It’s transition time when discussing the St. Louis Blues. Doug Armstrong is in the process of replacing Larry Pleau as GM and it appears the transformation of power in the Blues front office is just about completed.
Based on the comments made by President John Davidson after the season, fans shouldn’t anticipate a whole lot of activity come July 1st. At least not with high priced free agents, how ambitious the Blues will be remains to be seen. Owner Dave Checketts is on record saying this summer will be the most ambitious off-season since he took over the franchise back in 2006.
Regardless Armstrong and the Blues have plenty of work to do. Re-signing restricted free agents Alex Steen, Erik Johnson, and David Perron are a major priority. So is exploring all trade possibilities to improve a roster that underachieved this past season.
The Jonas Junland situation is rather strange to say the least. I’m having trouble understanding why in the world this kid would spend the last two years of his life living in Peoria, Illinois only to then turn his back on a one way $500,000 contract to play in the NHL next season. Offering Junland a one way deal was the best option for the Blues when you consider he would never clear waivers.
Sources indicate Junland is unhappy with the lack of opportunity he was given to play in the NHL this past season. The Blues dealt with some injuries on defense and for one reason or another were reluctant to give this kid a decent stretch of NHL games.
Obviously the signing of veteran Darryl Sydor factored into lack of chances Junland received.
Recently Junland signed a one year deal in the neighborhood of $400,000 to play next season with Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League.
There is technically no out-clause in his contract but under the new Swedish Transfer agreement Junland can still sign a contract to play in the NHL next season. I believe the deadline for him to sign is July first otherwise he will be playing in his native Sweden in 2010-2011. Once the Blues extend a qualifying offer to Junland he will remain property of the Blues regardless if he accepts the offer or not. The Blues obviously have the option to trade the player or they have every right to play hardball and keep his rights until he turns 27.
I find interesting Junland would sign in Sweden without the recommendation of his agents both in North America as well as Sweden. If his goal has always been to play in the NHL then it’s probably in his best interest to put his hard feelings aside.
I’m sure the Blues will keep the door open on getting Junland signed but at some point they’ll move on. The organization has some other options they will consider heading into next season. They still want to sign Tyson Strachan and there’s no reason to slam the door shut on Carlo Colaiacovo whose 32 points this past season is fourth highest among NHL D-man who will be unrestricted come July 1st. Whether or not the Blues are able to move a D-man currently on the roster could impact Colaiacovo’s signability.
Rink Rats!
Portland Pirates Head Coach Kevin Dineen is considered the frontrunner to become the next Head Coach of the Columbus Blues Jackets. He interviewed with the club this week.
Manitoba Head Coach Scott Arneil interviewed with Columbus last week.
This July we will find out if Nashville D-man Dan Hamhuis’s decision to cut ties with agent Ross Gurney pays off. Hamhuis, who is high on a number of teams free agent list, is being represented by the reputable Wade Arnott. Look for Hamhuis to get a contract in the neighborhood of $4-5 million over 4-5 years.
Don’t rule out Doug Risebrough stepping in as the next GM of the NY Rangers if Glen Sather steps aside and hangs on as President. Risebrough has already been doing some pro scouting in the Rangers organization.
Mark Messier is also a possibility but he may lack the necessary experience to step in. Having Sather in house would certainly ease the transition but being an NHL GM nowadays is a 24/7 365 day a year job. Is Messier ready for that?
Jack Sperling is assisting Tamp Bay in their search of a new GM and CEO but will not be staying on long-term with the lightning organization.
Goaltender Jussi “The Bus” Rynnas has agrred to a two –year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He should see at least a few NHL games this season.
Blues Clues!
It doesn’t take long for the Blues organization to come together to help an important cause. We see this over and over again. This Friday night several Blues players will be on hand in an effort to raise money for Rock Hill Officer Matt Crosby who was recently shot and paralyzed in the line of duty. Several players will be on hand for a charity softball game beginning at 7:30 Friday night out at CBC high school. Al Macinnis, keith Tkachuk, Barret Jackman, Eric Brewer, Cam Janssen, Andy McDonald, Patrik Berglund, Erik Johnson, John Davidson, former Blues forward and current Calgary Flame Jamal Mayers, and many more will be on hand for the event. Check out www.stlblues.com for more info. I will also be plying along with a number of media types as we look to raise money for the Crosby family.
Erik Johnson by the way will be donating $300.00 to the Crosby family for every base hit he gets.
Speaking of Janssen, he will be throwing out the first pitch prior to the Cardinals, Brewers game on July 2nd. His agent Scott Norton does a great job of getting his players involved in the community.
Congrats to some area kids who were recently selected in the OHL draft. D-man Dakota Mermis was taken by London, along with two of my former players D-man Scott Mayfield-Kitchener, and Chase Rey-Barrie. All three of these kids have enormous potential
Blues goaltending coach Tyler Love will not be retained by the organization. He was brought on board after Andy Murray was fired and Rick Wamsley was re-assigned.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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