Wednesday Bluenotes: Trade? + 5 More Preductions
Trade or Not to Trade?
I know Doug Armstrong has said that the roster is virtually set heading in to training camp. Barring a trade, the Blues are ready to get the 2010-11 NHL season started.
What if a trade is out there?
No rumor here, just my own conclusions and hypothetical pondering.
As mentioned by Caps blogger Steven Hindle, Barrett Jackman would look very good on the Caps blue-line. The Blues could also be in the market to add some scoring ability at forward with the loss of Paul Kariya and Keith Tkahuck. Is there a match to be made?
Yes and no.
The Blues have three previous 30+ goal scorers. David Backes, Brad Boyes and Andy McDonald. Alex Steen netted 24 last season. TJ Oshie, David Perron and Patrik Berglund can all score 15 or more goals. Both BJ Crombeen and Brad Winchester have scored 10 or more in a season. So has Matt D’Agostini. There is plenty of depth, but questions remain. Can Berglund, Backes and Boyes rebound to be legitimate scoring threats? Can Steen and McDonald maintain their level? Can Oshie and Perron grow?
The Blues are banking on a “yes” to to all of the above.
Doubters can look to Czech scorer Tomas Fleischmann is an attractive potential return from Washington. His 42 goals in 142 games over the last two seasons may not seem like much, but the ability is there. He has progressively increased his goal total over the last three seasons from 10 to 19 to 23 in less than full seasons. Caps Head Coach Bruce Boudreau has said Fleischmann has the ability to score 30 goals a season in the NHL. At 26 he is would be a long term addition with a short term boost. Giving the Blues three capable scoring lines.
Has Fleischmann been hidden behind the Ovechkin show or is he benefiting from going against weaker lines and defensive pairings? That is a question Doug Armstrong likely doesn’t want to answer. Especially when it would cost a veteran on a younger blue-line.
The likely scenario is that the Caps would like to move a non-skill player like Dave Steckel or Jason Chimera. The Blues are have plenty of enery line depth. Interest would be very low for that type of return.
I’m very skeptical that the Caps would make an offer that is solid enough for Armstrong to pull the trigger. Then again the Halak deal came out of left field.
5 Predictions – The Forwards
On Monday I took a look at five goal scoring predictions. Today I want to look at the Forwards in general.
5. Cam Janssen continues to improve his overall game and shows he is capable of playing more than 3 minutes a night.
4. Jay McClement has another solid season and ends with 35 points. Not a finalist for the Selke, but in the contention when the season is over.
3. Patrick Berglund and David Perron assert themselves as consistent offensive producers. Both hit 20 or more goals and 50 or more points.
2. David Backes produces more consistently offensively and fully makes his case for an extension and to be the next captain of the Blues.
1. Alex Steen maintains his high level of two way play to the tune of a 20-20-40 season with a Plus rating.
Other News and Notes
Aaron Music, Avs blogger for Hockeybuzz, has an blog up with his take on the Blues rebuild.
The Fourth Period’s take on the Blues offseason. You should be following Blues TFP correspondent Susan Crosby on Twitter, @kittypets
The Hockey News says TJ Oshie is one of 5 players to watch in 2010-11. I agree. Also on the list: Filppula (DET), Jordan Staal (PIT), Okposo (NYI), and Karlsson (OTT).
THN also predicts the Blues are in the Top 8 in the West. They haven’t been listed from 15 to 9…
Blues Q&A 7 is rolling along this week.
Question: Who should start the season paired with Erik Johnson? Barrett Jackman, Eric Brewer or Carlo Colaiacovo?
Vote on Twitter by sending an @ message to @MuSigma45 and @BluteNoteZone.
Voting goes through 11:59 PM Saturday, August 21st.
