Paul McCann: First Random Summer Notes

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the OReilly trade.

We know its not the best in the world, but I like what we got. Thompson looks like he could end up as a strong 4-9 forward. His size is impressive and with a little more filling out and development, would like to see him in that 3rd line role.

Don't mind Sobotka or Berglund. I see them as improvements from what we had in the bottom 6 and they can help the younger guys to become better professionals, especially Berglund with the Swedes. He makes number 13 in the organization now...

However, the best part was a first and second (in 2019 and 2021 respectively). The Blues haven't addressed their goaltending and actually got worse losing Hutton. So that pick could potentially be a lottery pick if they don't make the playoffs again (Go Nashville).

Happy 4th.

Good read but Kuni is a winger not a defenseman.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the OReilly trade.

We know its not the best in the world, but I like what we got. Thompson looks like he could end up as a strong 4-9 forward. His size is impressive and with a little more filling out and development, would like to see him in that 3rd line role.

Don't mind Sobotka or Berglund. I see them as improvements from what we had in the bottom 6 and they can help the younger guys to become better professionals, especially Berglund with the Swedes. He makes number 13 in the organization now...

However, the best part was a first and second (in 2019 and 2021 respectively). The Blues haven't addressed their goaltending and actually got worse losing Hutton. So that pick could potentially be a lottery pick if they don't make the playoffs again (Go Nashville).

Happy 4th.
- ChicmjBuffalo

Not saying it wont be a lottery pick but the blues are a much better team now than they were in July last year

They had a ton of injuries too so if they stay healthy and get a decent bounce back from Jake the blues will be right back in the thick of the playoffs

Blues didn't overpay at a all. They actually save cap space and they dump two contacts of players that arent anything special. Sure a first, a second, and a good young player is a lot but O'Reilly is a very good player and is under contract for 5 years. Plus St. Louis is stacked with prospects. You've got to go for it at some point. You wanna talk what has turned into an overpayment, then look no further than Seth Jones, an elite #1 defenseman, for Ryan Johanson, a good # 2 center.

You really know very little about hockey and every time I read one of your articles I feel my hockey IQ drops. Your "way too much" comment about the Blues trade - a middling prospect, two salary dumps of bottom 6 players that would have trouble making the Blues' team and two draft picks for a top-two way center that is one of the best faceoff men in the league. The Blues are now stronger at center than your beloved Preds.

Wondering what's going on in Winnipeg?? It's called not over-extending yourself on signing one player to jeopardize the rest of the core being broken up. While I would've loved to get Stastny back this does make Chevy's next few months a lot better. By clearing out Mason and Armia and not grabbing Stastny the Jets have more than ample room to get everyone else signed long term thus keeping the core of the team intact. Hellebuyck Trouba Morrissey Lowry Tanev will all be signed now and wouldn't be surprised to see a mega deal for Laine signed, with Connor and Wheeler inking extensions next summer

what is the word on ryan ellis? is he likely to re-sign? any potential for a trade this summer?

We already planned the parade after Kessel trade!

(The first Kessel trade.)

Rinaldo is a garbage pick up. I thought the league was trying to get that type of player out of the game.

So Paul, no comments on Renaldo? Lavi better keep that guys on a super short leash.