Let's Go Blues

"We paid a strong price to get what we hope is a strong player. (But) it was a deal that we were very comfortable making. We could have used (Barret) Jackman or (Ian) Cole in that position, as we've done in the past. But you're always looking to tweak your roster and we were able to do that."

So the Blues intentions are to pair Bouwmeester with Pietrangelo, Gunnarsson with Shattenkirk and Cole on the right side with either Jackman or Jordan Leopold.

"Ian has been wanting this responsibility for a number of years, and now he has the door wide open for that spot on the right side," Armstrong said. "I leave that up to the coaches, but in the thought process of making that trade, we want to get Ian into our group and he provides the size and power that we're losing in Roman. Then, we're going to have great competition between Jackman and Leopold, rounding out our group."

Armstrong added that Gunnarsson's ability to play with a top defenseman and against the opponents' best offensive players allows the Blues to split up the pair of Bouwmeester and Pietrangelo if the team desires.

Gunnarrson averaged 19 minutes, 24 seconds of ice time per game in 2013-14, playing primarily with Phaneuf. He had three goals and 17 points, but perhaps more importantly was his plus-12 rating on a team that ranked No. 26 in the NHL in goals-against (3.07 per game).

"I talked to guys that have played against him and some of our own players that know him...he's a quick first-pass player, reads the game well, defends with his head," Armstrong said. "We believe the strength of our team is to get the puck up and attack. We want to give the centerman the puck at the right spot and Gunnarsson does that."

Elite Prospects wrote:A steady two-way defenseman who is often in the right place at the right time. Not overly physical, but reads the game well and has a knack for putting himself in a good position againt opposing attackers. Could probably do more offensively since he's a good passer.

APOD wrote:

"We paid a strong price to get what we hope is a strong player. (But) it was a deal that we were very comfortable making. We could have used (Barret) Jackman or (Ian) Cole in that position, as we've done in the past. But you're always looking to tweak your roster and we were able to do that."

So the Blues intentions are to pair Bouwmeester with Pietrangelo, Gunnarsson with Shattenkirk and Cole on the right side with either Jackman or Jordan Leopold.

"Ian has been wanting this responsibility for a number of years, and now he has the door wide open for that spot on the right side," Armstrong said. "I leave that up to the coaches, but in the thought process of making that trade, we want to get Ian into our group and he provides the size and power that we're losing in Roman. Then, we're going to have great competition between Jackman and Leopold, rounding out our group."

Armstrong added that Gunnarsson's ability to play with a top defenseman and against the opponents' best offensive players allows the Blues to split up the pair of Bouwmeester and Pietrangelo if the team desires.

Gunnarrson averaged 19 minutes, 24 seconds of ice time per game in 2013-14, playing primarily with Phaneuf. He had three goals and 17 points, but perhaps more importantly was his plus-12 rating on a team that ranked No. 26 in the NHL in goals-against (3.07 per game).

"I talked to guys that have played against him and some of our own players that know him...he's a quick first-pass player, reads the game well, defends with his head," Armstrong said. "We believe the strength of our team is to get the puck up and attack. We want to give the centerman the puck at the right spot and Gunnarsson does that."

cprice12 wrote:At first I wasn't so sure about this move....then after hearing how Gunnersson was more offensive, I figured, ok...sounds good. But then after actually looking at Gunnersson's numbers...he isn't more offensive minded at all.

He only has 3 more points than Polak last year, who is absolutely not offensive minded...and Polak had one more goal than Gunnersson...so I'm not sure where the offensive defenseman comments came from. Gunnersson seems to get 3 or 4 goals and in the low teens in assists each year. Offensive? Meh...no.

sure the numbers are similar but Polak had twice as many SOG leading me to GUESS Gunnarsson will get more chances here leading to more scoring.
More hits more blocked shots too I think we made out.

Gunnersson's plus minus on a bad defensive team is nice to see, and there's the salary cap hit...but other than that, I can't think of a reason why this is a good move.
I can't recall seeing him play...so I can't comment on it too much.

Yea it is his plus-12 rating on a team that ranked No. 26 in the NHL in goals-against (3.07 per game).

Misc. Blues wrote:I like this move a lot. Polak is an average d-man on any other team. He served the Blues well. He will be missed but Gunnarsson is a Top 4 d-man IMO. We just fleeced the Leafs and got a bonus pick who is now Goalie Ville Husso. Toews will have a harder time getting by this guy, he really knows the game. Another puzzle piece in place. Good job Army.

Carl Gunnarsson

Elite Prospects wrote:A steady two-way defenseman who is often in the right place at the right time. Not overly physical, but reads the game well and has a knack for putting himself in a good position againt opposing attackers. Could probably do more offensively since he's a good passer.