The St. Louis Blues boast a lineup as healthy as its ever been, but that didn’t stop them from adding a few Black Aces to the pool of available players today.

From Blues.NHL.com:

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Friday the club has recalled forwards Adam Cracknell (krak-NUHL) and Evgeny Grachev (gra-CHEHV) as well as defenseman Danny Syvret (SIHV-reht) from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

For those who don’t know, Black Aces are:

Black Aces is the term for the extra players teams traditionally call up during the playoffs to give the big club options to fill in if needed and extra bodies for practice when the veterans could use some rest. In turn, the young players get acclimated to NHL life and gain valuable experience with first-hand exposure to the intensity of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

This comes as no surprise to those who follow Peoria Rivermen beat writer Dave Eminian (aka @icetimecleve) on Twitter. He mentioned all three specifically in a tweet Monday.

Who got the invite isn’t much of a surprise either.

Captain Cracknell released himself on the AHL world and was quite the impact maker for first year head coach Jared Bednar. In 72 games he racked up 49 points (4th highest on the team) and 23 goals (T-2nd with Phil McRae). In his late 2010-11 season demo he proved to be quite a capable 4th line option who can play center or right wing in the key of Ken Hitchcock’s favorite show tunes. He doesn’t shy away from contact, has a respectable shot for a depth forward and is responsible at both ends. He won’t likey appear in the playoffs, but the nod shows his place in the pecking order heading in to the off season.

Grachev has the skill to move up and down the line up and displayed a suitable compete level to go along with his size in 26 games with the Blues this season. From a practice perspective he can fill in to allow several players a day off if they need it.

Syvret gets the call over rookie Cade Fairchild because of experience. A difference of well over 100 professional games played between the two. It’s not in any disrespect to Fairchild, but most first year pros don’t belong in the playoffs. Jaden Schwartz is an obvious exception.

Speaking of Schwartz, though he wasn’t recalled, he is effectively a Black Ace as well. The likes of Matt D’Agostini and Chris Stewart are more likely to take a skill position opening at this point than the Colorado College standout. Someone like Chris Porter or Ryan Reaves would probably provide the depth line filler in such a scenario.

Who has the best chance of getting in a game? Jake Allen. Pray to the hockey gods every night that it doesn’t happen.

Chris Stewart knows how unsettling the trade deadline can be.

[Update 9:50am CST]
Montreal trades Andrei Kostitsyn to Nashville for a 2nd round pick in 2013 and a conditional 5th round pick in 2013.

It sounds like Nashville went to a backup plan when Rick Nash wasn’t coming their way. They add a top six forward that they’ve needed to boost their scoring capacity. Not a good sign for the Blues.

- – -

Original Post
It’s finally here…. The NHL trade deadline passes at 3:00pm CST today. Will the Blues make a move? Will any Central Division rival strike a deal? I’ll do my best to keep trades that affect the Blues posted below with some brief thoughts. Feel free to discuss all things trade deadline in the comments.

You’re welcome to follow me at @JTQ_1 and the official site account @BlueNoteZone on Twitter for updates as well.

- – - – -

Ben Bishop is trading in the crazy AHL sweaters for the black and red of the Ottawa Senators.

So long and good luck to St. Louis native Ben Bishop.

The 26 year old Peoria Rivermen netminder was traded to the Ottawa Senators for a conditional 2nd round pick in the 2013 NHL entry draft.

In 38 games this season Bishop has posted a 24(W) – 14(L) – 1 (SOL) record with a 2.26 GAA and .928 save percentage.

On the surface it feels good to say the Blues got something for someone who wasn’t likely coming back. Bishop was destined to become a UFA on July 1st because he would fail to play in at least 17 NHL games this season for at least 30 minutes. Per the CBA due to his age and service level that would remove his restricted rights. On the other hand, the goal for now and in the future is winning hockey games. If Halak or Elliott were to fall to injury, the backup options are Jake Allen and only Jake Allen. Not a good position for the Rivermen or the Blues.

Even with legitimate payroll constrictions it will be interesting to see if the Blues can flip the draft pick in to NHL depth with another trade before Monday’s 3pm EST deadline.

What say you? Good deal or bad deal? Can or should another move be made?

According to Blues radio play by play voice Chris Kerber, the team has agreed to a contract extension with forward Ryan Reaves.

The St. Louis Blues have signed Ryan Reaves to a new 2 year contract extension through the 2013-2014 season.

The 6′ 1″, 225 lbs. Winnipeg, Manitoba native was drafted 156th overall (5th round) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

In 53 career NHL games Reaves has scored 2 goals and registered 4 points to go with his 126 PIMs.

Reaves has carved out his place in the professional ranks as an enforcer/fighter. But that has not always been the case. As a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings he scored 36 goals in 201 WHL games. At the time he was a physical, energy line forward. It wasn’t until his arrival in Peoria that then head coach Davis Payne suggested using his size for other purposes in order to reach the big show.

