Blues Make Changes Following Game 7 Meltdown
Jun 6, 2016 20:28:02 GMT -5
Beans (BOS), bjernagris (PHI), and 1 more like this
Post by Pulse on Jun 6, 2016 20:28:02 GMT -5
The 2016-2017 season was bittersweet for the Blues. Following a Stanley Cup season, the President's Trophy winning Blues boasted a 2 goal lead going into the third period of game 7 at home against the Predators. Three Nashville goals later and the Blues left the ice with a very solemn look, as if wondering if they really did find themselves with an early exit from the playoffs.
As is usual with the end of most Blues seasons, finger-pointing began, and instead of being resigned to losing to a good team in a tough league, St. Louis management immediately starting working on smoothing out the 'rough edges' with some big moves. They started at the perceived root of the problem, replacing G Sergei Bobrovsky with former Vezina winner and former gold medalist, G Carey Price. This came at the cost of C Jori Lehtera, a piece that the Blues have yet to replace, but C depth has never been a problem for the Blues, who have several natural centers on their roster.
The next big trade from St Louis appeared on its face to be a head-scratcher, but this analyst believes it to be a glimpse into some significant changes to the approach of Blues hockey. Young Robbi Fabbri was shipped to the Blackhawks for a future 1st round pick, and RW Matt Nieto. The former Colorado winger seems to be a downgrade from the electrifying play of Fabbri, but Nieto is a bit more mature and has a more physical, defensive game than Fabbri. This return to a defense first mentality is likely where the Blues are headed, and I suspect we will see some additional moves in the form of FA or trades that will follow along this same pattern.
Rumors are that bluechip LD Jakob Chuchrun will also be a possibility on the roster this year, which is generating tons of excitement for Blues fans, despite the disappointing loss. Chychrun has a shot that has been compared to Shea Weber or Zedno Chara, which is an extraordinary thing considering he is only 19 years old. He should find amazing success alongside veteran defensemen such as Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Pietrangelo, and Michael Del Zotto.
The off-season last year saw some huge moves from St. Louis, and so far 2017 has not disappointed. I have a feeling that some additional moves are yet to come, and the 2017 Blues will once again find themselves as one of the top teams in the league.
As is usual with the end of most Blues seasons, finger-pointing began, and instead of being resigned to losing to a good team in a tough league, St. Louis management immediately starting working on smoothing out the 'rough edges' with some big moves. They started at the perceived root of the problem, replacing G Sergei Bobrovsky with former Vezina winner and former gold medalist, G Carey Price. This came at the cost of C Jori Lehtera, a piece that the Blues have yet to replace, but C depth has never been a problem for the Blues, who have several natural centers on their roster.
The next big trade from St Louis appeared on its face to be a head-scratcher, but this analyst believes it to be a glimpse into some significant changes to the approach of Blues hockey. Young Robbi Fabbri was shipped to the Blackhawks for a future 1st round pick, and RW Matt Nieto. The former Colorado winger seems to be a downgrade from the electrifying play of Fabbri, but Nieto is a bit more mature and has a more physical, defensive game than Fabbri. This return to a defense first mentality is likely where the Blues are headed, and I suspect we will see some additional moves in the form of FA or trades that will follow along this same pattern.
Rumors are that bluechip LD Jakob Chuchrun will also be a possibility on the roster this year, which is generating tons of excitement for Blues fans, despite the disappointing loss. Chychrun has a shot that has been compared to Shea Weber or Zedno Chara, which is an extraordinary thing considering he is only 19 years old. He should find amazing success alongside veteran defensemen such as Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Pietrangelo, and Michael Del Zotto.
The off-season last year saw some huge moves from St. Louis, and so far 2017 has not disappointed. I have a feeling that some additional moves are yet to come, and the 2017 Blues will once again find themselves as one of the top teams in the league.