If Schenn is our #1 C the next few years, we definitely aren't advancing far in the playoffs. A great #2, and along with Schwartz, a potentially dominating duo for a 2nd line. But if you don't have someone capable of creating chances for #91, immediately, at best you can hope to get a playoff series win with this brutal playoff setup before an equally scary good 2nd round opponent likely knocks you out in Round 2. Armstrong's eternal dilemma, and it remains the biggest problem heading into next season.

I'm amazed so many people have already judged the Schenn/Lehtera swap a win for the Blues. We won't know how this one works out for almost a decade. That Morgan Frost kid has some sick junior #s and they are getting a nice pick this year too, who likely won't sniff the NHL for 3+ seasons.

And anyone thinking Thomas & Kyrou are next year's answers to talent gaps lower in the lineup is wildly optimistic, IMO. Both could use AHL seasoning and Thomas isn't even eligible to play there next season as a 19 year old. Not down on their talents long-term, but it's rare 20 and 19 year olds just assume a prominent place on an important line on a team with serious playoff hopes. They are not McDavid/Eichel talents.
- Firebrand

I would say usually you would be correct. I think in this case you will be wildly surprised. They should give us a good second line, or at least spread the scoring and in crease the team speed as well as skill level.

Even if their likely impact is a 40 to 50 point season they will be a success. Our current top line is dominant, but since we traded Stastny all the opponent has to do is lock down on one line. Adding more skill and scoring, even if it isn't right away large numbers should help with match ups and placing pressure on other teams. This also improves the third and fourth lines, which means at some point you have match ups favoring your team.

But perhaps the biggest thing this team needs is a goaltender. They have lost these last games largely due to poor netminding, minus Arizona and even that case could be made a little.

If Schenn is our #1 C the next few years, we definitely aren't advancing far in the playoffs. A great #2, and along with Schwartz, a potentially dominating duo for a 2nd line. But if you don't have someone capable of creating chances for #91, immediately, at best you can hope to get a playoff series win with this brutal playoff setup before an equally scary good 2nd round opponent likely knocks you out in Round 2. Armstrong's eternal dilemma, and it remains the biggest problem heading into next season.

I'm amazed so many people have already judged the Schenn/Lehtera swap a win for the Blues. We won't know how this one works out for almost a decade. That Morgan Frost kid has some sick junior #s and they are getting a nice pick this year too, who likely won't sniff the NHL for 3+ seasons.

And anyone thinking Thomas & Kyrou are next year's answers to talent gaps lower in the lineup is wildly optimistic, IMO. Both could use AHL seasoning and Thomas isn't even eligible to play there next season as a 19 year old. Not down on their talents long-term, but it's rare 20 and 19 year olds just assume a prominent place on an important line on a team with serious playoff hopes. They are not McDavid/Eichel talents.
- Firebrand

I would say usually you would be correct. I think in this case you will be wildly surprised. They should give us a good second line, or at least spread the scoring and in crease the team speed as well as skill level.

Even if their likely impact is a 40 to 50 point season they will be a success. Our current top line is dominant, but since we traded Stastny all the opponent has to do is lock down on one line. Adding more skill and scoring, even if it isn't right away large numbers should help with match ups and placing pressure on other teams. This also improves the third and fourth lines, which means at some point you have match ups favoring your team.

But perhaps the biggest thing this team needs is a goaltender. They have lost these last games largely due to poor netminding, minus Arizona and even that case could be made a little.

If the Blues get in the playoffs, with Brodziak as their 2nd Center and Allen playing poorly for the majority of the season.............

Honestly, that would be pretty impressive. Or just speak to the lack of competition from the bottom half of the West.

Either way, lets do this!

If the Blues get in the playoffs, with Brodziak as their 2nd Center and Allen playing poorly for the majority of the season.............

Honestly, that would be pretty impressive. Or just speak to the lack of competition from the bottom half of the West.

Either way, lets do this!
- carcus

Brodziak has earned a contract extension but he likely wont get one due to the numbers game.

Guy is a gamer