How correct was the decision? The Blues seem to be happy with how things have turned out, as their current record and Elliott’s numbers are pushing the team toward heights unseen by the club since before the lockout. Elliott seems to be happy with how things have turned out, as he signed a two-year, one-way, multi-million dollar extension with the team to continue being not a backup, but a “1-A” option behind Halak, and perhaps playing behind the strongest defensive hockey team he has ever played behind. All reports seem to be that Halak and Elliott seem to have a great working relationship, and it appears they will continue to be a tandem for a couple more years.

But this raises the issue of what the future holds for Bishop, the tall St. Louis native who would love to have a shot to hold a job long-term with the club. The prospects of that happening seem to be diminishing quickly, and it isn’t only because of Halak and Elliott. Yes, Bishop’s backup in Peoria is central to this whole situation, as it is widely considered that Jake Allen is the Blues’ “Goaltender Of The Future™”. It is considered that Jake Allen COULD be ready for the big club in . . . you guessed it, two years. At that time, both Halak and Elliott will have contracts that will expire. Further complicating the issue is Bishop’s Restricted Free Agent status, which will be cancelled if he does not make a certain amount of NHL appearances this season, which will not be possible if Halak and Elliott stay healthy.

With all that considered . . . what is the club to do with Bishop? It is an interesting conundrum, with many possible scenarios, but I am of the mind to believe that Bishop will be moved ahead of the February 27^th trade deadline.

He will not go by himself. I think it would be part of a package to bring in a scorer or a playmaker to help down the stretch drive, and the other pieces of such a package would be difficult to speculate on at the moment. Such a trade would most certainly hurt the Peoria Rivermen and their stretch drive toward the American Hockey League playoffs, sure, but Doug Armstrong – while mindful of their situation – is the general manager of the Blues, not the Rivermen, and big club success always trumps minor league success. He cannot risk losing a prime asset in Bishop – one that is widely considered to be NHL-ready – to unrestricted free agency when he can use him as part of a trade package to help the Blues THIS season . . . and possibly in seasons upcoming.

Keep in mind . . . I would LOVE to see Bishop succeed with this franchise. I just don’t think it will happen that way, unfortunately, and trading him now – when he’s arguably at the peak of his value and when the franchise could lose him in the offseason – as part of a package deal for an asset that can help the Blues seems the best option for both parties.

What say you, dear reader? Are Bishop’s days numbered with this franchise? I’m sure not all of you agree. Have at it in the comments.

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.)

Netminder Ben Bishop has been rock solid for the Peoria Rivermen this season.

From the Twitter account of Peoria Journal Star beat writer, Dave Eminian, aka @icetimecleve…

Rivermen have released CHL Quad City goaltender David McKee. Jake Allen due back in Peo practice tomorrow.

— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) January 3, 2012

One more: Peo D-man Maury Edwards out of Peo hospital (undisclosed illness) & down to ECHL Cincy. Will be assigned when medically cleared.

— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) January 3, 2012

Rivermen goaltender Ben Bishop now has 15 wins, and is 5th in AHL with 2.23 gaa and .930 saves rate.

— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) January 2, 2012

Rivermen sweep 3-game, 3-nights weekend, earn points for 7th in last 8 and beat Milwaukee for first time in 6 tries this season.

— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) January 2, 2012

Rivermen goals scored vs. Milwaukee, by game: 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1. Amazing.

— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) January 2, 2012

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For a little Rivermen fan perspective and thoughts from BNZ Contributor, The Rivermen Blog.

@Rivs007 Not sure this loss is Allen’s fault. Right now we aren’t getting scoring from anyone besides Cheechoo, Hensick, or Sterling

— Peoria Rivermen Blog (@LetsGoRivs) December 19, 2011

Adam Cracknell is the @Peoria_Rivermen captain for a reason. The man can play. He never quits. Now the @St_Louis_Blues faithful see that.

— Peoria Rivermen Blog (@LetsGoRivs) December 27, 2011

Peoria Rivermen Defenseman Cade Fairchild has earned his second recall to the NHL.

When recalling warm bodies from their AHL affiliate in Peoria, the St. Louis Blues have historically favored experience over production. That dynamic continues to be challenged this season.

From the Blues official website:

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the club has recalled defenseman Cade Fairchild from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

Fairchild, 22, made his NHL debut in the Blues’ 2-1 victory in Washington on Nov. 29, 2011. The 5’11, 190-pound defenseman has also appeared in 31 games with Peoria recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in addition to leading the AHL overall with a +21 rating.

The Duluth, Minnesota native was originally drafted by the Blues in the fourth round, 96th overall, of the 2007 Entry Draft.

The transaction was required because of the suspension to Ian Cole dispensed by the NHL’s Wheel of Justice – v2.0 – yesterday and the injuries to Kris Russel (hip) and Kent Huskins (ankle) left the Blues with only five healthy defensemen.

I expect to see the top two pairing of Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Pietrangelo stay intact. It’s very possible that Kevin Shattenkirk returns to Barret Jackamn’s right with the steadying presnesce of Roman Polak used to insulate Fairchild.

Danny Syvret was also a candidate for the opening.

You can – and should – follow the young man on Twitter, @caderade0

Farichild has been a major surprise with his overall performance to date.

]]> http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/blues-news-fairchild-recalled-from-peoria/feed/ 0 http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/call-up-fairchild-vs-syvret/ http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/call-up-fairchild-vs-syvret/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:56:18 +0000 Randall Ritchey http://bluenotezone.com/?p=9918 With Brendan Shanahan and the NHL disciplinary committee suspending St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole for three games after his hit on Detroit Red Wings forward, Justin Abdelkader, the Blues are now short a defender for the next three games.

Fellow blueliners Kris Russell (groin) and Kent Huskins (ankle) are still on IR which brings the Blues down to only five healthy defenders (Jackman, Colaiacovo, Pietrangelo, Polak, and Shattenkirk) who can play on Tuesday night.

Cade Fairchild (image TSNphotography)

So it’s pretty obvious that the Blues are going to have to recall a player from the Peoria Rivermen. Considering their play as of this season, the top two options for a recall, in my mind are Cade Fairchild or Danny Syvret.

Fairchild, a rookie out of the University of Minnesota has made a big impact  for the Rivermen this season already. His 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) have helped the Rivermen to a 17-15-2-1 record this season.

He’s already had one call up this season, and he didn’t look out of place in his only game played. He finished the night with a clean score sheet, an even +/- and no penalty minutes. He’s my number one option of getting a recall in fill in for Cole.

Danny Syvret (image TSNphotography)

Syvret is not to be looked over also, as a potential call up. His 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) leads all defensemen on the Rivermen squad and tied for fifth among AHL defensemen this season.

What Syvret brings, however, which could give him the heads up on Fairchild is his experience.  His 59 NHL games and 10 playoff games rank much higher than Fairchild’s one game, and that alone could give Syvret an edge  in his chances of being called up. He has 3 goals, 4 assists in those 59 regular season games while recording zero points in his ten playoff games.

If I was in Doug Armstrong‘s shoes, I’d go with Syvret. He gives you the experience, he plays an offensive game but isn’t inadequate defensively either. While the call up is likely only going to be for the three games, it doesn’t force the Blues to put to much pressure on the call up either.

While I could see positives for Fairchild, I’d like to see him develop a little more in the AHL this season and get his call ups next season when he’s a little bigger, stronger, and more experienced.

Yet again, however, I’m not Doug Armstrong, so the call up could eventually be between two entirely different defenders. Watch me debate Fairchild and Syvret, then Mark Cundari gets the call up.

We should find out later today on who gets the call up.

Bluenotes is a dose of news and views from all around St. Louis Blues nation and the greater NHL beyond.

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Progress on the McDonald Front: Lou Korac reports that Andy McDonald continues his road to recovery from this third concussion in two years.

Back to the rink: Andy McDonald skated here at Scottrade this morning before team’s pregameskate. #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

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Release the Crackn(ell) on St. Louis!: Jeremy Rutherford reports that a new, old face appeared on the Scottrade ice this morning.

Adam Cracknell on the ice at #stlblues practice.

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 26, 2011

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It’s ALWAYS something with the #AmericanBadAss…: Hockey gods love TJ Oshie. The kid is a true joy to watch play hockey, but he just can’t stay healthy. At least he recovers quickly. Tangent: This is why spending the money and trade capital on depth was so very important this summer. A second big opportunity for one young Russian.