The extension shows that the Blues feel Reaves is not only a fighter and under the current system and head coach, Ken Hitchcock, he will develop more in to a BJ Crombeen type player. As he was earlier in his career. A gritty and responsible plumber line winger who can add to the team toughness factor.

The extension will cover through the 13-14 season. Keep that in mind as it outlasts Crombeen’s contract.

Beforea hearing the monetary details, is this a good or bad move?

(Update: Per MSM reports the deal is one-way and worth $600,000 per year.)

Center ice at Scottrade welcomed back one and said see you again soon to another last night.

A few transactions and lineup alterations may have gotten lost in the shuffle last night. In short form:

- Forward Ryan Reaves was activated from IR after missing five games with a hip injury. He replaced Chris Porter on the 4th line Saturday night.

- Defenseman Cade Fairchild was assigned to the Rivermen.

- Defenseman Ian Cole completed his three game suspension and is eligible to play Tuesday against the Canadiens in Montreal.

Analysis

Reaves return to the lineup ahead of Andy McDonald and Alex Steen likely ensures a three hour drive to Peoria is in the Evgeny Grachev’s near future. That is unless another forward falls victim to the hockey god of injuries’ interference. It’s not that the Blues do not value skill and ability in their depth. They do. It is exactly why Reaves is here and Cam Janssen is in New Jersey. Though the big Russian has shown he can adequately provide bottom six services, he still has a top six ceiling. The team wants him playing in that role when possible opposed to sitting in the pressbox.

The return of Fairchild to the AHL should be no surprise. Not because of poor performances, but because Cole has proven fairly NHL reliable where as former Golden Gopher just has one solid half season under his belt. It’s worth mentioning that with Kent Huskins and Kris Russell still out of order that the Blues have just six healthy defensemen on their roster.  While potentially troublesome if they were playing a game between Sunday and Tuesday, they are not so no trouble presented. The Rivermen do play Sunday so the return of Fairchild gets him back in their lineup where he is sorely needed. Peoria is also idle till Thursday allowing him to head to Montreal with the big club Monday.

In Other News

The Blues have announced the 2012 Rink Tour schedule. Hopefully there won’t be a snow out and reschedule this time. Judging by the weather. It seems doubtful.

Locations per the Blues website. Obviously subject to change.:

1. Affton Ice Rink
10300 Gravois Rd.
Affton, MO 63123

2. East Alton Ice Rink
631 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
East Alton, IL 62024

3. Fenton Ice Rink
1771 Gilsinn
Fenton, MO 63026

4. FSI Shark Tank
6297 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63129

5. Granite City Ice Rink
2900 Benton St.
Granite City, IL 62040

6. Hardee’s IcePlex
16851 Outer Forty North
Chesterfield, MO 63005

7. Hockey Performance Center
11133 Lindbergh Business Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63123

8. St. Louis Mills IceZone
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd.
Hazelwood, MO 63042

9. St. Peters Rec-Plex
1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376

10. U.S. Ice Sports Complex (Formally known as Fairview)
125 S. Ruby Lane.
Fairview Heights, IL 62208

11. Webster Groves
33 East Glendale
Webster Groves, MO 63119

I will be making the five minute drive to the US Ice Sports Complex. See you there.

It Came From Twitter

A collection of Blues related tweets…

Jaden Schwartz leads stirring CC comeback wp.me/p232wl-9n via @wordpressdotcom #wcha #ECAChockey #Tigers #Blues #cchockey

— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) January 8, 2012

That 2yr./3.3 mil contract to D’Agostini keeps looking better and better. That might be the best non-ELC for a forward in the NHL.

— Nicholas Hand (@Nick_Hand) January 8, 2012

Day off then flying to Montreal tomorrow morning and then practice at bell center! Nothing like going home to play the @CanadiensMTL !!!

— David Perron (@DP_57) January 8, 2012

With the history of the Habs and being the team I loved growing up is a dream come true every time I jump on the ice at the bell center

— David Perron (@DP_57) January 8, 2012

On a flight and btwn check in and boarding10 people have commented on the Blues season keeper going boys @dbackes42 @DP_57 @shattdeuces

— Kelly Chase (@Chasenpucks39) January 8, 2012

#stlblues post-game interview video: video.blues.nhl.com/videocenter/co… A little cameo by yours truly at 2:47.

— Jeff Ponder (@jponder94) January 8, 2012

Whoa Nelly …. Blues’ power-play unit now 22nd in the NHL (14.8 percent). #stlblues

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) January 8, 2012

Despite Elliott’s shutout, Halak starts Tues in MON. Hitch: “This is once in a lifetime, first time going back there. In fairness … (1/2)

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) January 8, 2012

Hitch will bring Elliott back Thursday against Vancouver, in which Hitch said, “… will not be a day at the beach.” #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) January 8, 2012

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Wednesday the club has assigned forward Evgeny Grachev to the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

In 17 games this season the former New York Rangers prospect accumulated 2 assists while averaging 8:44 per game.

Grachev had an outstanding camp on a line with David Backes, but started the season as a healthy scratch before making headway by earning a stint on the 4th line and holding it down. In a few brief opportunities, late in games looking for a goal, he was moved up a line and did well enough given the situation. In his prolonged chances on a scoring line he did not fare as well. Namely his one infamous disjointed period with Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart in which Ken Hitchcock promptly sat him for most of the following 20 minutes.

He was not the same player after that game.

Combine in his regression and the increasing health of the Blues lineup, it was time to send him for a stint in Peoria. Exactly where he should have started the season, but the injury to BJ Crombeen in the final preseason game alter those plans.

Partially because he is Russian (and also because he is skilled with “upside”), Grachev as earned a small, but pugnacious following of fans. Needless to say they are upset at the move. Hey, if my favorite prospect was sent to Peoria, I’d not like it either. But, bear in mind he isn’t being punished.

He’s being tested. That’s a good thing.

As Dave Eminian tweets, the big guy will partner up with another big guy with aspirations of getting back to the NHL.

Grachev will play w Phil McRae. PEO opens 3 in 3 Fri at Oklahoma City.

Yes, the Rivermen play three games in three days starting Friday. The AHL just works that way. They go from OKC to San Antonio Saturday and then Houston on Sunday. With the Blues rolling sans Grachev on the ice and Peoria hit with some injury issues, they need the bodies more than the press box does.

Need details on who Fairchild is? Check out this post.

The decision to bring up Fairchild for the trip to Pittsburgh over someone more experienced like Danny Syvret (or even Mark Cundari) is an interesting one. Really emphasizing the fact that the Blues want a high tempo, puck possession style game. Even ghough Syvret is far from Tyson Strachan’s lacking level of skill and mobility, he isn’t as high as Fairchild. Cundari plays a similar game and possesses comparable abilities, but has struggled with puck management and lazy stick infractions.

Let’s not get started on Brett Ponich…

If for some odd reason one of the six healthy regulars is unable to play, Ken Hitchcock would dress Fairchild, but keep him on a short leash. Likely leaning on Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk, Barret Jackman and Roman Polak to eat more minutes.

Assuming Coliacovo progresses and is reay to play by Friday the 25th, expect Fairchild to return to Peoria. He should be able to considering the injury occurred on the 17th against Florida meaning he should be eligible to return as of Thursday.

Much like Ian Cole and Brett Sterling’s recalls, to the victor goes the spoils. Proper output with the Rivermen leads to a recall reward.

With three forwards on IR and Chris Stewart suspended for one more game, a recall for insurance purposes would be required. The Blues announced Sunday who would be making the trek down 74 to 155 to 55.

St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Sunday the club has recalled forward Brett Sterling from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

Sterling, 27, is second in the AHL with 22 points while his 12 goals are tied for the league lead in 18 games with the Rivermen this season.

The 5’7, 175-pound forward has 26 games of National Hockey League (NHL) experience posting nine points (five goals, four assists) and 32 penalty minutes.

The Los Angeles, California native was signed by the Blues as a free agent on July 4, 2011.

Luckily the need comes at a time when the request doesn’t hurt the AHL affiliate. The Rivermen are in the soft spot of a 8 games in 15 days road trip covering November 12th to the 27th where they do not play between the 21st and 24th. Sterling did not play in Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Marlies in Toronto.

Willing to bet Sterling was happy to not be on the overnight trip home with Jake Allen.

The selection of Sterling over TJ Hensick, Phil McRae, Jonathan Cheechoo and Adam Cracknell is interesting, but not surprising.

- Experienced Counts: At age 27 Sterling has played in 337 AHL games and 26 in the NHL. A combined 363 games over the course of six professional campaigns. An average of 60 games per season. More than Hensick, McRae and Cracknell. Cheechoo has a greater number of games played, but as seen in training camp, he cannot keep up with the pace of play anymore.

- Speed Kills: In Ken Hitchcock’s system mobility is emphasized just as much as the utilization of skill and size. Out of the potential recall options no one can skate as well as Sterling can.

- Bring the Lunch Pail & Do Your Job: The drive to compete from whistle to whistle is critical given the current state of parity in the league. It’s management of the details that set teams apart. Sterling has that and also display some Burke-ian truculence when I took in a pair of games two weekends ago. Just ask the Rockford goalies he crashed in to repeatedly. A dimension that Hensick hasn’t added to his game ro at least hasn’t shown it in recalls last season.

