Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock addresses the media after game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. The Minnesota Wild defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The St. Louis Blues forwards have a lot to answer for from last year’s regular playoff performances. A few members of the forwards group have bright futures going into this season. The ones that are not living up to their billing are going to need to prove that they have what it takes to contribute on a nightly basis.
I want to take an in depth look into the players of the forward lines that have something to prove. I will also check out two of our latest professional acquisitions this off-season. Take these with a grain of salt as they are coming from a hockey player’s view point and not someone who is part of the media. Now onto the first player!
Next: David Backes
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
David Backes
Age: 31
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Statistics From Last Season:
80 games played
26 goals
32 assists
58 total points
+/- 7
Biography: The St. Louis Blues captain was drafted in the 2003 NHL Draft in the 2nd round. He is an active animal rights philanthropist and a very dedicated team player. He has earned the nickname “Captain America” from his trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. He has recently paid a small donation to his alma mater Minnesota State as well.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: He needs to play a smarter game and let the 4th line brutes antagonize the opponents. He also needs to tighten up his defense and not take so many penalties. I see him being bumped down into the 2nd line to take on more of a shut-down role. If he can improve his defense this year, I would expect him to make more plays like in the video below.
Next: Patrik Berglund
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Patrik Berglund
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-2Berglund solidifies self as Buffalo Sabres most infamous player /
Biography: Patrik Berglund was drafted by the Blues in the 1st round of the 2006 NHL Draft. He is the last remaining player of the famed “Kid Line” from the most recent rebuilding process. His defensive prowess is mostly what has kept him with the Blues despite his low and rarely timely point production.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: If Berglund doesn’t push himself and start to put up more points this season, I don’t see him staying with the Blues much longer. He may see the bench at times this season with prospects like Ty Rattie, Robby Fabbri, and Ivan Barbashev all pushing at making the team this year. 3rd line minutes are all I would give him.
Next: Kyle Brodziak
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Brodziak
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-2Edmonton Oilers: New Forwards Quarter Pole Review /
Biography: Brodziak was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2003 NHL Draft. He has played for the Oilers and the Minnesota Wild for most of his NHL career. He was part of the Minnesota team that knocked the Blues out of last year’s playoffs in the 1st round.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: Brodziak needs to prove to the front office and the fans that he has the skill set to play with the Blues’ 4th line and provide another set of teeth that can break the will of the opponents. I believe that he can do just that and will make the 4th line a much more powerful line down the stretch.
Next: Troy Brouuwer
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Troy Brouwer
Age:
29
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-4Washington Capitals: Troy Brouwer hangs up his skates /
Biography: Troy Brouwer has played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals, collecting one Stanley Cup title with the Blackhawks. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004. He was then traded to the Washington Capitals after the 2010-2011 season. This summer he was acquired by the Blues in trade with the Capitals that sent fan favorite T.J. Oshie to Washington.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: Brouwer needs to compete with the other players on the third line and compete with at least 3 of the Blues prospects to show that he has what it takes. My money is on him making the 3rd line and if he can produce points he should become a versatile asset. Below is a sample of what we could see from Brouwer.
Next: Magnus Paajarvi
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Magnus Paajarvi
Age: 24
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Statistics From Last Season:
NHL:
10 games played
0 goals
1 assist
1 total point
+- -2
AHL:
36 games played
11 goals
18 assists
29 total points
+/- 3
Biography: Magnus Paajarvi was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Draft. He has consistently been sent down to the AHL while with the Oilers and only recently was sent to the Chicago Wolves, the Blues AHL affiliate this past season. He was acquired in a trade involving David Perron being sent to Edmonton in the 2013-2014 offseason.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: Magnus needs to prove that his speed is exactly what the Blues need right now. He also needs to stay determined and work every night if he wants to stay in the NHL. He should receive 3rd line minutes, or be sent down to the AHL. It is all in his hands and it could go either way.
Next: Paul Stastny
Apr 3, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Blues defeat the Stars 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Biography: Paul Stastny was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2005 NHL Draft. He remained with the Avalanche until last season after signing a major long term contract with the St. Louis Blues. His brother Yan, and father Peter have also played for the Blues. He also attended a local St. Louis high school, Chaminade College Preparatory School.
Predictions/Areas Of Improvement: Stastny needs to get over the late start he had to last season after a strange injury sidelined him for a few weeks. He needs to prove that his $7 million cap hit is a worthy investment as well as the type of leadership he can bring to the table. 1st and 2nd line minutes should be his assignment, while switching with Lehtera when the team wants to conserve energy. Below is an example of what Stastny could be if he comes prepared to play this season.
