Jason Millen: Blues disappoint yet again, look to right the ship vs the Avalanche Blues disappoint yet again, look to right the ship vs the Avalanche

I would like to see one thing happen soon. It is obvious to me we are troubled by not having a top six forward lineup. I am okay with Tarasenko, Schwartz, Schenn, Steen and Stastny but the team needs A. Galchenyuk in the top six. Rumor is he is available and I think DA should go after him. Imagine this;
Schwartz-Schenn-Tarasenko
Galchenyuk-Stastny-Steen (Steen can play anywhere)

or

Galchenyuk-Stastny-Tarasenko
Schwartz-Schenn-Steen

PP
Schwartz-Schenn-Galchenyuk Pietrangelo and Tarasenko on the points Parayko and Dunn on second unit at the points

The Avs are a good team and have solid goaltending and a great pp even with MacKinnon. Keys to the game, stay out of the box, complete 60 minute effort, solid effort from Jake Allen and convert on some of you pp opportunities. If you skate and work hard you will draw penalties.
I also think Tarasenko should wipe that grin off his face and get with the program.

I would like to see one thing happen soon. It is obvious to me we are troubled by not having a top six forward lineup. I am okay with Tarasenko, Schwartz, Schenn, Steen and Stastny but the team needs A. Galchenyuk in the top six. Rumor is he is available and I think DA should go after him. Imagine this;
Schwartz-Schenn-Tarasenko
Galchenyuk-Stastny-Steen (Steen can play anywhere)

or

Galchenyuk-Stastny-Tarasenko
Schwartz-Schenn-Steen

PP
Schwartz-Schenn-Galchenyuk Pietrangelo and Tarasenko on the points Parayko and Dunn on second unit at the points
- joegreif17

I don't think adding a 45 point forward is going to make this team a contender, and Habs would probably ask for one of the big 4 to do it. I think Tavares is the only player who might end up being available that would be worth the Blues pursuing. Otherwise, Blues should hope the current team starts playing like they did to start the year, and get lucky in the playoffs.

As early as next year, and definitely in the next 3 years, Blues will have Tarasenko, Schwartz, Schenn, Thompson, Fabbri, Thomas, Kyrou, Steen, Berglund, Kostin & Barbarshev as top 9 options. Top 4 of Pietro, Parayko, Edmundson, & Dunn. Husso pushing for playing time. Last year and this year are transition years. Blues need to be focusing on the future, they aren't one piece away right now.

I don't think adding a 45 point forward is going to make this team a contender, and Habs would probably ask for one of the big 4 to do it. I think Tavares is the only player who might end up being available that would be worth the Blues pursuing. Otherwise, Blues should hope the current team starts playing like they did to start the year, and get lucky in the playoffs.

As early as next year, and definitely in the next 3 years, Blues will have Tarasenko, Schwartz, Schenn, Thompson, Fabbri, Thomas, Kyrou, Steen, Berglund, Kostin & Barbarshev as top 9 options. Top 4 of Pietro, Parayko, Edmundson, & Dunn. Husso pushing for playing time. Last year and this year are transition years. Blues need to be focusing on the future, they aren't one piece away right now.
- Antilles

I couldn’t agree more. Bringing in a player like Galchenyuk also fussed with the financials, as he’d be in locked in with the rest of the core. Not necessary when you’ve got Steen naturally sliding to third line duty and Thomas/ Kyrou/ Thompson hopefully backfilling the loss of scoring from Steen & Stastny.

There are no panic buttons for this team. Stay the course, continue to draft well, and collect assets on expiring contracts.

Btw- how about that Ville Husso?! .926 save percentage in 22 games. I wonder how many games he’ll end up with by the end of the season...

This team is playing weak

Before Berglund came back they were hungry now they are playing weak

This team is playing weak

Before Berglund came back they were hungry now they are playing weak
- sycsam

Berglund drives me nuts, he is the guy Galchenyuk could replace. Galchenyuk is only 23 years old as we speak and the guys calling him a 45 point guy are not looking at the big picture imo. Galchenyuk scored 30 goals and 56 points as a 21 year old and the fact the Habs top scorer only has 2 more points than him right now should indicate how bad the team is. Think Brayden Schenn, Galchenyuk is primed for a breakout and should be in DA sights.

