Steen can play wing or center, so maybe it allows the Blues to put Tkachuk back at wing.

The Blues like the combinations of Polak-Brewer, Jackman-Woywitka, so Colaiacovo will probably play with Jay McKee.

shanrah2001: JR,

Do the Blues envision Ian Cole putting on the Blue Note next year? He appears to be developing into a fine player for Notre Dame. However, I wonder if there's any room for him on the backline? Also, do you think Palushaj will have a shot at the roster next year? Thanks...

Jeremy Rutherford:
It will be tough for Cole to break into the Blues' lineup next year, although the reports on him are good. Perhaps he turns pro, starts the year in Peoria and gets a chance at some time.

Regarding Palushaj, Red Berenson, who coaches at Michigan, recently told Chris Kerber that Palushaj was one of the Wolverines' top players. He's got seven goals and 20 points in 14 games at Michigan this year.

Marc: What kind of time table would you give on Lars Eller making it to the NHL? What kind of year is he having in Sweden?

Jeremy Rutherford: That's a good question. Eller has the talent, but not coming to training camp probably hurt him. He was scheduled to play another year in Sweden, and his season started when the Blues were in camp. Although Eller is playing in the Swedish Elite League, a competitive league, he probably needs to play in North America next year. He should come to training camp, see how he fares, and then if need be play in Peoria.

Keep in mind that playing two years in Sweden is not a mistake. Henrik Zetterberg did that before he came to the Red Wings. But Zetterberg was a seventh-round draft pick and the expectations weren't as high. Eller was the 13th overall pick in 2006, and the Blues will want to see Eller next year.

BTW, Eller has four goals and seven points in 21 games with Vastra Frolunda in the SEL this year.

Jeff: Do you think BJ Crombeen can provide some offense to go with his physical play?

Jeremy Rutherford: Not much . . . like you said, he's more of a physical player who plays good defense. He has one goal in 26 NHL games.

LrdStnly: I know everyone is probably submitting questions about the trade, but here's another...

Regarding that 8th seed, do you think this moves us from pretender to contender?

Jeremy Rutherford: I think you're asking if the trade makes the Blues a contender? If that's the question, the answer is no. The Blues won't make the playoffs based on what Steen and Colaiacovo do from here out. They can help, but the Blues only make the playoffs if they get regular contributions from Kariya, Tkachuk, Boyes, Legace, etc.

RB: I'm a Blues fan working in Thailand and don't get to see anything other than the box scores - and listen to game feeds on KMOX in the morning. It seems like Regier and Paddock add more to the roster than Dan Hinote. Any chance the Blues put the more expensive Hinote on waivers and make room for one or both of these players?

Jeremy Rutherford: That's possible, especially in January if the Blues find themselves not in the playoff mix. Hinote is in the final year of a three-year contract and he won't be re-signed. If healthy, I could easily see a team being interested in him for the last couple months of the season at a relatively cheap price ($1 million pro-rated).

I don't know if Regier and Paddock have a future with the Blues, but if so, the club should give them the ice time.

Scott Rhein: Hello JR and thansk for taking my question. I watched the game last night and it seams that we are playing with a lot of heart! Do you see the defense getting better or will we have to wait until next year?
Scott

Jeremy Rutherford: The team is playing pretty passionate right now. With the defense, I don't see how they get much better over the course of the season. Barret Jackman and Roman Polak are playing terrific right now, and Brewer has been better. They're looking for more out of Jay McKee, but he's doing what he's done his whole career . . . block shots. Wagner has been better lately and Weaver is typically steady.

Management must not have thought things will get much better either because they traded for Colaiacovo.

Chuck_C: Odds on us squeeking into the playoffs?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I'd say 30-70 at this point.

dvdvrhs: Can you spell Colaiacovo's name phonetically?

Jeremy Rutherford:
The Blues have the wrong phonetic spelling on their roster.

Now, I'm not good with phonetics either, but this is how you say it:

coly-OCK-ovo

Chip: If Colaiacovo's knock has been an inability to stay healthy, what gives the Blues the idea that this will change?

Jeremy Rutherford: Best question of the day (not to take away anything from the others).

I don't know the answer. I will say, though, that his injuries have been really bizarre. He once got hit in the ear with the puck and lost his hearing. He once ran into an open door on the bench . . . so on and so on.

But I don't know how you can keep a guy healthy when he's had the kind of history Colaiacovo has had.

Tom F: How much influence do Pleau/Armstrong have in personnel decisions? It just seems that when other teams make moves one hears about it from the GM and yet with the Blues it is always JD. Is he effectively the GM of the teams as well?

