Lars Eller Will Play Against The Calgary Flames

[SIU LAW]

Numerous sources.

Lars Eller was called up from Peoria today under emergency conditions.

McDonald will not play tomorrow. Oshie will.

[kodos]

Sweet. I can't wait to see him not score.

[SIU LAW]

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced Wednesday the club has recalled forward Lars Eller under emergency conditions from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

Eller, 20, has played in 11 games this season with Peoria, ranking third on the team with 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and has recorded eight penalty minutes.

The Rodovre, Denmark native was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round, 13th overall in the 2007 Entry Draft.

Eller will become the sixth Danish player in history to play in the National Hockey League.

[stlmark]

Sweet. I can't wait to see him not score.

Seriously, I'm excited to see him play.

[SIU LAW]

Blues prospect Lars Eller expected to make NHL debut Thursday
By Jeremy Rutherford

Lars Eller said just a few minutes ago that he still doesn’t believe it’s true that he’s been called up by the Blues and he’ll make his NHL debut tomorrow.

“I don’t know how they usually tell people,” Eller said. “(Erik Johnson) just text me and said ‘Congratulations.’ But I haven’t talked to anyone from Blues’ management. I’m actually waiting for that call to make it official.”

It’s not coming. Just pack your bags and get on the road to St. Louis.

Eller had a clue what was happening Wednesday. With Blues center Andy McDonald yet to return to practice after crashing into the boards Saturday, the NHL roster was down to 11 forwards. Eller was told by Peoria coach Davis Payne Wednesday that he was under consideration for his first call up.

“I guess he wouldn’t have said that if something wasn’t going (to happen),” Eller said. “It’s awesome. I haven’t realized it yet and probably won’t until the game (Thursday) is over and I’ve gone through it. But it’s a pretty good feeling right now. I’m a little tense and I’ll probably be a little nervous, but I’ll enjoy it as much as I can. I hope I can be able to play the same way that I’ve been playing down here (in Peoria).”

Eller, the No. 13 overall draft pick in 2007, has three goals and eight assists in 22 games with the Rivermen this season. He has been playing on the team’s top line line with Yan Stastny and Nick Drazenovic.

“I feel like I’ve been playing good,” Eller said. “I’ve been playing on a good line and we really benefit from each other. That’s been a big part of it for me. I try to take as much responsibility down here as I can, and I feel like I’m learning something every day and getting better. It’s really a good choice I made coming to (North America).

“I think the transition went much smoother than I thought it would be. I’ve been surprised at how much fun I’ve had. I feel like I’m’ having fun every game. You hear a lot of bad stories about the (American Hockey League) living in Sweden. But I’m having fun every time out there.”

Eller’s call-up is on an emergency basis, meaning the only way he can play is if Andy McDonald can’t play. McDonald did not practice Wednesday with the team, nor did he skate on his own.

The question will be how the Blues use Eller. He is a top-six forward who projects as a skill player in the NHL. Will the Blues play him on a skill line Thursday against Calgary?

“I hope so,” Eller said. “I’m not in a position to demand anything, but I would hope so.”

JR

[SIU LAW]

You hear a lot of bad stories about the (American Hockey League) living in Sweden. But I’m having fun every time out there.

I think this is a pretty telling quote, and gives you an idea why it is hard to get some prospects to cross the pond.

[JWatt (formerly PMS)]

I guess Lars Eller is "close."

[section319]

I guess this will show how readdy he really is, if he sucks maybe everyone can quit freaking out 12 games into the season and wanting to call up all our new prospects who are 12 games into their first ahl season.. I hope he kicks ass though.

[glen a richter]

I thought Eller wasn't close at all.... hmmmm

Well, under "emergency" conditions, what if he comes out hot out of the gate?

No doubt some members of the board would still say screw him, and pine to have him sent back to Peoria ASAP. Lord knows King, Janssen, Crombeen and Winchester are far more palatable alternatives.

[section319]

I thought Eller wasn't close at all.... hmmmm

Well, under "emergency" conditions, what if he comes out hot out of the gate?

No doubt some members of the board would still say screw him, and pine to have him sent back to Peoria ASAP. Lord knows King, Janssen, Crombeen and Winchester are far more palatable alternatives.

I don't think anybody thinks Winchester should be playing over Eller up here, but Eller isn't going to be the savior of this team right now. And when Andy comes back Winchester should be sent down before Eller, I don't care how bad Eller plays he won't be any worse than Winchester has been this year.

[glen a richter]

This team is going to need more than 1 player, rookie or veteran, to be a savior. This team needs everyone to do their job and stop pussing around like a bunch of damn fools.

[BF44]

So this is another reason someone should buy my tickets for the game....

</shameless plug>

[hugedeal]

Say Eller does very well and earns a permanent spot, does he need to be sent down because of the emergency status of his call-up? Could the Blues keep Eller and send another down?

[ViPeRx007]

I've held onto this sponsorship awaiting this day....GO ELLER!

[SIU LAW]

Say Eller does very well and earns a permanent spot, does he need to be sent down because of the emergency status of his call-up?

They might have to do that on paper, and bring him right back up, but I'm not sure.

If Eller dazzles, the Blues will make room for him. They are not going to pass up the chance to put someone on team that can help them wins games. At the very least, Eller can get a quick taste of NHL speed and he may be up later during the season. Or, he could be this year's Backes (think about when Murray took over the team).

[Leedog]

I thought Eller wasn't close at all.... hmmmm

Well, under "emergency" conditions, what if he comes out hot out of the gate?

No doubt some members of the board would still say screw him, and pine to have him sent back to Peoria ASAP. Lord knows King, Janssen, Crombeen and Winchester are far more palatable alternatives.

I don't think anybody thinks Winchester should be playing over Eller up here, but Eller isn't going to be the savior of this team right now. And when Andy comes back Winchester should be sent down before Eller, I don't care how bad Eller plays he won't be any worse than Winchester has been this year.

I do. If he isn't ready for the NHL.

[ohio BLUES]

Look at those quotes - Lars Eller for Kapitan!!!1

[Winning Unlimited]

Arnold could say those lines and Lars would make him sound like a pansy.

[gaijin]

Sweet. I can't wait to see him not get any ice time.

Fixed.

[DaDitka]

Sweet. I can't wait to see him not get any ice time.

Fixed.

This