What free agents could the Blues go after?

by BackesisreallyChuck on Apr 15, 2011 6:41 PM CDT

IF we get a quick ownership change, which is highly unlikely I know, who would you like to see the Blues go after? I think Antti Miettinen or Alex Frolov could look good in a Blues uni. Maybe Peter Budaj as a backup if Bishop isn't deemed ready. What do you all think? I know we won't be able to go for a big name free agent but who are the little guys we could add to the lineup?

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Not sure what your definition of a "little" guy is...

But to name some underrated players that I think would be great for the Blues..

Forwards: Prospal, Leino, Brooks Laich (love this guy but don’t see the CAPS giving him up or not matching an offer)

D-Men: Pitkanen, Bieksa, O’Brien, Montador, Sopel (Ehrhoff would be great, but no way Vancouver lets him go)…I like or young group of defenders, but with Jackman’s performance declining, it would be good to have another veteran D in the mix who can do a little more than Jax

Goalies: Boucher would be great…not many other guys I like on that list

by Cole Youngner on Apr 15, 2011 7:13 PM CDT reply actions

By little

I was going for underrated, just couldnt think of the word. LOL. I do like Laich as well but agree that the Caps can’t let him go. Pitkanen would be great for the right price as well as Bieksa. If Ehrhoff were to hit the market it would be a steal.

If it ain't hockey, it ain't shit.

by BackesisreallyChuck on Apr 15, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I haven't followed Prospal or Leino

Lately. I also haven’t really heard much in the way of Prospal since his time with the Lightning, but I liked what I saw from Ville Leino last year during the playoffs. He seemed to do the opposite of quite a few “little guys” and found a second gear that really helped the Flyers on their run to the SCF.

I don’t have a voice on the D, as I unlike quite a few, still like Jax’s play.

As for netminders, if the Blues do indeed let Conks go, I can think that it’s only to give Bishop an opportunity to take lesser minutes and prove himself via the backup role. Then again, my name isn’t Doug Armstrong. :)

Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not. - Thomas Jefferson

by Dan. on Apr 15, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I would support going after Ville Leino...

…but I don’t know just yet where he fits in.

I don’t see any need to send Jackman packing, unlike some folks, and I think next year’s Peoria defense corps is pretty much set at this point:

Veterans: Nathan Oystrick, Dean Arsene
AHL contracts: Daryl Boyle, Joe Gannon, Derek Peltier
2nd year pros: Ian Cole, Mark Cundari
Rookies: Cade Fairchild, Brett Ponich, David Shields

That’s five legitimate prospects, one U25 AHL contracted guy (Boyle), and four veterans.

NHL defense will be Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, Colaiacvovo, Jackman, Nikitin, Polak, Strachan, Junland. Oystrick and Cole should be the first two on the Peoria Shuttle. There may be an opportunity for a free agent LD to work his way into the NHL lineup if Junland doesn’t come through and/or Strachan gets cut loose.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 16, 2011 2:34 AM CDT up reply actions

UFA defense possibilities:

Christian Ehrhoff, Vancouver.
Jonathan Ericsson, Detroit.
Andy Greene, New Jersey.
Joni Pitkanen, Philadelphia.year deal

Ehrhoff and Pitkanen would be the most expensive, probably in the neighborhood of $5MM per year for at least a four-year deal. Either — especially Ehrhoff — would fit nicely alongside Pietrangelo at even strength and on the power play.

Greene is the smallest of the four listed here, but probably would come cheapest, and has puck-moving skills and offensive creativity to go along with a little old-fashioned Made In The USA grit. Ericsson is an intriguing thought, too… it’d be kind of nice to steal a guy from Detroit who might actually be worth a shit (as opposed to the two wretched goalies the Blues have taken from the Wings in recent years).

If the ownership issues can be solved before July 1, I’d be willing to throw a pretty big contract at Ehrhoff, $25-30MM over five years. Let JD sell him on the potential of this team, and on the prospect of pairing with Pietrangelo.

if Ehrhoff is off the table, I’d offer $13-16MM over three years to Pitkanen.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 16, 2011 3:00 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

" If the ownership issues can be solved before July 1, I’d be willing to throw a pretty big contract at Ehrhoff, $25-30MM over five years. Let JD sell him on the potential of this team, and on the prospect of pairing with Pietrangelo.

if Ehrhoff is off the table, I’d offer $13-16MM over three years to Pitkanen."