Jeremy Rutherford:
Larry Pleau had a hand in this trade, as did Doug Armstrong. I'm told that Armstrong is not afraid to voice his opinion, even though he's not technically the GM for another 1 1/2 years.

JD is in charge and the one who makes the decisions. That may change a little when Armstrong takes over, but right now, you're right, JD is effectively the GM.

Rodimus Prime: JR,

You mentioned Cole in a list of potential Dmen for next year. Is there a feeling that he may come out after this season? Or were you listing him because he'll be at prospects camp again?

Thanks!

Jeremy Rutherford: I don't know that for sure, but with the way he's played, it's a possibility. In the end, Cole might benefit from another year at Notre Dame.

The_Connection: JR,

Looking to the 09 Draft, is Tavares still the consensus #1 and what other offensive players will be available?

Matt

Jeremy Rutherford: Yes, Tavares is the concensus No. 1.

I don't start looking at the draft for a while . . . for better information, go to NHL.com and search for Central Scouting's list of prospects.

Grandpaboy: JR,

Do you think Crombeen remains a Blue even after all the walking wounded return? I like the kid because he's a rugged winger who's also got some skill to his game. I know the Blues would have to put him on waivers to send him to Peoria, and Dallas would have the first crack at him and probably re-claim him. He's only played three games as a Blue, but what are your thoughts on this?

Jeremy Rutherford: You called the Crombeen move Grandpaboy . . . I saw that on the board the other day . . . nice job.

I agree. Cromb has played well with McClement and Stastny. I think he's played well, and deserves to stay when the injured guys come back.

The Blues know they got lucky with Dallas having to let him go, and I can't see the Blues risking losing him at this point.

2scrapes: just wondering if there is any chance of the Blues re-signing Tkachuk.....at 1.5 mil it seems to make sense. A good bargain to have a player that can score 20-25 goals on the 3rd line.

Jeremy Rutherford:
That would be about the only way Tkachuk returns, if they can get him for under $2 million. But he might not want to come back. He's talked about retirement.

Justin Hartman: Hey! After watching the blues this season I just can not see why we cannot get more shots on net. Last night was frustrating with the amount of shots not taken; we would rather try to dump it around the boards than get a shot and rebound chance. What is the coaching staff doing to address this?

Jeremy Rutherford:
I think that's a better question when the Blues have all their parts. Right now, they're playing a different style with the lineup they have. You're not going to see a lot of shots, but they need more than 17. (With that said, the Nashville building is notorius for registering few shots from the visitors than in reality).

Keep on eye on this when the Blues get Kariya, Berglund, Oshie and McDonald back. The Blues had a significant number of games with them in the lineup, and they were last in the league in shots, so they need to see improvement. Murray has told us that he preaches more shots, and sometimes you still don't see any more. I honestly don't know what else he could do except for bench guys who don't shoot the puck.

Nancy's Boy: Do you think bringing in Armstrong offended Jarmo at all? This guys eye for talent appears to be second to none, and I wouldn't do anything that could potentially run him off.
As always, you da man, JR! (Thanks & for The Low Down, too!)

Jeremy Rutherford:
I talked to Jarmo about this and I don't think he was offended. I know he wants to be a GM someday and hopes it is in St. Louis, but there will be opportunities. Jarmo is very good at the draft and has been a GM in Europe, so he knows what it takes. But he doesn't have the NHL experience right now, and the Blues were looking for somebody with that experience.

Thanks for listening to the Low Down. Tonight, we'll have an interview with Yan and Paul Stastny, who will play each other tonight.

umichblue: What's your take on the Blues ability to make a splashy signing during the upcoming off-season? Checkets seemed to imply that this coming summer was a good time to make a move and really push the team to another level of competitiveness.

Any names that you think would be a realistic signing? Rumor has it that Gaborik and Hossa are going to package themselves to one team this off-season...

Jeremy Rutherford: If they don't bring Tkachuk back, and they re-sign McDonald, I could still see them signing a guy in the $3-4 million range. But I don't think you'll see the Blues signing a guy for $7-8 million per year, so that takes them out of the Hossa sweepstakes. Gaborik is too injury-prone.

Jeremy Rutherford: Thanks for tuning in a day earlier than normal, and thanks as always for the questions. I'm disappointed when I can't get to all of them because I know you guys are taking time out of your day to submit them. Hopefully you got some answers to most of the hot topics. I'll be posting a Morning Skate blog in just a little while with more up-to-date info.

I hope everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving. Take some time off, sit on the couch and relax.

JR