Bluenotes for May 26th: Perron News, Berglund Contract Offer, Weight Retires
A daily does of news and views from around St. Louis Blues Nation and the NHL beyond.
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Perron Progressing, But Not Ready Yet
St. Louis Post Dispatch Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford wrote Tuesday that concussed forward David Perron’s condition is improving, but he is not back to normal yet. He quoted Armstrong for an appraisal of the situation.
“We’ve talked to David, and he’s feeling better, but he’s not at the point where he’s coming back to St. Louis to take the necessary tests before he can train.”… “He’s taking small steps ahead, but not to the point where he has passed his tests to begin his summer training program.”
Armstrong also indicated that if Perron’s concussion symptoms continued in to July, the team would plan to start the 2011-12 season without tinted visor wearing left winger.
BNZ POV
A faint silver lining on a darkened, gloomy cloud. Perron missed 72 games last season due to the concussion he sustained on an illegal blindside hit from San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton. I am not normally a glass half empty kind of fan, but this situation doesn’t look to have a positive outcome anytime soon.
Contract Offerings
As Andy Strickland of TrueHockey.com reported Monday, the Blues and Swedish Center Patrik Berglund appear to be close on contract negations.
The Blues have made a two-year offer to forward Patrik Berglund. The two sides have agreed on the term but have yet to settle on a number. Look for Berglund to eventually sign a two-year contract that pays him between $2.1-$2.5 million per year.
BNZ POV
Such an offer is responsible and beneficial for both parties. Berglund isn’t over paid for his second half and World Championships performances and doesn’t constrain the payroll budget. It offers him a chance to play with some highly skilled forward and greatly increase his value for the end of the deal.
Should contract talks start with TJ Oshie, his term and salary offer will likely be very similar.
Off Season Plans According to National Media
Off Season prognostication and analysis is beginning for those hockey clubs no longer in the NHL playoffs. Scott Cullen of TSN and Lyle Richardson
of Spector’s Hockey made mention of the Blues this week.
BNZ POV
Cullen offers little more than a details explanation of the situation. Which is fine because he provided an accurate representation of the issues and outlook. Though I do find it interesting that He lists Oshie and Carlo Colaiacovo under “Trade Market”. As of today, I agree that those two could easily be on the market.
Lyle delivers some good info you tinfoil hat speculators and computer chair GMs. Suggesting that Armstrong could move a RFA plus some of the 2nd round picks at the draft for an upgrade at forward (or defense would work as well) and then pursue a defenseman in free agency (or a forward if a defenseman can be found in a trade).
If Vladimir Tarasenko had decided to leave Sibir, dealing a RFA forward would have been infinitely easier from the Blues perspective.
Thanks for the Memories Doug
NHL.com says that former Blues Center and US Hockey stalwart Doug Weight has announced his retirement and will take a post behind the New York Islanders bench as an Assistant Coach.
BNZ POV
Kudos on a great career in the NHL and internationally. Interestingly enough, Doug will be remembered more for being traded away from the Blues than actually playing in St. Louis.
Trade #1: January 20th, 2006, Carolina Hurricanes trade Jesse Boulerice, Mike Zigomanis, Magnus Kahnberg & a 2006 1st Round Pick to the St. Louis Blues for Doug Weight.
That 2006 1st Round Pick ended up being the 30th overall (Doug wont the Cup with the Canes) which was sent to New Jersey (plus later round picks) for the 25th overall. The Blues selected Patrik Berglund.
Trade #2: December 15th, 2007, Anaheim Ducks trade Andy McDonald to the St. Louis Blues for Doug Weight, Michal Birner and a 7th Round Pick.
McDonald has gone on to be arguably the Blues most consistent producing offensive forward since the trade.
