On a Run

The Blues have gone 4-0-2 in their last six and now sit just three points back of Vancouver and Calgary who are tied for seventh in the conference with 68 points. This could be blessing, could be a curse. I most definitely want to see the Blues in the playoffs. Nothing compares to playoff hockey. (Last night's game came close, however.) It would also give the management something tangible to demonstrate the progress the team has made. This could, however, prevent any trades for the Blues.

It appears that the two biggest trade pieces that the Blues have include Barret Jackman and Bryce Salvador. Does a run at the playoffs preclude any deals involving these two players? Does it matter? Jaroslav Modry was recently traded to Philadelphia for a 3rd round pick. Both Bryce and Barret have more value than Modry but that sets the bar very low. Would a second round pick be worth either Barret or Bryce? Perhaps, perhaps, one but not both. That would lead me to believe they will be kept.

With Backman's injury, the speculation on his future has died down. Speculation has picked up on Lee Stempniak being traded as part of a package for a young forward. The Blues will very soon have a glut of mid-level prospects or young veterans(high level prospects go immediately to the head of the line) and they will have to clear some room. There won't be room for the former kid line of Stempniak, McClement, and Backes in addition to Linglet and Lemtyugov not to mention Stastny (who has played well), Martin Kariya, or Mike Glumac. Decisions will have to be made.

The word on the street (yeah, that's right. I said it) is that Alex Tanguay is on the block. Could be a great first line guy. He is underperforming this year (11 goals but 45 points; think Andy MacDonald but taller) and is making $5+ million dollars this year and next. That salary would be tough to swallow. I don't think I would give up much to get him.

There was a hiccup in my logon name that prevented posting. All cleared up now.