With all the talk about the Blues defense there has been very little chatter in regards to Captain Eric Brewer who continues to rehab from multiple back surgeries as well as a recent knee surgery.
Over the last 10-12 days Brewer has seen continued improvement as he continues to prepare himself to return to the NHL this season.
It may only be a matter of days before Brewer returns to St. Louis to begin training with is teammates.
Brewer will know much more on his status after he meets with his doctors either at the end of this week or early next week at the latest. Best case scenario Brewer will receive clearance to begin practicing at some level. Whether that means going on the ice before practice or practicing with an orange jersey on remains to be seen. (Orange jersey usually represents no contact)
At any rate Brewer’s spirits are up as he knows he is on the right path to recovery. That hasn’t necessarily been the case due to the numbness he’s dealt with as a result of the nerve issue in his back. He tells me the numbness has reduced to where it’s tolerable although it isn’t completely gone.
Brewer is currently working with a power skating instructor and has started skating in full gear. Recently Brewer has begun shooting pucks while increasing the on-ice portion of his therapy. Brewer doesn’t want to get too optimistic before his meeting with his doctors but says he’s feeling really good on the ice.
Brewer is looking to increase the intensity with his workouts which could happen in St. Louis sooner than some expect. I think it’s safe to say that even if he receives clearance to practice sometime soon, he remains several weeks away from returning to live action. One estimated timetable for his return is six weeks after the season begins.
All signs point towards the Blues inking veteran Darryl Sydor to a one year contract in the next few days which, in my opinion, leaves Alex Pietrangelo and Tyson Strachan competing for the final coveted spot on D. Joans Junland remains in camp but all indications are that he’s be headed to Peoria at some point.
I pointed out in a recent story that the Blues won’t hesitate to utilize the nine games allowed before they make an official decision on the 19 year old. I have no problem with this unless they stretch the nine games to 30.
My take on Pietrangelo is pretty simple, does he fit in the Blues top six? What’s his role going to be?
If the Blues feel he’s ready to play in the NHL then keep him. If he’s not ready to play then he shouldn’t stay. Keeping him as the Blues seventh D-man wouldn’t do a whole lot for me.
Bag skating everyday after practice and having him unhappy about not playing wouldn’t provide the best situation for the young player who is going to be a very good NHL D-man one day. Again this is assuming he’s not a top six guy.
If he’s not in the Blues top six then it might make sense to send him back to the OHL. Believe me it’s ridiculous to say his development will be hurt if he goes back to the top junior league in the world. At least there he’ll play consistent minutes, develop leadership skills, and likely play an impact role in the World Juniors. The Blues could still loan Pietrangelo to Hockey Canada for the WJC if they choose to hang on to him.
All I’m saying is if the Blues are going to keep Pietrangelo around then there should be a plan in place to play him, regularly.
Tyson Strachan would be a decent number 6 or 7 D-man for the Blues if they were to move in this direction. First of all he gives the Blues some size and toughness on the back end. The Blues are somewhat short in the toughness department defensively. Plus he’s not going to complain about his role if he’s not in the lineup regularly. Considering he has some NHL experience he’s a handy player to have available in the system if they elect to say bye bye for now.
What about us??
The D-men in camp are stealing all the attention from the forwards who have their own little competition going.
There are fifteen forwards left in camp (including the obvious on entry level deals) with one-way contracts. This doesn't include Derek Armstrong who Andy Murray has put in every position possible to make the team. The only problem is where do you put him? The Blues will need to make a surprising roster move to create a spot for Armstrong. Would you pout him ahead of Crombeen, Steen,Winchester?
I would not.
I'm asked nearly everyday how the Blues can hang on to both Cam Janssen and D.J. King? Could you imagine the situation the Blues would find themselves in if they got rid of one only to see the other go down with an injury?Keeping both King and Janssen will not hurt this hockey club.
Blues Clues!
The Blues have not had any communication with Sydor about a contract as of yet. This will be an extremely easy contract to negotiate as I’m told he’s not worried about money, all he wants to do is play. That’s good because I’m not so sure the Blues will be looking to give him much more than the minimum.
The Blues will be allowed to take 24 players with them to Sweden to begin the season allowing them to carry one extra goaltender. Ben Bishop (who looks excellent in camp by the way) will serve as the Blues third goaltender.
Blues first round pick David Rundbland played 17:00 minutes in his first regular season game this season in the SEL.
Sergei Andronov has registered two goals in his first three games in the KHL.
Tyker Shattock scored two goals and added three assists in two games for the Kamloops Blazers to open up his season.
Ian Schultz added one goal and two assists in his opening weekend with the Calgary Hitmen.
Big D-man Brett Ponich recorded one assist in his first game back with Portland.
Andy Murray feels Jay McClement has been the best player in Blues camp thus far.
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More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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