Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

The SchwartzWatch Is On

March 11, 2012, 10:55 AM ET [9 Comments]
Jeff Quirin
St Louis Blues Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I’ll be back with some thoughts on the Blues win last night and the game this afternoon a little later today. For now, a quick FYI.

Colorado College lost 4-3 in overtime to Michigan Tech Saturday night. The Tigers have been bounced from the WCHA playoffs and their season is over.

That may not be the case for Jaden Schwartz. The 14th overall pick in the 2010 draft must make a decision on his future. He has three options:

1) Sign an Athletic Tryout Contract (ATO) and report to the Blues AHL affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.
2) Sign with the Blues and finish out the season on the NHL roster.
3) Remain at Colorado College for his Junior year.

As it should be, the ultimate decision is his, but it’s clear that the Blues’ desire is for either of the first two options. From my perspective Schwartz turning pro isn’t just what they want, it’s expected at this point.

The most likely scenario is that he follows the same path as David Backes and Ian Cole. Sign an ATO and finish out the season in Peoria. There is a strong precedent set recently in the organization for this scenario. Besides Backes and Cole, Jay Barriball went the same route last season. Rivermen blueliner Cade Fairchild would have done the same if not for a shoulder injury.

Not to say Schwartz doesn’t have the the NHL caliber abilities right now. He does. But systemic depth is strong enough that he can be insulated in the AHL.

Don’t rule out the possibility of Jaden’s older brother Rylan coming along, too. He is on the radar thanks to an excellent Junior season at CC in which he scored 23 goals and 40 points in 35 games.

The #SchwartzWatch is on.

On the #TarasenkoWatch front... SKA took their first round match-up four games to one over CSKA Moscow. Tarasenko seemed to have played a significant role. He is second among SKA’s forwards in scoring during the five games with three goals and two assists.

Reminder: His KHL contract runs through April 30th and then his likely participation in the World Championships will likely not bring about a decision till May.

The earliest Vladimir Tarasenko will play for the Blues is September 2012 in an exhibition game.
Join the Discussion: » 9 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Jeff Quirin
» Game 15: Pens @ Blues - Olympic Subplots & Measuring Sticks
» Serenity in Stability
» Shaky finish after a strong start, but Blues win 3-2.
» Game 14: Flames @ Blues – More Things Change the More They Stay the Same
» Not Broken? Don’t Try to Fix it. Blues Win 3-2 (SO)