I agree 100%, both are good offensive defensemen who still play solid defense…them with Petro on the PP would be all sorts of awesome

by Cole Youngner on Apr 16, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Here's another one: Jan Hejda?

He’s big, he’s familiar with the Central Division and isn’t too bad a player on the blue line. He’s not going to be a high scorer but the Blues have plenty of that on the blue line in Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk. Hejda has shown that he can be defensively responsible for a team that’s good (+23 in 82 games in ‘08-’09). Also, this might be the perfect guy to sign if, for some stupid reason, the team decides to cut Jackman loose. And he wouldn’t come at too expensive of a price tag, I wouldn’t think.

I dunno, maybe I’m grabbing at straws here, but I wouldn’t mind having him.

Fight Club writer for the print edition of St. Louis Game Time . . . I need another beer.
The Throwdown Lowdown Report, only on The Bluenote Zone.
And I can also write things in 140 characters or fewer.

by Donut King on Apr 18, 2011 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Hejda's an option, sure...

Not as attractive an option as Ehrhoff or Pitkanen, but an option for sure.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 18, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

I just don't like Strachan...

I felt like he was a liability on the ice…and not sure on Junland yet. I would honestly take Ian Cole over Strachan

by Cole Youngner on Apr 16, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not sold on Strachan, either...

…but I think Junland has the talent to stick in the NHL, and he played very well this past season in Sweden, helping lead Farjestad BK to the SEL championship (along with Kristofer Berglund). One would hope that Junland recognizes that he missed out on a golden opportunity here in St. Louis by going back to Sweden last year, and that he will come to camp ready to assert himself as a legitimate top six NHL defenseman.

There’s no risk for him or the Blues if he does come to camp. If he makes it, great. If not the Blues can always “loan” him back to some SEL team — pretty much any of which would be glad to take him — and he won’t have to be banished to Peoria.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 18, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds like Junland's a good option

Thanks for the update on the SEL playoffs…that gives me hope for him. Basically I want Strachan to be a last resort for call up as opposed to the 7th d-man.

Assuming we keep who we have now and don’t add any other D from free agents, I view our top 6 and the 7th as

Petro, Cola
Polak, Jackman
Shattenkirk, Cole

Junland

by Cole Youngner on Apr 18, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I like both

Prospal would provide a good veteran presence…he’s had some good years with the Rangers, and he played well down the stretch this year… he was hurt for the first half of the season this year.

Leino was, I believe, a rookie last year, though he’s in his mid-late 20’s. He was very key in the playoffs last year and has played well this year, 19G-34A in 81 games. Plus his price tag is cheap…though he’s definitely due for a raise from his below $1million contract.

by Cole Youngner on Apr 16, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Leino wasn't a rookie last year.

He played with Detroit before he got to Philly. I don’t know how many season, but I know he was there first

Barret Jackman is my hero.

Fueled. These new shores burn. Shadow, my sweet shadow, to you I look no more.

by BluesTiger on Apr 18, 2011 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Technically...

He was a rookie. You are correct, he was with Detroit first, but he only played 13 games with them his first season, 08-09. His rookie season was considered to be 09-10, he got traded to the flyers during that season. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ville_Leino

by Cole Youngner on Apr 19, 2011 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

For some reason I thought he was a bigger part there.

Oh well. Regardless, he’s an intriguing option for the Blues to sign. I know there’s a site, but where would one go to look at all the free agents coming up this offseason?

Barret Jackman is my hero.

Fueled. These new shores burn. Shadow, my sweet shadow, to you I look no more.

by BluesTiger on Apr 19, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

ZACH STACHE PARISE

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 15, 2011 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

^^this.

"You suck, but at least you know you suck. That's what I like about you." -Brett Hull

by hullnoates on Apr 15, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I know the Devs are strapped for cash

But do you really think they’ll let Parise go?

That sounds snide, and that’s not how I intended it. I just can’t think of a better way to word it. I’m seriously curious if you have a theory that lends itself to Parise being on the market. So please, sound off if you’ve got an idea!

Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not. - Thomas Jefferson

by Dan. on Apr 15, 2011 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions

It's highly unlikely...