Oshie’s delay at morning skate was injury-related. I believe his wrist is bothering him, maybe something else too. #stlblues — Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 26, 2011

TJ Oshie wont play next two games with wrist injury #Blues bothered with ligament issue — Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) December 26, 2011

Oshie will be out the next 2 games with an injury. Expected back Friday. — Chris Kerber (@chriskerber) December 26, 2011

Oshie has a ligament issue but Hitch said it will not require surgery. #stlblues — Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

Hitch said Oshie’s left wrist is the issue now, not the right wrist he aggravated in Minnesota earlier this season. #stlblues — Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

Hitch on Oshie: “We’ve opted to keep him out for these two games and put him in against Nashville.” #stlblues — Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

Grachev will play with Perron/Berglund tonight. Stewart staying up with Backes/Steen. #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

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What’s up with the Flu this season? Did someone forget their shot?: The flu takes continues to bother the Blues locker room. Per Andy Strickland:

Jamie Langenbrunner probable tonight with the flu #Blues

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) December 26, 2011

Langenbrunner (flu) is expected to play tonight. If he does, Reaves (ribs) likely to be out. #stlblues

— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 26, 2011

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Could two be ready to return?: Good news being reported on a couple of needed role playing forwards.

Crombeen has shed the no-contact jersey. #stlblues — Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 26, 2011

Sobotka also skating but doesn’t look like he’ll play. #stlblues — Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

Asked B.J. Crombeen (shoulder) how close he is. His response: “Hopefully this weekend.” #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 26, 2011

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Links

It looks like Jaroslav Halak will start in goal per reports. [Bluenote Zone]

Norm Sanders takes a look at what 2012 will bring for the St. Louis Blues and the other local pro sports franchises. [BND.com]

Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star reports the injuries continue to pile up in Peoria. [@icetimecleve]

Here is the Rivermen press release on the recall of their captain. [Rivermen.net]

THE 2012 WJC Viewers Guide. [TheHockeyWriters]

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My Views – Quick Hit Style

- It’s great to see Cracknell recalled, one has to think, “what will it take to get Phil McRae to St. Louis”. The answer is simple. Play better. Not that he is performing poorly for the Rivermen. He’s not. However, if he is not going to actually play, the Blues don’t want him here. They want him and the other first and second year pros playing. Ian Cole is an exception due to injuries and depth issues.

- Getting Crombeen back is a major plus for the Blues, but it also calls in to question who heads down to Peoria when he’s off IR. The answer is simple, Evgeny Grachev. That is so long as Oshie is healthy when BJ returns.

- The Blues are 0-4 in the shootout. The only team, besides Carolina, to not have won in the skills competition. Imagine for a moment if they had won all four. They’d be tied with Chicago for tops in the West with 48 points. They’d own the tie breaker with a league leading 24 wins. While it’s great to see the Blues winning games with skill players not executing in the skilled aspects of the game, at some point they have to if they want to stay in the top eight.

Just to prove how important the shootout can be, Colorado has won all six of theirs. Putting them in 10th with 37 points instead of 9 points back of the playoff cutoff line in 13th. That’s the difference between planning on a lottery pick scouting second half and adding at the deadline to make a final push

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.

Brett Sterling's first recall has been a success, but back to Peoria he goes.

With the return of David Perron,  Alex Pietrangelo getting over the flu and the progress of Carlo Colaiacovo a roster transaction or two is a given. Have to make space somehow. The Blues did just that Saturday.

From Blues.NHL.com:

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Saturday the club has assigned defenseman Cade Fairchild and forward Brett Sterling to the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

Sterling appeared in four games and Fairchild only one. Neither recorded a point.

The Rivermen, 4-1 losers to the Milwaukee Admirals Friday night, could use the offensive reinforcements and steadying presence. With their depth depleated they’ve dropped five of their last six and have been outscored 23 to 16. In the AHL there is little time to dwell, at least on the weekends. The two teams are back in action tonight in the Rivs host the Ads for their first home game since November 11th. IN the 9 game road trip the Rivermen won four and lost five.

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’