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”Better late than never…”
Only a few weeks ago the return of Jamie Langenbrunner to St. Louis was a foregone conclusion. Who knows why then it took till July 10th to come to terms, but the veteran winger did today with the Blues. Agreeing to a one year contract that will pay out a base salary of $1.25 million and includes $250,000 in potential bonuses.
The 36 year old Cloquet, Minnesota native made 70 appearances in his first stint in the Gateway City. His stabilizing presence on the ice and in the locker room helped to channel a young team’s energy towards their strongest campaign (109 team points, 2nd place in the West) since the 2004-05 lockout. For his part Langenbrunner chipped in 6 goals and 24 points.
Though the two time Stanley Cup champ earned his living last season on the third line along side Jason Arnott, he probably won't do the same in 2012-13. Not only because Arnott seems destined to play for another team, but because Lagenbrunner’s role will change.
With the emergence of TJ Oshie as a winger, Chris Stewart’s second chance, a healthy Matt D’Agostini, and the arrival of top prospect Vladimir Tarasenko makes ice time for those on the right wing difficult to come by. Normally getting caught up on who plays a specific position is frivolous as head coach Ken Hitchcock often doesn't. However, the Blues are equally stocked on the left side as well with Andy McDonald, David Perron, Alex Steen, and blue chipper Jaden Schwartz. Three of the eight -- McDonald, Steen, and Oshie -- could shift to the middle as Center has been described as their natural position before. But even if such a switch is made and Schwartz opens the season with the Blues' AHL affiliate (which he should), the Peoria Rivermen, Langenbrunner's old spot is still taken.
Where then does he fit in?
On the 4th line, of course.
Overloaded already with Vladimir Sobotka, Scott Nichol, BJ Crombeen, Ryan Reaves and potentially Evgeny Grachev and Adam Cracknell, you say?
As last season proved, depth is a good thing, but point taken. Something has to give. Give as in trade.
So who is pushed out?
Armstrong answered that last question himself not long after Langenbrunner's contract was announced by sending BJ Crombeen and the Blues 5th round pick in 2014 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for their 2013 and 2014 4th round picks.
The 27 year old Denver, Colorado native had spent the last four seasons in St. Louis after he was claimed off of waivers from the Dallas Stars in November of 2008. In 265 games with the Note the son of alumnus Mike Crombeen registered 26 goals, 49 points, and 515 PIMs. As that stat line indicates, "Beener" was more known for his work with the gloves off than on.
Hockeyfights.com has him down for 60 fights during NHL regular season action.
To Bolts fans who may read this post, know that you are getting a good guy on and off the ice. One time Masterson nominee... The type that will stick up for his teammates and keep the energy up. Expect that and he'll deliver.
Interestingly enough it was Crombeen's injury, sustained in the final preseason game against his old team, that opened the door for the trade. With a fractured shoulder keeping him off the ice till December 27th fellow pugilist Ryan Reaves earned a spot on the NHL roster to start the season. The WHL product would surpass his peer from the OHL in part to his stronger skating ability, but also Reaves' skill set -- aside from throwing a mean right hand hook -- proved to be superior to Crombeen's. Yes, it was Crombeen's value as a respected team mate that kept him the playoff lineup, but it was Reaves who pitched in the better performance (albeit only in one game).
Without that incident Reaves starts the season in Peoria and history could look a little different.
Some will scoff at the return just because it's draft picks, but the key takeaway from the deal shouldn't be overlooked. Armstrong has said that the goal is to trade picks, as to not trade away key players, to address areas of need. The 2012 GM of the Year now has two extra selections in 2013 (the other coming from Ottawa in the Ben Bishop trade) and one in 2014.
Who could the Blues add for such a price?
According to St. Louis Post Dispatch beat writer Jeremy Rutherford, apparently Stars captain Brenden Morrow.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has acknowledged being involved in trade talks recently and now those discussions could be leading to a deal soon.
The Blues have prioritized adding a top-four defenseman this offseason, and after failing to land one in free agency, the trade route may be the club's only option. But while that search continues, Armstrong might have found a veteran forward to add to the mix.
