Breaking Down the 2010-11 St. Louis Blues: Defensemen

As the 2010-11 NHL season approaches the BlueNote Zone will take a look at the St. Louis Blues roster. Breaking down each position. Next up are the Defensemen.

There is perhaps no position more important than Defensemen in the NHL. Since the opening of the game following the 2004-05 Lockout, the game has been tilted towards transition speed, skill, puck possession and the power play. All areas in which those that patrol the blueline are vital components. The Blues brain trust and draft gurus know this and that is why over the last five entry drafts they have selected four Defensemen out of their ten total first round selections.

It would take time for those picks to develop in to reliable producers. In the between time the organization would employ as many gap filling options as possible.

Those days are effectively over.

There are only two defensemen on the roster over the age of 30, Eric Brewer and Barrett Jackman. The rest are an assortment of 20-something who are highly mobile, athletic and skilled puck pushers. They are now the catalyst for success as the system changes from reaction and defensive safety to proactive attack.

Erik Johnon - Image via NHLSnipers.com

Leading the charge is franchise cornerstone and top pick in 2006, Erik Johnson. The US Olympian is poised to take a major step in his development. His skill set is far reaching. He is extremely mobile for his 6’4, 236 lbs. frame. He possess explosive acceleration giving him the speed to break traps and recover in his own zone. Johnson has a cannon from the point, when he can get it off and not right in to a forwards shin guards. His first pass is on par with the best in the league and has the hockey sense needed to take over in all situations.

All that’s left for the Minnesota native to do, is “it”. There are no more training wheels. They keys are his to take over and drive the team forward. Up the ice and up the standings.

Where some may question Johnson, there is no doubting Roman Polak anymore. The Blues 6th round pick in 2004 has really come on in the last two seasons. After splitting time between Peoria of the AHL and St. Louis in 2006-07 and 2007-08, Polak made a name for himself locally by making the team out of camp to start the 2008-09 season. Due to injuries and his own level of play, Polak worked his way up to the top pairing. His play helped lead the Blues to their first playoff appearance since his draft year.

Polak doesn’t fit the standard mold for a stereotypical defensive defenseman. While he is built like an ox (6’1, 225 lbs.) he is perhaps the strongest skater on the roster. His pull away speed is matched perhaps by only Johnson and Andy McDonald. Through the course of the last two seasons his offensive game is developing very well. His first pass is acceptable by NHL standards and under Davis Payne’s tenure his has been freed to join the rush and use his speed to push defenders back. For all of his offensive growth, his defensive game has not suffered. Therein lies the real benefit Polak brings to the Blues. Two-way play with room to grow.

Barrett Jackman brings veteran experience without being disconnected from the youth movement taking over. The 29 year old 2002-03 Calder Trophy winner brings over 450 games of experience to the table. He is half of the steadying force that will assist the youth in assuming a larger role. He is used to it at this point. Having spent time as the pupil himself (to Hall of Famer Al MacInnis), he understands what needs to be done to help a young player succeed. He put this in to practice in 2007-08 with Johnson and 2008-09 with Polak. Now their peer more than a mentor, Jackman must be the reliable counter balance to the offensive desires of his pairing partner.

His duties go beyond assisting just one player. He is a respected leader that will continued to be counted on in tough situations. To calm the troops and execute the plan. His penalty killing abilities will come to the forefront with the departure of Mike Weaver.  Jackman becomes the top penalty killing defenseman on the team now and will need to anchor the kill much like Weaver did.

Blues Captain: Eric Brewer

Working in concert with Jackman is the “other” veteran, captain Eric Brewer. The much maligned return in the Chris Pronger trade is in a contract year and healthier than he has likely been for the past two campaigns. While it’s unrealistic to expect Brewer to score a similar pace to last season, 8 goals in 59 games, it is realistic to expect an improved effort. Most likely Brewer will be paired with Johnson or Polak. Two very gifted athletes who will be able to carry the load and allow Brewer to simplify his game. Brewer is at his best when his game is not complicated. Brewer, like Jackman, will be counted on as a key fixture on the penalty kill.

Carlo Colaiacovo is the middle ground between the youth and veteran experience. Since coming over in the Lee Stempniak deal (along with Alex Steen), “Cola” has chipped in 10 goals and 61 points in 130 games. A 38 point pace over 82 games. While not a spectacular number comparative to the NHL at large, he has been the top offensive contributor over the last two seasons from the point. The Blues need his offensive contributions to maintain their level. Should Johnson be shut down offensively, both Colaiacovo and Polak can provide  the secondary threat from the blueline. As a by product, some pressure would be lifted from two key prospects who are trying to make an impression in the NHL.

Alex Pietrangelo and Ian Cole are in a similar situation. Both are past their amateur days and are professionals moving forward. It’s a long journey for both to fulfill their potential, but it starts now. With solid training camps and preseason games behind them, they will fight each other for one opening. Both may deserve time in St. Louis, but for this season there is just not enough ice time to go around. One will start in Peoria to put invaluable top pairing minutes under his belt. The other will take on a reduced role and be given a chance to succeed.

The other opening will likely be taken by Tyson Strachan. The veteran of three professional leagues looks to have finally made it in St. Louis. Not just because he would likely get claimed on waivers en route to Peoria, but he has proven his play more than capable. Most likely he will split time with Pietrangelo or Cole to partner with Colaiacovo to create the third pairing.

The depth in Peoria is respectable as well. Dean Arsene is an experienced AHL defender with winning experience. Nathan Oystrick may have lost the battle to Strachan, Pietrangelo and Cole, but he remains an injury or two away. The Blues new Russian import, 24 year old Nikita Nikitin, is another prospect ready for NHL minutes. If not for his broken wrist and four week return timetable, both Pietrangelo and Cole could have been Peoria bound.

When healthy the Blues have at least 10 defensemen who can log minutes in the toughest hockey league in the world. When injuries roll around the depth will be tested and should respond. Unlike previous seasons, there is a high skill and athletic level ready to take charge and move the Blues forward. The turning of the corner is finally here, be ready for an explosion on the blueline.