- Performance Plays: The “to the voctor goes the spoils” mantra may have been mentioned the most by former head coach Davis Payne, but the dynamic holds true past his departure. Remember, the Blues want first and second year pros playing and not sitting. Tuesday’s game would be a great opportunity to get McRae an extra game in while the Rivermen are idle. He’s performed well enough to deserve a recall. A pair of hatt tricks speaks volumes, but Sterling has been better.

Don’t take the choice as an indication that the Blues have soured on the other four mentioned. Hesick is a known commodity and there is no shame in being a good AHL player. Cheechoo was a Peoria first signing from the outset and will remain there unless the injuries pile up worse than last season. Just like “the other TJ”, there is no shame in the type of player he has become. McRae will get his chance at some point this season. They don’t really need him in the pressbox if Oshie is ready to play Tuesday anyways. Cracknell is blazing the “Chris Porter path” to the NHL. Biding his time till a bottom six opening becomes available. Right injury scenario, wrong person to get hurt to be his gain.

Don’t feel bad having a laugh at Hitchcock’s expense. His quote to Lou Korac is hockey comedy gold.

Hitch’s scouting report on Brett Sterling: “Don’t even ask me what he is. I don’t know. Never seen him play.” #stlblues

For those who would like a scouting report…

As stated above, Sterling is a slick skating forward with an goal scorers toolkit that produces in the AHL. Mobile enough to create effective forechecking pressure and brave enough to play in the dirty areas. Think a hybrid of Andy McDonald’s and Vladimir Sobotka’s play style.

The challenge for him will be adapting his game from an offensive weapon on a scoring line to a well rounded opportunist. If he can do that and Oshie remains questionable for Wednesday’s game in Pittsburgh, Sterling may find himself with the Blues for one more game. It’s doubtful the recall lasts past Thanksgiving unless Oshie’s situation deteriorates. Otherwise the recall is just a good time to see what Sterling has to offer.

ABE – Always Be Evaluatin’

Happy trails to you, Nikitin, untill we meet again...

If Bob McKenzie of TSN is to believed, which he is, the Blues have made a trade late Thursday night.

Tis a sad night for Blues fans who love themselves some Russian flavor in the lineup. So long Nikita Nikitin. Be safe heading east.

Tis a good night for Blues fans who want to see a more dynamic play overall and starting with the blueline. Welcome Kris Russell. Watch out for that crazy giant cross on I-70 as yea head west. It’ll spook ya if you’re driving over tonight.

For those who don’t know much about the potentially newest blue, here’s the details.

Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 3rd Round (67th overall) in 2005 by Columbus.
Height/Weight: 5’10, 172 lbs
Current Season: 12 games played, 2 goals, 3 points, Minus-1
NHL Career Totals: 288 games played, 18 goals, 79 points, Minus-29

Scouting Report: Russell’s lack of size and strength is a concern, especially in his own end. However, he is a capable puck mover and an excellent skater. His skill set and abilities peg him as a third pairing defensemen who can help on the power play. A similar optimal role to that of current Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo.

Money Matters: Currently in the second year of a three year, $3.9 million contact. The salary structure is not escalating, meaning Russell is due to make $1.3 million in 2011-12 and 2012-13. He will be a Restricted Free Agent in the 2013 off season.

The trade on the surface appears to be a part of a shakeup taking place in Columbus following their poor start. Beyond that Russell has become expendable. His prolific junior career and exceptional skating ability lead the Blue Jackets to consider Russell one of their top prospects. Over the last few seasons he has not developed to the player they hoped he would, at least as quickly as they needed. the emergence of David Savard at Traverse City and in the preseason as well as 2009 1st round pick John Moore put Russell as overpaid for is production level and role.

Niktin, in theory, provides Columbus needed size and defensive strength on the backend while not sacrificing all puck moving and offensive ability.

From the tin foil hat department… This move could easily assist in setting up an additional deal or two down the road as those like Kent Huskins and David Perron who are out of the lineup return.

When the deal is confirmed by the teams, the post will be updated. in the between time, what say you blue bleeders? Yay or Nay? Let it out in the comments.

- – -

Update 9:20am CST: The Blues have confirmed the trade via a posting on official website.

Ian Cole - Recalled Sunday from Peoria for the first time this season.

With all of the ruckus created by the St. Louis Blues coaching changes, lost in the shuffle was a minor transaction. The Blues have recalled defensemen Ian Cole from their AHL affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

At first glance it’s easy to be confused by the move. How could they recall Cole without trading, waiving, assigning someone elsewhere? Easy, Kent Huskins is still on IR. Meaning Cole brings the active roster to 23, not 24.

With the Rivermen off till Friday, the Blues with two games before then and neither Nikita Nikitin or Taylor Chorney playing exceptionally well now was as good as any time for a merit based return to St. Louis.