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St. Louis Blues’ Scott Gomez PTO Offer Makes Sense

By Andrew Martin

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Scott Gomez, the longtime New Jersey Devil, has been invited to St. Louis Blues training camp on a professional tryout. Sure, he isn’t what he used to be. Gomez is no longer the center who notched 84 points in 2005-2006 for the Devils, but he still has value to a franchise trying to win its first Stanley Cup.

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Oshie and Jackman both wore the “A” and even with other veterans still wearing the Note such as Alex Steen and David Backes, it is crucial that a young team has a core of leaders that have been to the playoffs and had success in their careers.

Gomez has won the Stanley Cup twice, both with the Devils. His first coming in 2000, and 2nd coming three seasons later in 2003. His playoff numbers over his 15 years in the NHL are rather impressive. Over 149 games he amassed 101 points and a +3 rating.

Apr 9, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez (21) and teammates celebrate as he assisted a goal during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, at 35-years-old Gomez is essentially an NHL dinosaur, but not all of his contributions need to be goals and assists. Even if he doesn’t make the St. Louis Blues opening day roster, his time around the young Blues in training camp should hopefully be a tremendous learning experience for a team that struggled mightily in the playoffs in recent seasons.

Patrik Berglund’s shoulder injury that will sideline him for about 4 months and the announcement that Gomez will be on the PTO invite list for camp may not be a coincidence. That being said, Gomez is not a replacement for the big Swede. In the short-term, best case scenario is that Gomez can take some of Berglund’s 3rd line minutes and be effective, but don’t expect the former Devil to spend much time with the Blues.

Young player such as Ty Rattie and Robby Fabbri may see increased NHL time with the St. Louis Blues in 2015-2016 due to Berglund’s injury, but GM Doug Armstrong certainly hopes that Gomez has some gas left in the tank. If he doesn’t, then no harm done. Gomez hasn’t signed a contract with the Blues, and if he looks poor in training camp and preseason the team can cut ties and send him on his way.

The former 1st round draft pick from Alaska can provide much needed help in the leadership department.

Other sports such as the NFL will use this type of training camp invite to see what a player may have left in his legs, and worst case scenario drop him before the real games begin. I would like to see Gomez work with Fabbri, Rattie, and even Vladimir Tarasenko and other young Blues players to teach them what it takes to go deep into the playoffs. Another early exit from the postseason should see many St. Louis Blues organization members lose their jobs, and the work begins in training camp to right the ship and begin building a playoff foundation.

Last season Gomez played for the Devils once again and had 34 points over 58 games, not a bad stat line for a player past his prime. The former 1st round draft pick from Alaska can provide much needed help in the leadership department. Whether he accepts that type of caretaker role remains to be seen, but his value should be looked at from the positive perspective. Blues fans will be watching closely come training camp to see what the 3rd and 4th lines may look like with the veteran at center.

Until then, watch the Scott Gomez highlight video below that shows why this veteran was a championship caliber center.

Next: Gomez Gets PTO With St. Louis

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