Berglund drives me nuts, he is the guy Galchenyuk could replace. Galchenyuk is only 23 years old as we speak and the guys calling him a 45 point guy are not looking at the big picture imo. Galchenyuk scored 30 goals and 56 points as a 21 year old and the fact the Habs top scorer only has 2 more points than him right now should indicate how bad the team is. Think Brayden Schenn, Galchenyuk is primed for a breakout and should be in DA sights.
- joegreif17

Do you ever wonder why Montréal hasn’t moved him yet? The rumors have been swirling since last trade deadline.

Are they asking too much?

Berglund drives me nuts, he is the guy Galchenyuk could replace. Galchenyuk is only 23 years old as we speak and the guys calling him a 45 point guy are not looking at the big picture imo. Galchenyuk scored 30 goals and 56 points as a 21 year old and the fact the Habs top scorer only has 2 more points than him right now should indicate how bad the team is. Think Brayden Schenn, Galchenyuk is primed for a breakout and should be in DA sights.
- joegreif17

I'd argue you aren't looking at the big picture. The guy it would take to get Galchenyuk, Robert Thomas, could easily be just as good as him within a couple years, costs less salary cap wise, and is under team control for longer. And that's not mentioning the additional draft picks Habs would want included. Galchenyuk makes the Blues better this year & possibly next year. Not trading for him makes the Blues better the 5 years after that.

Blues roster is at a point where they need to be focusing on 2019-2023. That's their window. Galchenyuk isn't an upgrade for those years.

Do you ever wonder why Montréal hasn’t moved him yet? The rumors have been swirling since last trade deadline.

Are they asking too much?
- eggsegan

He has been rumored to be on the block for the past two years. The problem is the asking price as teams do not want to take a chance that he will be the next Yakupov. I have watched him enough and honestly believe he is a homerun for a good team. It is not too often that a good player can produce in a crappy atmosphere, look at Drouin who was lights out his last year in TB but is useless as tats on bull in Montreal. I wish we would pay the price, ie first round pick and Kostin or Sanford might get it done??

I'd argue you aren't looking at the big picture. The guy it would take to get Galchenyuk, Robert Thomas, could easily be just as good as him within a couple years, costs less salary cap wise, and is under team control for longer. And that's not mentioning the additional draft picks Habs would want included. Galchenyuk makes the Blues better this year & possibly next year. Not trading for him makes the Blues better the 5 years after that.

Blues roster is at a point where they need to be focusing on 2019-2023. That's their window. Galchenyuk isn't an upgrade for those years.
- Antilles

Wow I totally disagree with you, Galchenyuk is still in diapers. If the Blues could pull off a deal like the Schenn deal go for it. IMO Galchenyuk has more talent than Schenn and that is pretty dam good. 2019-2023 Galchenyuk would only be 24-27 years old just reaching his prime so I do not know what you are talking about. Also nobody said we had to give up Robert Thomas. The nhl gm's are so afraid to make a gamble these days, they do not want to look like Chiarelli, lol

I don't think adding a 45 point forward is going to make this team a contender, and Habs would probably ask for one of the big 4 to do it. I think Tavares is the only player who might end up being available that would be worth the Blues pursuing. Otherwise, Blues should hope the current team starts playing like they did to start the year, and get lucky in the playoffs.

As early as next year, and definitely in the next 3 years, Blues will have Tarasenko, Schwartz, Schenn, Thompson, Fabbri, Thomas, Kyrou, Steen, Berglund, Kostin & Barbarshev as top 9 options. Top 4 of Pietro, Parayko, Edmundson, & Dunn. Husso pushing for playing time. Last year and this year are transition years. Blues need to be focusing on the future, they aren't one piece away right now.
- Antilles

Just pointing out that the Blues traded for Schenn and are a clear winner. He will be the top center for a long time. Galchenyuk a 45 point guy is not true if you project development on a good team. 56 points including 30 goals as a 21 year old, a #3 overall draft pick. If you disagree I suppose you would be willing to give Schenn back for the two pics and nobody cares about Lehtara.

Just pointing out that the Blues traded for Schenn and are a clear winner. He will be the top center for a long time. Galchenyuk a 45 point guy is not true if you project development on a good team. 56 points including 30 goals as a 21 year old, a #3 overall draft pick. If you disagree I suppose you would be willing to give Schenn back for the two pics and nobody cares about Lehtara.
- joegreif17

That’s true, but look at what they gave up. If Montréal wants to trade Galchenyuk to us for, say, Sundqvist & Jaskin, well...

