The St. Louis Blues have lacked offensive power for far too long, but one of the glaring issues on the team is a lack of a true number one center.  Patrik Berglund was once thought to be able to develop into such a role, but with streaky play and the inability to develop chemistry with the team’s top players have pushed him down in the lineup.  Although Berglund’s value is not at an all time high, he did just have a great season and could possibly be used as a piece in a bigger trade.

Apr 25, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Patrik Berglund (21) and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (26) battle for the puck during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

While centers will be at a premium this offseason, most of everyone available is nearing the twilight of their career.  For the Blues to make an impact on their depth chart, they need to make a trade.  Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong will surely work to lock up Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk, and most likely Chris Stewart before making any trades in order to know his budget, but there doesn’t seem to be enough money left to keep everyone around.  If the Blues wanted to package fellow restricted agent Ian Cole and Patrik Berglund, they could try to make a run at a player like Paul Stastny who also seems to be in need of a change in scenery.  Stastny’s salary could be a tough one to swallow for the Blues, but if they can re-sign their other RFA’s at a reasonable price, they could make it work.

If not for Stastny, the Blues could look to trade Berglund, Cole, or other pieces for a top draft pick and make a push to sign Tyler Bozak in the offseason.  While Bozak is not increidbly young, he seems to be hitting his stride and could add some punch to the Blues offense.

No matter what Armstrong chooses to do, it seems to be time that the Blues would want to part with Berglund.  While many have criticized players like Stewart for not putting forth a full effort, Berglund has failed to get in better shape and turn his game around.  Stewart’s work ethic has been tremendous and he seems to push to become a better player.  Berglund just does not seem to fit in with this club and it is time to send him packing.

Let’s us know what you think in the comments below.  Should the Blues be looking to move Berglund?  If so, who/what would you want in return.

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan

May 18, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) is checked into the Detroit Red Wings bench by left wing Justin Abdelkader (8) in the second period of game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. The Red Wings won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

For many Blues fans the NHL playoffs mean rooting for the Blues to win it all, but since we were eliminated early on this season we must now watch as other teams make a run to the cup.

Unfortunately for Blues fans, they have to watch as the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings face off in the second round.  Typically it would be easy to root against either team as they are natural enemies of the Blues, but this season we are watching them faceoff against one another.

Readers of this site know very well that I am not a fan of the Red Wings, but there is no team that I despise more than the Chicago Blackhawks.  Other fans in St. Louis may be hoping to see the Blackhawks win this series after the incredible season that they have had, but you will not get that from me.  This will be the only time in my entire life, thankfully as the Wings move to the East, that I will be in support of the Detroit Red Wings.

The Wings have had an incredible turn around this season and Coach Mike Babcock is certainly to thank.  After losing almost all of their talent on the backend, Babcock managed to take his team from struggling to beating perhaps the best team in the West in the first round of the playoffs.  Any hockey fan loves an underdog and if the Wings can defeat the Blackhawks as well they will be the Cinderella story of the season even if they don’t win the cup.  Don’t get me wrong, this is a one round support only.  If the Wings do eliminate the Hawks, my allegiance will end as soon as the final game is over, but I will still appreciate the fact that they eliminated the lowest of all teams in the NHL.

Don’t get me wrong though, the Blackhawks have had an incredible season.  They have played well, they make a record setting run, but I have never thought they were capable of winning the cup.  Chicago has benefited greatly from the shortened season and still has a long way to go to prove that they could beat an offensively minded team like the Penguins should they meet them in a cup final.  The Hawks offense can score goals and their backend is solid.  My only issue is, if the Red Wings can prove to play as well defensively and match the offensive production of the Hawks, does anyone really think they could best the Kings in a seven game series?  I don’t think so, not with Jonathan Quick in net.

Either way, this is a difficult series to watch for Blues fans.  We all hoped that somehow we would get to be the team to eliminate the Blackhawks, but maybe Detroit can do us a favor.  What do you think Blues fans, who are you rooting for in this series?

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan