Stewart’s Suspension is Grachev’s Well Deserved Opportunity

As reported Wednesday, Blues forward Chris Stewart was scheduled to have a chat with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan regarding his hit on Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall Tuesday night.

The outcome of the hearing was as expected, Stewart has been suspended for three games.

The loss of a top six winger who can bury pucks behind opposing goalies is never a good thing. Fortunately the Blues learned from their 2010-11 mistakes and strengthened the depth chart over the summer. Obvisouly in anticipation of injuries, but a suspension means a player out of the lineup nonetheless. Thoughts go first to Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner, but don’t forget about another off season addition.

According to Lou Korac of NHL.com, Evgeny Grachev will move up a couple lines.

Ken Hitchcock said nobody will get called up. Grachev moves up to play with Berglund-D’Agostini. 4th line will have Porter/Nichol/Reaves.

At first glance the move may seem odd. In 14 games this season the one time New York Rangers prospect has just two assists and a Minus-2 rating while playing less than 9 minutes a night. Why and how has he earned a promotion over Vladimir Sobotka who has 1 goal, 6 points, has experience skating on the same scoring line as D’Agostini and is a known contributor to the bottom line?

Don’t let the numbers betray what your eyes have seen. Grachev deserves the opportunity.

Grachev was tasked by Davis Payne to work his way up the ladder by starting out on the 4th line. He executed the role with near perfection. Using his 6’4″, 224 lbs frame combined with above average mobility for his size to apply pressure on the forechcek and be effective on the backcheck. Battling each game with a compete level that gained the respect of the coaching staff and teammates. To the extent that a bump up a line or two was warranted, but was not given. Instead of stopping at the ceiling he pushed harder to break through and has continued his solid play under Ken Hitchcock.

The kid never quit. Coaches love that. They reward it.

Add in his offensive weapon tool box, think of him as a “Russian Patrik Berglund” in that regard, and his resume is complete. He is the square peg going in to the correct hole.

If Grachev’s productive preseason on the wing of another strong centermen, David Backes, is any indicator, he’ll do well. Enough so to replace Stewart? Not likely, but D’Agostini stands to to lose ice time if the move works out. His utility to freely move up and down the lines could mean his demotion upon Stewart’s return on November 23rd in Pittsburgh.

For all those who wanted Grachev on the roster at the end of training camp, you got it. For all those that wanted him in an elevated role, you got it. Let’s all hope he makes the most of it.