Earlier, you mentioned Galchenyuk replacing Bergie. Bergie plays third line minutes. Are you suggesting that Montréal would take Berglund in a deal? Not sure where you’re going with that connection...

That’s true, but look at what they gave up. If Montréal wants to trade Galchenyuk to us for, say, Sundqvist & Jaskin, well...

Earlier, you mentioned Galchenyuk replacing Bergie. Bergie plays third line minutes. Are you suggesting that Montréal would take Berglund in a deal? Not sure where you’re going with that connection...
- eggsegan

Montreal taking Bergie would be highly unlikely and no where did I say that. Berglund has spent time on line two and he get second line pp as well. He is big but plays small and his skill set is not great whereas Galchenyuk has all the skill in the world but just has not put it together for a full season, Montreal could be the reason if you consider Drouin sucks there and Pacman a perennial 35 goal man and up is struggling. If you get a chance watch some Habs hockey and check out Galchenyuk. He is not a center and the Habs have tried to make him one same as they are doing with Drouin and it is all fail. Flyers tried to make Schenn a winger and he in fact is a center. Crazy why these teams cannot figure this out.

Wow I totally disagree with you, Galchenyuk is still in diapers. If the Blues could pull off a deal like the Schenn deal go for it. IMO Galchenyuk has more talent than Schenn and that is pretty dam good. 2019-2023 Galchenyuk would only be 24-27 years old just reaching his prime so I do not know what you are talking about. Also nobody said we had to give up Robert Thomas. The nhl gm's are so afraid to make a gamble these days, they do not want to look like Chiarelli, lol
- joegreif17

24 months from now Blues prospects could be just as good as your hoping Galchenyuk would be for us, but for cheaper. 30 months from now, he'll be a UFA, and they'll still be under team control.

Just pointing out that the Blues traded for Schenn and are a clear winner. He will be the top center for a long time. Galchenyuk a 45 point guy is not true if you project development on a good team. 56 points including 30 goals as a 21 year old, a #3 overall draft pick. If you disagree I suppose you would be willing to give Schenn back for the two pics and nobody cares about Lehtara.
- joegreif17

Galchenyuk had an unsustainable shooting percentage when he had 30 goals. What were his totals other years? Could he look better playing for another team, sure. He could also look worse on a team that actually has other options and able to lower minutes of players with defensive deficiencies.

Why do you keep bringing up Schenn? Blues were a team with extra first round picks and Philly was a team looking for extra first round picks. Now, Blues are a team without first round picks. You can't trade the assets we traded for Schenn for Galchenyuk. First, because Habs would obviously want more, and second, because you already gave them up for Schenn. And what 5 million dollar contract are you planning on Habs taking in this trade? We don't have another Lehtera contract we are happy to lose. We've been using LTIR cap money, meaning we can't add salary this deadline. We have Statsny coming off the books for next year, but that money is earmarked if we want to keep Edmundson & Fabbri. Berglund has a NMC. Habs would want more on top of a top prospect and a first to take Sobotka off our hands.

Trades have to make sense for both teams. You've laid out no situation that makes sense for both the Blues and the Habs were we end up with Galchenyuk.

Rick Nash could be a big help and will not cost anywhere near a Galchenyuk. I like Nash when he is healthy.

Rick Nash could be a big help and will not cost anywhere near a Galchenyuk. I like Nash when he is healthy.
- joegreif17

Hard pass

24 months from now Blues prospects could be just as good as your hoping Galchenyuk would be for us, but for cheaper. 30 months from now, he'll be a UFA, and they'll still be under team control.




Galchenyuk had an unsustainable shooting percentage when he had 30 goals. What were his totals other years? Could he look better playing for another team, sure. He could also look worse on a team that actually has other options and able to lower minutes of players with defensive deficiencies.

Why do you keep bringing up Schenn? Blues were a team with extra first round picks and Philly was a team looking for extra first round picks. Now, Blues are a team without first round picks. You can't trade the assets we traded for Schenn for Galchenyuk. First, because Habs would obviously want more, and second, because you already gave them up for Schenn. And what 5 million dollar contract are you planning on Habs taking in this trade? We don't have another Lehtera contract we are happy to lose. We've been using LTIR cap money, meaning we can't add salary this deadline. We have Statsny coming off the books for next year, but that money is earmarked if we want to keep Edmundson & Fabbri. Berglund has a NMC. Habs would want more on top of a top prospect and a first to take Sobotka off our hands.