Dallas captain Brenden Morrow is believed to be available and the Blues may have interest.
Jason Arnott's brief tenure in St. Louis may have ended on a sour note, but it didn't sour the Blues on bringing in another experienced leader. Before the report of interest in Morrow
Rutherford reported that Shane Doan's tires have been kicked. Clearly the direction is to add to the group of forwards if a defenseman cannot be acquired.
Before the welcome wagon rolls out to Lambert, dial back the expectations a bit. Dallas Morning News Stars beat writer
Mike Heika reports a different story.
There’s been much speculation on Brenden Morrow’s future in recent days, including the possibility that the Stars’ captain might be traded. But Stars’ GM Joe Nieuwendyk said today that he has had discussions with Morrow and that he expects Morrow to be a big part of the team next season.
“We had a good talk the other day, and I told him I very much believe there’s a place for him on this team,” Nieuwendyk said while vacationing in upstate New York. “I told him I fully expect him to be out there on the power play in front of the net where he’s always been.”
Speculation shot down? Kind of, but not really.
If Morrow was made available by Nieuwendyk then there would certainly be interest from the Blues. No stretch on Rutherford's part there. The idea wreaks of serendipity thanks to the Armstrong/Hitchocck connections with their days in Dallas and Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics. A recurring theme this summer.
The question is, will Dallas move him for draft picks. The answer is not likely.
The Stars have not missed out on the playoffs by much the last few seasons and with the additions of Ray Whitney and Jaromir Jagr they seemed determined to get back in while allowing their youth movement to mature. Morrow is simply too good of a hockey player, when healthy, to let go for picks. That's a rebuilding move this time of year and they're not rebuilding. Come late February and they are not on the outside looking in again, the disposition will change. Much like the Blues and Eric Brewer at the end of the 2010-11 season.
I will say that one year of Morrow at $4.1 million is much more palatable than signing Doan to a multi year deal. Not that Doan cannot still do more than share his wisdom with the next generation, because he still can. But for the Blues who need to lockdown Alex Pietrangelo, Patrik Berglund and Kevin Shattenkirk long term, flexibility in the budget to pay them what will keep them around is a requirement to maintain their newfound status among the league's best teams. All of which can throw around more cash then they can. A declining Doan on a big deal doesn't help them past 2012-13.
Quick Hit Randomness
- The Fan's Choice results are in.
Check them out here. No real surprises from my perspective except for Andy McDonald garnering the Runner-Up title to David Backes as the Best Forward. He can thank his series against San Jose for that distinction.
- The Rivermen have quite the cool offer for fans this summer. If you fancy yourself a sweater designer or just think you've got an eclectic idea for a minor league hockey jersey, then they want you're design. Through August 1st fans can submit their sweater designs and one will be chosen, by the team's fans on Facebook, and used in one 2012-13 regular season game.
in typical minor pro fashion the sweaters will be auctioned off after the game. All proceeds go to the Children's Hospital of Illinois.
Head over to Rivermen.net for more details.
- Throwing out a talking point for those of you who like to discuss line combinations. I steadfastly believe that Backes is a center, Oshie and Steen are wingers. McDonald can do both, but his talents are better utilized on the outside. Assuming no other forwards are traded for/away or signed, here is what I would like to see the Blues roll for game one of the 12-13 season.
Top Line: Perron - Backes - Oshie
Line 2a: D'Agostini - McDonald - Tarasenko
Line 2b: Steen - Berglund - Stewart
Energy Line: Sobotka - Nichol - Langenbrunner
My premise being that McDonald makes more sense in the middle than Steen. Yes, that's an area I disagree with the Jack Adams winner on. The top line reamains Hitchcock's do it all. Line 2a takes offensive zone starts and other more favorable matchups and line 2b takes the harder minutes (tougher assignments and defensive zone starts). The energy line fills it's typical role.
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Your Take
Let's hear your feelings on the signing and trade. Are the Blues better with Langenbrunner or Crombeen? What's the price you would pay for Morrow? Stars fans, what would you want in return? If the season started tomorrow, what would your lines look like.
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Thanks for reading!
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