The Value of Mike Weaver

It’s a question that Blues brass will have to address in the near future. Just how much do they value Mike Weaver? The Blues will, barring further injury, be in a situation they haven’t been in a while. Trying to find time to play their NHL quality defenceman.

Once Barret Jackman returns from his high ankle sprain, an injury that just seems to have appeared in the last 3 o4 years, the Blues will have a surplus of NHL quality defenceman. Some are locks to stay, Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman, Erik Johnson, and Roman Polak are guaranteed spots. Carlo Colaiacovo is all but guaranteed a spot despite his spotty play this year. That leaves two spots up for grabs for four players.

This is where the Blues have to decide how they value Mike Weaver. He was a rock for the Blues last year but has struggled at times this year. He’s got a very good, quick stick on defence, but his decision making has been questionable this year to say the least. No one will question the guy’s heart, but his level of play has it’s limits.

Up until this week, I think Mike Weaver was probably considered very safe. The emergence of a suddenly confident, assertive Alex Pietrangelo has, in a way, forced himself into the lineup.

It’s a good bet that Strachan will be sent back, just because of his contract situation, not requiring to clear waivers, although his play has warranted an NHL spot.

That leaves one spot for Darryl Sydor or Mike Weaver. The feel that you get from Blues management is that they have no intention of letting Darryl Sydor go. That leads to a comparison of the two players and what they bring to the Blues.

Experience – Sydor has this in spades, including a Stanley Cup championship under his belt.

Offence – Neither brings a lot to the table, but Sydor does still show the hockey sense to put the puck into positive positions for his forwards. Weaver creates less offence than Janssen, no offence to Janssen intended.

Defence – Both are fairly solid. Sydor relies mostly on instinct to overcome his slowing footspeed. Weaver relies on his active stick to overcome size and footspeed. Weaver is a better penalty killer, an important factor with Brewer and Jackman out, but with them both back, becomes less of a factor.

When comparing these two players, I just see more of a benefit of keeping Sydor around, if he’s willing to be a 7th defenceman and to see some pressbox time. Andy Murray actually spoke of Sydor needing some rest in the near future.

All of this discussion might be moot, as injuries are sure to take place, especially on this team so it seems. But all things being healthy, I don’t see a spot for Mike Weaver. It’s the tough part of the business, but a great teammate sometimes has to be let go.