Blues D-man Jay McKee’s career as a St. Louis Blues defenseman has pretty much been scrutinized since the day he signed his infamous four year $16 million free agent contract in July of 2006.
The former first round pick of the Buffalo Sabres has dealt with several injuries and therefore has never seemed comfortable since moving over to the Western Conference. Even though he has a year remaining on his deal the evidence is petty clear that his days in St. Louis are numbered.
Sometimes in this business all you need to do is apply some common sense and it’s not very difficult to evaluate certain situations.
This one would certainly fall in that category.
If McKee can’t find his way in a lineup consisting of guys like Mike Weaver, Jeff Woywitka, Tyson Strachan, and Steve Wagner then it’s time for McKee to move on and resume what has been a very productive career.
I’m not taking anything away from the above mentioned players, I’m just saying.
If he can’t crack this lineup where does he fit in next season when you add guys like Eric Brewer,Erik Johnson, and possibly Jonas Junland to the mix?
The Blues might consider adding a defenseman this summer as well.
This isn’t a situation where McKee has asked the Blues for a trade.
The reality is he doesn’t need to.
I think it’s safe to assume the Blues have thrown his name out there but his contract is nearly impossible to move.
The Blues could certainly get creative here and place the veteran player on waivers prior to the deadline and see if a team would bite on re-entry just before March fourth.
The most probable of all scenarios is that the Blues buyout McKee’s contract just before free agency begins on July first. Even though the Blues may not have Toronto Maple Leafs money to throw around, this may be the best option for both sides.
The Blues would be responsible for paying two thirds of the $4 million owed which comes down to about $2.6 million. In terms of how it would affect the salary cap, the money would be paid over two seasons counting around $1.3 million per year against the cap.
McKee is expected to sit out his third straight game Wednesday night in Columbus. He hasn’t played since he was involved in a play last week in Nashville that allowed the Predators to tie the game with less than five seconds remaining.
Considering the fact McKee was on the ice for the finals seconds of the game, I think it’s more than safe to assume that play alone is the reason why McKee hasn’t played since.
Andy Murray tells me otherwise, saying there is more than just that play that has factored into the decision.
McKee has since watched that entire game and feels he played well and deserves to play. It’s only fair to ask why he was on the ice for the final seconds if he was having an off night?
Last Friday McKee had a closed door meeting with Blues President John Davidson and GM Larry Pleau to discuss the situation. In the meeting McKee expressed his desire to stay in St. Louis and help the Blues make the playoffs.
With that being said, I don’t think you would see McKee get in the way in attempt to prevent a deal.
His main concern is that the decision to make him a healthy scratch does not in effect ruin his career.
Davidson tells me McKee not playing is strictly a coach’s decision.
Rink Rats!
I’ve been told not to be surprised if Toronto elects to pick up Sean Avery on re-entry waivers. Many people believe Brian Burke has a big enough ego to believe he can handle any baggage Avery may bring with him.
Sources say the Boston Bruins are feeling the pressure from fans and media to trade for Blues forward Keith Tkachuk.
There are 5 or 6 teams who have minor interest in Blues goalie Manny Legace who is currently finding his game in Peoria. As of now the Blues are not ready to make him available on re-entry waivers. This could certainly change, but as long as the Blues keep winning they realize they may need him again this season. Legace will be ineligible to play in the playoffs if he is not on a NHL roster by the trade deadline.
Blues Clues!
Blues CEO Peter McLoughlin has had conversations with the St. Louis Cardinals within the last few weeks regarding Busch Stadium hosting the 2011 NHL outdoor game.
The Cardinals are definitely interested and the Blues have contacted the necessary people with the NHL expressing serious interest.
The Blues are hoping to re-open the Kiel Opera House in December, 2010 with a Christmas show.
The Blues are also hoping to host the 2011 NHL All-Star game and are following the necessary steps to make this a reality.
Tyson Strachan is only helping himself by adding another dimension to his game. His willingness to protect himself and his teammates gives him a little more value to an NHL roster. He has fought twice this season in the NHL and previously dropped the mitts 5 times this year in the AHL. Prior to this season Strachan signed a two year two-way deal with the Blues.
Blues Captain Eric Brewer has stopped skating as he continues to rehab from back surgery.
Blues Strength and Conditioning coach Nelson Ayotte has been credited for helping Blues forward Andy McDonald get back to playing NHL hockey. Can we assume Blues trainer Ray Barile may have had something to do with is as well?
Please join me tonight at Johnny Mac’s Sporting goods for a live broadcast of my radio show Blues Buzz. The show will broadcast from 6-7, my guest will be Blues CEO Peter McLoughlin.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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