Training Camp Countdown: 9 Days
Blues News
Jeremy Rutherford and other members of the MSM had a sit down Armstrong, Davidson and Payne. Here is JR’s Morning Skate blog.
The highlight is that the front office and Payne are adamant that Eric Brewer will remain the captain of the St. Louis Blues.
Que the Twitter implosion.
I was very, very vocal in the “defense” of Eric Brewer, but let me clarify.
My heart tells me that I want David Backes to be the captain. I outlined this earlier this summer on Hockey Independent in a Blues Q&A. Brewer recalls the recent history of the Blues. Loss and pain following the Laurie era. The Blues lone triumph, the 2009 playoff appearance, Brewer had no part of. It’s terrible that a fine human being like him has been associated with such negativity, but the situation is what it is.
I fully understand why fans want the “C” to go on a new sweater.
However, my brain tells me to be patient. Brewer was selected by his peers to be the captain. I don’t buy the conspiracy theories on this subject, so I’m leaving them out. What I know is that in my life I have learned that respect is EARNED and GIVEN by your peers. It is not something that can be DEMANDED and TAKEN. As Lou Korac tweeted Tuesday night, when he asks players about Brewer the response is “when he talks, everyone listens”. His peers selected him and back him. Since I am not privy to what goes on in the locker room, that’s all I need to know. I’ve seen some mention the players do not support him. I’ve yet to see those statements back up by facts…and I’ve asked for them.
Leadership does come in many forms. David Backes provides more than his share on the ice. As did Keith Tkachuk. Then you have veteran leaders who are more quiet like Paul Kariya, Andy McDonald and Brewer. Sometimes those who speak the fewest words carry the greatest weight when they choose to share their knowledge.
My point is that few, if any fans, know what the players think about Eric Brewer. if fans keep their arguments against Brewer to the facts, they will find less resistance to their point of view.
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Frozennotes.com (David Rogers) take on the Brewer situation.
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NHLHotStove.com rated Jay McClement the top penalty killing forward in the NHL.
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STLGameTime puts Andy McDonald on the cover of NHL 11.
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The Blues announced a new ticket promotion today.
The “Every Game Counts Season Ticket Package” allows new purchasers to buy a full season ticket plan and only paying half the price up front. The second half will be due if the Blues clinch a playoff spot during the 2010-11 season. Only 100 seats are available in the following sections: Plaza End, Blue Chip, Mezzanine End Low and Mezzanine End.
As a 10 game pack owner, I don’t really feel cheated by this promotion. Should full season STH feel cheated?
Around the NHL
Does Bobby Ryan deserve the rumored 5 year, $5.5 million contract he is about to sign? He could be the next Dany Heatley. A truly elite finisher. I just don’t think he is worth more money than Ryan Getzlaf. Which is more important, Gold or Silver? Then again, the LA Times says there is no deal yet. So there is time to get the money right.
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Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Dan Ellis and his agent Allan Walsh continue to stir the pot on Twitter.
Their continued defense shows a disconnect between Ellis’ thought process and reality for the vast majority of his tweeps. Just looking plain numbers, the 18% escrow he is complaining about works out to be roughly 10 years of my current salary as a cube monkey. His $2.46 million remaining on his Tampa contract after the 18% is roughy 49 years of my current pay. In two years he can make what I would in 5 decades.
I appreciate Ellis’ candor, right to earn and right to not like losing what you earn. I’m right there with him. Just don’t expect the average hockey fan to empathize when you signed a contract that pays out in two years what will take me nearly 50 to obtain.