The Blues organization hasn't developed its own high-scoring sniper since the 1970s. You have to go back to Joey Mullen, a free agent the team signed out of college, to find such a major success story.
Can David Perron finally end that drought?
The Blues are banking on it. The franchise signed the restricted free agent to a two-year, $4.3 million contract.
This team desperately needs catalysts to build its offense around. The ever-confident Perron really, REALLY wants to become a big-time player.
Other NHL teams see this, which is why Perron’s name regularly surfaces on the trade rumor mill. But moving Perron before he fully develops would be a huge mistake (see Ronning, Cliff) that the franchise would regret for years.
Perron has made incremental progress during his first three NHL seasons, scoring 13, 15 and 20 goals. Along the way, he has matured physically and emotionally. He is still cocky, but he does a better job channeling his considerable self-belief.
Former coach Andy Murray did the heavy lifting on the Perron project, challenging him to become a more consistent worker and more reliable teammate. His growing pains were often acute.
Coach and player clashed often during their 2 ½ seasons together. Some of their standoffs were memorable.
Now the current coach, Davis Payne, must finish the job Murray started. Payne must spur Perron to become a Next Level performer.
So far, anyway, their relationship is strong.
“He’s a really good listener,” Perron said Wednesday. “As soon as (Payne) stepped in the room, I think everybody was comfortable with him.
“He’ll bring you into his office. He’ll ask some questions. You feel like he wants to know what you’re thinking. If you say something different from him, he will listen and try to undersand.”
With old-timer Paul Kariya almost certain to sign elsewhere and young Lars Eller off to play in Montreal, the Blues need Perron to step up.
T.J. Oshie is a tempo-setter with his speed and body checking. He plays a robust game and shows flashes of becoming an impact scorer.
David Backes is a prototypical power forward, willing to crash the net and score dirty goals. He, too, has a nice feel for the offensive game and the potential to become an impact scorer.
Rangy Patrik Berglund isn’t a dynamic offensive player, but his unusual size/skill combination makes him a potential 60- to 70-point center.
Alex Steen is a versatile forward capable of moving from role to role and blending smoothly with other skilled players.
All four of these forwards are key pieces of the long-range nucleus. But Perron is a unique talent.
He can do some mesmerizing things with the puck – one-on-one moves, clever passes and deft finishes that cannot be taught. He is a natural.
Can the Blues harness that high-end skill and help Perron blossom into a prominent NHL scorer? Or will Perron become just another flash-and-dash prospect that settles for so-so production?
This season could define his career. New general manager Doug Armstrong may yet make a move to upgrade his offense, but the franchise isn’t eager to take on a high-salaried scorer.
From John Davidson on down, the Blues staff repeated the message all summer. The bulk of the Blues’ improvement for 2010-11 must come from within.
Backes has scored 30 goals before. Brad Boyes has scored 40. Andy McDonald has been a point-per-game center. They have track records.
Perron does not have a track record. But he DOES have the tools to become a game-changing scorer and passer – and the Blues will need that to happen this season to get back in the Stanley Cup chase.
