Let's Go Blues

Blues Recall Hakanpaa

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Tuesday the Blues have recalled defenseman Jani Hakanpaa from the club’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

Hakanpaa, 20, has appeared in 14 games with the Rivermen this season, posting four points (one goal and three assists).

Prior to joining Peoria, the 6-foot-5, 218-pound defenseman dressed in 34 games for Espoo of Finland’s SM-liiga, recording five points (two goals and three assists) to go along with 34 penalty minutes.

The Kirkkonummi, Finland native was drafted by the Blues in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft.

This guy is big. Likely recalled for depth heading into the playoffs. Only player I can see him replacing his Leopold. While many seem to think he has been good, he has not been good on the power play at all. Still wondering why Hitch kept throwing him out there when it clearly was not working.

My initial reacton was wtf? Then you mention depth and I guess it makes sense. But... Cole, Russell, isn't there enough depth at the moment? If they need another body in the playoffs it means we've already lost enough d-men to injury that a recall from Peoria won't make a bit of difference.

He won't play.
He's just here to get some practice time in with the big club, get familiar with things.
And he'll be here in case of an emergency situation if have a few injuries to the defense in the playoffs...so it's best to get him some practice time, just in case.

If they clinch tonight I can see maybe the benefit of getting him some ice time in the remaining games if they're assuming he has a chance to make the club next year. Give the big guns a rest going into the playoffs. But only if they actually clinch tonight otherwise it's a fairly stupid ass thing to do.

Aaaaaaaahahhhhhhhh

SKEEET SKEEEEET SKEEEEEET HAKANPAAAAAAA

glen a richter wrote:If they clinch tonight I can see maybe the benefit of getting him some ice time in the remaining games if they're assuming he has a chance to make the club next year. Give the big guns a rest going into the playoffs. But only if they actually clinch tonight otherwise it's a fairly stupid ass thing to do.

I can only see that happening going into the last game, and if the last game doesn't mean anything.
They are going to try to finish as high as they can.

cprice12 wrote:

glen a richter wrote:If they clinch tonight I can see maybe the benefit of getting him some ice time in the remaining games if they're assuming he has a chance to make the club next year. Give the big guns a rest going into the playoffs. But only if they actually clinch tonight otherwise it's a fairly stupid ass thing to do.

I can only see that happening going into the last game, and if the last game doesn't mean anything.
They are going to try to finish as high as they can.

The way it's looking now, that last game against Chicago will determine whether we finish in 4th, 5th or 6th. Like was mentioned in the other thread, Chicago may sit some of their top talent, but I don't think we are likely to, unless it is mathematically impossible for us to catch San Jose or LA at that point (unlikely).