BYE BYE, MCKEE

[deadphish]

HE'S GONE.

[SIU LAW]

Are they desperate for roster room and cap space, or did McKee and the coaching staff not mesh? Only saving a mere $1.4 million in total real dollars makes me believe it is not a move for financial reasons (i.e. reducing the amount incurred on a bad contract).

Unless it is for roster room and cap space, this seems like needless waste in my opinion. McKee is not worth four million, but if you are not needing the space, why not just keep him around? They have already spent the money on him.

[deadphish]

Are they desperate for roster room and cap space, or did McKee and the coaching staff not mesh?

YES AND YES.

[strocklen083]

Are they desperate for roster room and cap space

Yes and kinda but not really

Although I find it odd that we re-sign Weaver and then immediately release McKee. Gotta think we could have atleast traded him to Buffalo for a lower round pick or something. The guy still holds some value. Too bad it didn't work out for him here. Best of luck to him though...

[SIU LAW]

Does this mean they expect Brewer back? Or is that a completely separate issue?

How much is Polak asking for? Hmmmmm.

[strocklen083]

Does this mean they expect Brewer back? Or is that a completely separate issue?

I was thinking more along the lines that they have a FA d-man they're eyeing up. I know everyone keeps saying they expect Brewer to be back in time for camp. But c'mon, the guy has a totally jacked up back. If that's th case, then I feel they're taking a signifcant gamble here.

But then again, with Johnson coming back, Polak emerging as a regular and Pietroangleo being penciled in on the NHL roster, someone had to go. At leat Weaver knows his role and won't piss and moan about being scratched like McKee did.

[SIU LAW]

The Defense:

Eric Brewer*
Carlo Colaiacovo
Barret Jackman
Erik Johnson
Roman Polak
Mike Weaver

Alex Pietrangelo(?)

UFA?

Maybe if someone took Brewer out on a golf cart over some really rough terrain, some more cap space would open up.

[strocklen083]

The Defense:

Eric Brewer*
Carlo Colaiacovo
Barret Jackman
Erik Johnson
Roman Polak
Mike Weaver

Alex Pietrangelo(?)

UFA?

Maybe if someone took Brewer out on a golf cart over some really rough terrain, some more cap space would open up.

move Weaver down and Piteroangleo up. Weaver will be the "7th Man" on the D. If they add a FA guy, it'll probably be someone with a 2-way contract just as insurance in case Brewer really can't go come September.

Ignoring the Brewer health issue, do you have an issue taking that group into the season?

[big d note]

He was finally playing closer to his potential towards the end of last season and staying healthy, but meh. Hopefully this is to make room for a good trade or signing.

[SIU LAW]

Meh. Not really when looking at the "big picture" (this is not the Blues' Cup year).

To me it all depends whether or not Johnson will have some growing pains or not. It looks like we could use one more quality guy though. If Pietrangelo is in your top 6 with that group, there could be some scary nights for the defense.

A rusty Johnson, a crippled Brewer, and an inexperienced Pietrangelo could be scary for the first 20 games or so. That could be a playoff spot.

[strocklen083]

Meh. Not really when looking at the "big picture" (this is not the Blues' Cup year).

To me it all depends whether or not Johnson will have some growing pains or not. It looks like we could use one more quality guy though. If Pietrangelo is in your top 6 with that group, there could be some scary nights for the defense.

A rusty Johnson, a crippled Brewer, and an inexperienced Pietrangelo could be scary for the first 20 games or so.

I think Johnson will be just fine. Sure Pietroangelo will be shaky at first, but he should be fine come November or December. He got some good experience last year and he will have been on the Blues' strength/conditioning program for over a year come the beginning of camp.

[stlzombie79]

woo-hoo! 1 down-2 to go!

[strocklen083]

woo-hoo! 1 down-2 to go!

[SIU LAW]

I'm sure he means Brewer...and Jackman.

[strocklen083]

I'm sure he means Brewer...and Jackman.

hmmm....Am I like the only one who doesn't hate Jackman? I know he can be an asshat and the last play of the season is Exhibit A. But he puts up solid minutes and provides good leadership. Sure his salary is inflated, but most players' salaries are these days.

[stlmark]

Strickland says we are interested in Zubov. This could be the reason for the buyout. I have to check Zubov's age.

[stlmark]

I'm sure he means Brewer...and Jackman.

hmmm....Am I like the only one who doesn't hate Jackman? I know he can be an asshat and the last play of the season is Exhibit A. But he puts up solid minutes and provides good leadership. Sure his salary is inflated, but most players' salaries are these days.

I like Jackman, just not in the top pairing.

[strocklen083]

Strickland says we are interested in Zubov. This could be the reason for the buyout. I have to check Zubov's age.

OLD!

Why in God's name would we want to touch this guy with a 10 foot pole? He's probably got a year left in the tank and that's if he doesn't blow out his hip or something...

[northwest dave]

Ohlund or Zubov would be a good vet to have.
Otherwise, that defense is a little scary.

[SIU LAW]

I'm sure he means Brewer...and Jackman.

hmmm....Am I like the only one who doesn't hate Jackman? I know he can be an asshat and the last play of the season is Exhibit A. But he puts up solid minutes and provides good leadership. Sure his salary is inflated, but most players' salaries are these days.

You're not alone. Jackman's positives are almost always ignored now.