Trades have to make sense for both teams. You've laid out no situation that makes sense for both the Blues and the Habs were we end up with Galchenyuk.
- Antilles

This team is a 1C away from a solid run. That’s why wasting assets on Galchenyuk or Nash makes zero sense.

This team is a 1C away from a solid run. That’s why wasting assets on Galchenyuk or Nash makes zero sense.
- eggsegan

I concur. We barely have enough centers as is and Stastny is not getting any younger. The Habs are even weaker down the middle and would certainly be looking at Thompson or Thomas.

I side with Antilles on this one. This is a transition year. If he could be had for the right price sure but I don't see that happening. Bergevin has gotten reamed on his last few trades, he's not going to settle for peanuts.

This team is a 1C away from a solid run. That’s why wasting assets on Galchenyuk or Nash makes zero sense.
- eggsegan

While the dream scenario for almost every team in the league is landing Tavares, I think Blues do have a solid case to make to him if he hits UFA. Play with Tarasenko & Cup window open instantly as should stay open as all the important pieces are his age. Blues would have to dump salary, but could easily survive losing players like Gunnarson, Sobotka, Berglund & JBo if we could find takers and they would waive clauses.

While the dream scenario for almost every team in the league is landing Tavares, I think Blues do have a solid case to make to him if he hits UFA. Play with Tarasenko & Cup window open instantly as should stay open as all the important pieces are his age. Blues would have to dump salary, but could easily survive losing players like Gunnarson, Sobotka, Berglund & JBo if we could find takers and they would waive clauses.
- Antilles

Schenn, Thomas, Thompson...

Could Robert Thomas be a 1C in three or four years?

Schenn, Thomas, Thompson...

Could Robert Thomas be a 1C in three or four years?
- eggsegan

Everything I've read about him makes me think he could be, but that his production as a 1C would be closer to Toews (the recent/current version) than Tavares. 60+ points good years, not 80+.

Everything I've read about him makes me think he could be, but that his production as a 1C would be closer to Toews (the recent/current version) than Tavares. 60+ points good years, not 80+.
- Antilles

I recently saw that he was like the sixth ranked prospect in the league, but yeah not quite at the level of Tavares.

24 months from now Blues prospects could be just as good as your hoping Galchenyuk would be for us, but for cheaper. 30 months from now, he'll be a UFA, and they'll still be under team control.




Galchenyuk had an unsustainable shooting percentage when he had 30 goals. What were his totals other years? Could he look better playing for another team, sure. He could also look worse on a team that actually has other options and able to lower minutes of players with defensive deficiencies.

Why do you keep bringing up Schenn? Blues were a team with extra first round picks and Philly was a team looking for extra first round picks. Now, Blues are a team without first round picks. You can't trade the assets we traded for Schenn for Galchenyuk. First, because Habs would obviously want more, and second, because you already gave them up for Schenn. And what 5 million dollar contract are you planning on Habs taking in this trade? We don't have another Lehtera contract we are happy to lose. We've been using LTIR cap money, meaning we can't add salary this deadline. We have Statsny coming off the books for next year, but that money is earmarked if we want to keep Edmundson & Fabbri. Berglund has a NMC. Habs would want more on top of a top prospect and a first to take Sobotka off our hands.

Trades have to make sense for both teams. You've laid out no situation that makes sense for both the Blues and the Habs were we end up with Galchenyuk.
- Antilles

Wow again, why do I keep mentioning Schenn. The Blues would not be what they are today if they did not have Schenn who at this point in their MVP for the year. Schenn was a major haul for a first round pick since he is young and was a #5 overall choice himself. Why groom a first rounder when you can get one like Schenn who is durable, proven and adds a lot of grit. Talking about Galchenyuk for me is just my frustration with Berglund and Sbotka primarily. I can take or leave Galchenyuk but my point is if he can be had cheap enough, go for it, ie Schenn

This team is a 1C away from a solid run. That’s why wasting assets on Galchenyuk or Nash makes zero sense.
- eggsegan

I agree with that however you might get Nash for a 3rd round pick and he is certainly way better than Berglund, Sbotka and others. Galchenyuk could be too pricy. I never said to give away the farm and yes it has to work capwise as well. Nice game tonite for the Blues despite Tarasenko is in his worst slump of his career.