…but possible. I think this kind of speculation about free agents and trades is a waste of time, as there is no way to know anything about the reality of the various NHL front offices. Do I think the Blues will end up with Parise? Probably not. Is it any less likely than the other FAs listed here? Who knows? I mean, if you had asked me 6 months ago, I would have said that there is no way in hell Colorado would part with Chris Stewart. So, if we’re going to make wild speculations, I might as well dream big, right?

"You suck, but at least you know you suck. That's what I like about you." -Brett Hull

by hullnoates on Apr 16, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

exactly

cap strapped, and blues have the picks to part with to sign the RFA, not to mention, any front office is going to take a look at going after Parise will it happen? probably not with the ownership situation but as hullnoates just states no one though we would have chris goddamn stewart or kevin shattenkirk either. So most definately it could happen blues have close to 20 mil in cap space with a few rfa’s of their own that will get raises, so even if they go after Parise expect around 8 mil/yr min to sign him, they would still have room without getting close to the cap for the D man listed above even though I would rather them not go after a D since the ones we have will def benefit from more experience you

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 16, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd like to see Parise here.

If we’re playing the game I’d also like to see Laitch or Leino. Again I don’t see Wash parting with Laitch but you never know.

I am uncertain about Frolov. He’s to unpredictable. He’s either lighting it up or he’s invisible, and to often its the latter. I thought it would be cool to see him signed her last year, but after reading some interviews with him this season, he seems to have a sense of entitlement that’s not really deserved.

Barret Jackman is my hero.

Fueled. These new shores burn. Shadow, my sweet shadow, to you I look no more.

by BluesTiger on Apr 16, 2011 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

I wanna read this in a GDT next season.......

GOAL!!!!!

CHRIS GODDAMN STEWART FROM ZACH MOTHERFUCKING PARISE!!!!!

Make it happen Army…….Make it happen……

I still maintain Vladimir Konstantinov got what he deserved...If you can't handle that then kiss my ass......

"I've got a bad feeling about this..."

by dablues7 on Apr 17, 2011 5:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

rumor ive heard

is Tarasenko wont be here next year unless hes offered a Blues roster spot and not be in Peoria

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 18, 2011 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

Is that a Strickland rumor?

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 18, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

apparently

strickland reported he wasnt making these type of demands on twitter

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 18, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions

and i just read the tweet

i mean, you cant put in on a d 3rd or 4th line, i bet you plug him in with bergs, and perron(assuming hes coming back) so lines

Mac, Back, goddamn
perron, bergs, tarasenko
steen, osh, dags
reaves, mcrae, sobie

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 18, 2011 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions

ill take that lineup any day

by bleedblue942 on Apr 19, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't think ''third line.''

Think “line with Steen and Oshie.”

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 19, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions

thats what the new NHL has

a 3rd scoring line, not a grinder line thats what the 4th line is for

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 19, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sure what kind of contract he'd be looking for...

…but former Dallas third-rounderPerttu Lindgren is a free agent in Finland.

23 G, 66 points in 56 SM-Liiga games, plus 4-5-9 in 11 playoff games. 23 years old, 6’ 0, 187 pounds.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 19, 2011 10:06 PM CDT reply actions

And another Finnish free agent...

…this time a left defenseman.

Jani Forsström, 25 years old, 6’ 1, 203 pounds. Has decent scoring (27-56-83) and PIM totals (215) in 256 career SM-Liiga games.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 19, 2011 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Our old buddy...

…Petr Cajanek is a free agent, too.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 19, 2011 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions

lindgren

is kinda small, but scores a ton, def have to be a 2way contract start in the AHL with 1st call up,

going through the handshake line at my game the other night, guy says youre still a prick Evan...me: yep sure am next time stop me from scoring

by DESTROYER on Apr 19, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions

I have my doubts he comes over for a two-way deal to start in the AHL...

…and I don’t consider 6’ 0, 187 to be “small.” That’s as big as Datsyuk, Filppula, Zetterberg, Oshie… all of whom seem to do just fine in the NHL.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 20, 2011 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions

you just

listed 3 red wings and said they are doing just fine.

i hope you say 50 “fuck detroits” tonight

by bleedblue942 on Apr 20, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I hate those bastards...

…but you’d have to be completely detached from reality to think that they’re anything less than quality hockey players, particularly Datsyuk and Zetterberg.

I hope they do jack shit in the rest of the series against Phoenix, and will always root against them… but these guys are going to get their points no matter what I think or say.

That said, I will gladly do the penance you have assigned, Father… :-D

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Apr 20, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions