I’ve never been one to get into discussing line combinations before training camp begins. In most instances it’s a worthless discussion when you consider the small percentage these will actually be the combinations two weeks into the season let alone the season opener.
This is slightly different as I have been given a sneak peak into what combinations Head Coach Andy Murray will have written down when camp begins a week from this Saturday.
In other words, this isn’t useless speculation as opposed to the straight goods.
LW C RW
Boyes Berglund Kariya
Perron Backes McDonald
Winchester Tkachuk Oshie
Steen McClement Crombeen
Andy Murray will almost certainly dress toughness on a regular basis and he obviously has Cam Janssen and D.J. King to call on. It goes without saying that it will be very tough to dress both the Blues heavies on the same night. This is a good indication as to why the Blues looked to move one of these two during the summer.
An even bigger question will be whether or not Yan Stastny makes the roster out of camp. If not, the Blues will be paying Stastny his one way $500,000 salary in Peoria.
How much credit does Murray deserve for moving David Backes to center? The move to the middle has done wonders for his career not to mention the size the Blues bring to the table up the middle. McClement is the Blues smallest center at 6’1.
As for the “D” (in no particular order)
Jackman Polak
Colaiacovo Strachan
Johnson Weaver
This leaves Brendan Bell, Alex Pietrangelo, and Steve Wagner fighting it out for the seventh spot on defense. It’s only obvious and fair to point out this is the Blues biggest weakness. The only change I would make is probably pair Johnson with Colaiacovo and see what they can do together. Last season Strachan and Colaiacovo played very well together.
Rink Rats!
Memo to NHL Fans…..Unless you are huge fans of Bull riding, MMA, or Cycling I wouldn’t get all huffy in regards to Vs and DirecTV not reaching an agreement by the August 31st "deadline". VS is working on an October 1st deadline which is when they begin broadcasting NHL games. I’d be completely shocked if no deal is finalized by next month.
I find it puzzling that every NHL player I ask to dicuss the current turmoil with the NHLPA tells me they have no clue what is going on!
Manny Legace has accepted an invitation to attend the Atlanta Thrashers training camp on a professional tryout.
Former Tampa Bay goalie Mike McKenna will attend the New Jersey Devils training camp on a tryout.
Former Blues D-man Jeff Finley has been hired as a part-time amateur scout with Detroit.
Blues Clues!
The Blues will showcase a life-sized Al MacInnis statue outside of the Scottrade Center this season. Bernie Fedeko’s statue that been displayed inside the Scottrade Center will be moved outside and placed right next to MacInnis.
This begs the question…When will a statue of Brett Hull, the greatest player in the history of the organization, join them? I’m told eventually there will be a Hull statue.
Regardless I really like what the Blues are doing here by recognizing the rich history of the organization. A Brian Sutter statue wouldn’t look too shabby either.
Word is the Blues are considering simulcasting the television and the radio broadcasts for the season opener in Sweden. I’m hearing the plan in place would be for Red Wings Broadcaster Ken Daniels and Blues color commentator Darren Pang to do the telecast together which would be carried in both markets.
Congrats to local AAA Blues product Scott Mayfield on accepting a scholarship offer from Denver University. Mayfield is entering his first season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms.
The 1999 AAA Blues recently raised more than $25,000 during a one night fundraiser this past Sunday. Several Blues players attended the event including Barret Jackman, Tyson Strachan, Yan Stastny, Jay McClement, Patrik Berglund, and Erik Johnson.
Blues President John Davidson and Head Coach Andy Murray along with assistants Ray Bennett and Brad Shaw were recent guests of the Rams at their training camp facility.
Paul Kariya has arrived in St. Louis and is skating with his teammates.
Keith Tkachuk officially returned to the ice in preparation for the season on Monday.
Blues Buzz returns this Thursday from 6-7 on am 590 the fan in St. Louis following a month long leave of absence to take care of more important business!
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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