How does Germany sound in the middle of May? Not so good to a number of NHL players who participated in the Vancouver Olympics.
This spring’s Worlds Championship rosters may not be filled with many of the expected names we’re used to seeing in international play. Obviously the Worlds are usually made up of either young players or those whose teams are not competing in the NHL playoffs anyway. But still it’s not uncommon to see a number of NHL all-stars appear in the Worlds. This doesn’t suggest there will be a lack of talent participating in the tournament as there will be plenty of good players suiting up for their individual countries
You are likely to see many familiar names that played in the Olympics turn down invitations to represent their country for the 2010 World Championships. NHL players who played in the Olympics have been going full steam for nearly eight months and the idea of heading over to Germany for more hockey doesn’t seem so appealing right about now.
Can you blame them?
In the past we’ve criticized players that turn down invitations to represent their countries. Many hockey purists I’ve spoken to over the years feel one should never turn down their country unless you’re dealing with an injury. Playing in the Olympics is a good enough excuse for me.
I understand that if these players were fighting for a Stanley Cup they’d still be lacing up their skates but let’s not get carried away. Even though it’s a great tournament and experience, the Worlds are not the Stanley Cup playoffs. Playing in the Olympics is your “Get out of jail free” card and these players should not be judged for electing not to head over to Germany.
Many of these players play for the St. Louis Blues whose playoff hopes are dangling by a piece of dental floss. From every indication I’ve been given I would be shocked if guys like David Backes, Erik Johnson, and Roman Polak (Czech) accept invitations to play in the Worlds. Word is Blues management supports their decision.
You could see a number of other players from the Blues participate including goaltender Chris Mason (CAN), T.J. Oshie(USA), Alex Steen(SWE), Patrik Berglund(SWE), Brad Boyes(CAN), Andy McDonald(CAN) or David Perron.(CAN
I’m told Oshie is considering not going if he’s asked to participate while Andy McDonald could also elect not to go if asked.
Polak by the way is dealing with a shoulder issue and may have a better excuse than most for not heading over to Germany. I get the sense Backes would rather rest up for an important contract year coming up in 2010-2011. To be fair Backes has represented USA in the last several Worlds as well as the Olympics.
You will see plenty of spots open up for a number of guys who wouldn’t get this opportunity otherwise.
Rink Rats!
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Is Stan Bowman kicking himself for not attempting to get a goaltender at the deadline?
Word is Chicago will aggressively look to move D-man Brian Campbell this summer. His price tag is a little high for me when you factor in he doesn’t play against other team’s best forwards.
Former NHL player Dan Quinn will be caddying for PGA star Ernie Els at the upcoming Masters. Quinn is regarded as one of the top former professional athlete golfers in the country and developed a relationship with Els while playing in South Florida.
How are Toronto fans reacting to Lee Stempniak tearing it up after leaving the Maple Leafs. How many other teams wished they would have given up a late round pick for Stempniak?
Blues!
We can complain all we want about the Blues defense but last time I checked the club has one of the top PK units in the league and is around 11th in the league in goals against.
Why do Blues wingers struggle so much along the wall inside their own end? This needs to be corrected as it’s a big reason they often have trouble escaping their own zone.
Re-signing Paul Kariya would be foolish in my opinion. He’s had a real strong second half and is showing the explosiveness that once made him an NHL superstar. With all this said bringing Kariya back would take ice time away from guys who are ready for an increased role and more responsibility. Let’s keep it real here for a second and understand there is a connection between his recent play and playing alongside T.J. Oshie who elevates the play of those around him. As good as Kariya has been he should be fighting to get to 30 goals, not 20 when you consider how many point blank opportunities he’s failed to capitalize on. You can make the argument Kariya owes the Blues another year after failing to live up to the 3 yr $18 million deal he signed a few years back but I can’t see anyway this would make sense. There has been some internal talk about what if he would be willing to play for a reduced price but let’s move on from this experiment. I don’t care if he’s willing to play for $100,000, re-signing Paul Kariya is not in the best interest of the St. Louis Blues moving forward. I like Paul an awful lot and respect his career but it’s time to move on.
Kariya has quietly donated close to half of his money to a number of various charities.
Speaking of Kariya he recently told me he still hasn’t even decided if he wants to continue his NHL career beyond this season. Could he retire? I would be shocked if he does but he told me he will evaluate things after the season. There’s no question he can still help a team.
Look for the Blues to attempt to re-shape the look of this roster. A number of questions are being asked internally right now.
Can Lars Eller step in next year and make a David Perron expendable? Can you get some real value for a Patrik Berglund? I’m not prepared to trade David Perron by the way.
It all depends on what you can get for these players. They won’t be moved just for the sake of moving them.
Look for St. Louis to try and move either Eric Brewer or Barret Jackman. It all comes down to who you can get more return value for. Is there a team out there willing to give up something good for Eric Brewer? The outlook seems rather bleak right now.
Speaking of Brewer, after scoring his seventh goal of the year the other night he’s just one shy of tying his career high of eight. He’s a second pair D-man who often plays a #1 or #2 role for this club. Brewer doesn’t play the power play, nor should he, but he’s among the league leaders for D-men in goals per game at .13. Seven goals in 53 games is a good offensive season especially for a guy coming off of two back surgeries. I would never compare this guy to Chris Pronger but his goal per game average is the same as the former Norris and Hart trophy winner.
I think it’s great the Blues are stocked when it comes to prospects in the system but at some point fans must come to the realization that the Blues can’t keep all of these kids. Doug Armstrong is assigned the important task of determining which players to move forward with and which ones to trade in an effort to help the current NHL roster.
The Blues need a dangerous offensive player. This is something they’re lacking on the current roster and there isn’t an elite goal scorer waiting in the wings currently in the organization. I see plenty of D-men but not a whole lot of scoring potential. This is something that needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft.
I’ve always been a huge supporter of Alex Steen and it’s nice to see him start to get the recognition he deserves. He’ll be looking at a nice payday this summer as he’ll be looking at an extension close to that $3 million number.
It is a major concern though that Alex Steen is the Blues leading goal scorer. How nice would it have been if this guy had his 20 plus snipes and a few others had performed to their abilities as well?
I’ve asked on numerous occasions this season why the Blues changed their power play setup from what we saw last season? In my opinion this is a big reason why Brad Boyes won’t even reach 20 goals. I’ll say it again though, this guy will bounce back and score 30 in this league.
Congratulations to five St. Louis kids who will be competing in the NCAA Frozen Four this weekend. Three of the four teams have a player from St. Louis on their roster.
Wisconsin-John Ramage, Michael Davies, Sean Dolan. (Andy Murray’s son Jordy also plays for Wisconsin)
RIT-Chris Saracino
Miami of Ohio-Chris Wideman.
I’ve heard multiple people in the Blues organization compliment Rick Wamsley for the job he’s done since taking over in Peoria.
Congrats to Portland Winterhawks D-man Brett Ponich on signing with the Blues. At 18 years old the former 2nd rounder is already the Captain for Portland who has more kids rated in Central Scouting’s top 100 than any other team in the CHL. Ponich will return to Portland next season but will play in the NHL one day.
Doug Armstrong and Davis Payne have spent some quality time both in St. Louis and on the road in recent weeks getting to know one another.
There is a lot of transitioning taking place inside the Blues organization as the club prepares for Armstrong to take over for Larry Pleau.
Expect Pleau to remain with the Blues for at least another year.
Blues Buzz Finale airs next Thursday April 8th out at Johnny Mac’s from 6-7. Guest TBA.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
[email protected] 
St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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