• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
St Louis Blues

Blues’ Training Camp Unveils a (Healthy) Problem

By Mike Poepping September 24th, 2014

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

The St. Louis Blues opened their 2014-15 training camp last Thursday with off-ice conditioning and fitness testing. Over the past week they have trimmed their roster from 52 players to 46 sending such prospects as Thomas Vannelli, CJ Yakimowicz, and Samuel Blais back to their respective junior teams.

However making the first round of cuts was simply the beginning, and from here on out the organization will really have to examine each prospective team member under the microscope to dissect their value in order to get to a finalized game day roster. The team simply has too much talent, and too many NHL ready players vying for too few spots on that final roster, causing a very healthy problem in St. Louis.

 

#451386688 / gettyimages.com

There’s no Such Thing as Too Much Talent

Granted there is nothing wrong with healthy competition in any sports setting, but at this time of year it can cause gray hairs and balding heads around the world. The problem the Blues are currently experiencing is one of that very realm. After the boys in blue (and white) hit the ice on Friday morning, and as they skated through the weekend heading into Sunday evening’s affair with the Columbus Blue Jackets squad, it was apparent that every player who’s “on the bubble” came prepared to fight for those last few roster spots.

 

Do the #stlblues really have better depth than a year ago? @jprutherford talks preseason pucks with @WheelerShow101: http://t.co/NGE2BK4h4C

— 101espn (@101espn) September 22, 2014

Crafty Vets Prove to be in Top Shape at Training Camp

Though the Blues’ 2014-15 training camp is still underway, there have been an abundance of standouts to this point. The most surprising fact may be that some of the players showing the most improvement are those who’ve been in the league for years (we’ll see what happens when the puck drops on the regular season in October though). Two of the veterans who caught the coaches’ eyes early in training camp were Peter Mueller and Steve Ott (yes Steve Ott). Mueller was originally skating with newcomer Jori Lehtera and budding superstar Vladimir Tarasenko, which definitely helps (as Lehtera and Taro have previously played with one another in the KHL) make his life easier, but Muller managed to keep up with their torrid pace, and even chipped in on most plays showing he has great hockey IQ, and a creative style of play, which is something the Blues are looking to have more of in their game this season.  

 

#167861043 / gettyimages.com

Ott, who came over from Buffalo at the deadline last season  in the infamous Ryan Miller trade, didn’t show much of anything last season, but is seemingly eager to make up for lost time. His hustle was the best at camp last weekend bar none, and he’s already cracked the preseason score sheet with an assist in Dallas. His smooth stride and quick feet seem to be back under him, and coaches were very impressed with his improved shot and quick release. This could be a true comeback year for the veteran, now that he’s in the role he was meant to be in at the NHL level.  

Now Ott and McKenzie drop the gloves. Ott was throwing them fast and furious. #STLvsDAL #stlblues — St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 23, 2014

Young Stars and Prospects Equally Impressive

With such budding stars as the aforementioned Vladimir Tarasenko and the (hopefully) soon to be signed Jaden Schwartz expecting big seasons, it may be the silent, strong type of youngster who finally helps the team get over its recent Stanley Cup playoff woes. Magnus Paajarvi has been talked up by coach Ken Hitchcock as a player to watch, and it showed throughout the camp last weekend. His speed has improved, his sight-lines seem impeccable, and his shot is more powerful than it ever has been. If the coaches allow him the additional playing time he needs to continue his NHL development, he could really be the missing piece to the depth puzzle the Notes have been looking for over the recent years past.

 

#482005911 / gettyimages.com

Though Paajarvi won’t likely be a standalone superstar, he could very well balance the team’s scoring with a 35 point season (something he hasn’t done since he amassed 34 points his rookie season in Edmonton) which would help win those ever-so-tight games the Blues often seem to find themselves in. Alongside Magnus will be young guns such as Dmitri Jaskin and Ty Rattie, and other NHL vets such as Ben Ferriero, Joakim Lindstrom (though he’s an NHL rookie), and defensemen Nate Prosser who will be filling in throughout the season as needed which provides a healthy competition throughout the year. These key pieces once again show the Blues’ healthy problem, an abundance of talent at every position to provide that balanced scoring they’ve been long searching for.

Other Training Camp Not(e)ables

The list of competitive players at the Blues’ training camp keeps on going because of great front office moves and player development increases over the past several seasons. Such players as the previously mentioned Joakim Lindstrom, St. Louis native Chris Butler, and everyone’s favorite tough guy Ryan Reaves have shown they are ready for the upcoming NHL season and have made the coaches decisions about the final roster that much more difficult.

 

Blues lost 4-3 elliott gave up 1 . Looked strong. STL goals by whitney berglund cole. Joakim lindstrom looked fast and strong, jaskin toLGB

— The 6th ATTACKER (@STLBlues5thLine) September 23, 2014

This healthy competition in training camp should lead to an impressive season, especially with back-end talent like Brian Elliot and Jake Allen splitting time between the pipes. This should mean more goals for, less against, and more wins to boost the team further into the playoffs than ever before. Let’s just hope they can stay healthy and focused for a full 82 games plus playoffs, so the city of St. Louis can finally celebrate down Market Street. With so many players ready to jump into the lineup at any given time, this could truly be the Blues’ year.

Like what you’ve just read? Then follow me on Twitter: @pep30

  • Tags
  • Jaden Schwartz
  • Magnus Paajarvi
  • Peter Mueller
  • Steve Ott
  • Vladimir Tarasenko
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 22nd 11:37 AM
Archives

50 in 50 for Mike Bossy

Jan 22nd 11:25 AM
Montreal Canadiens

Prospects News & Rumors: Caufield, Dobes, Power & More

Jan 22nd 11:15 AM
Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars Road Schedule Ravaged By COVID-19

Jan 22nd 10:55 AM
College Hockey

College Hockey Report: Riley vs. Riley, Family Members Faceoff Behind the Bench

Jan 22nd 10:45 AM
Nashville Predators

Predators: 3 Early Observations From the Young Season

Jan 22nd 10:35 AM
Washington Capitals

Capitals’ Backstrom Is Most Underrated Player in the NHL

Jan 22nd 10:25 AM
Colorado Avalanche

Kings Turn Tables On Avalanche For 4-2 Win

Jan 22nd 10:15 AM
Dallas Stars

3 Focuses for the Dallas Stars on Opening Night

Jan 22nd 10:05 AM
New York Islanders

Islanders Top Devils as Mat Barzal Continues to Grow

Jan 22nd 9:55 AM
Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Will Never Replace Joe Thornton in the Locker Room

Editor’s Picks
2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini's Top 75 Rankings

2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini's Top 75 Rankings

NHL TV Blackouts & Why They Happen?

NHL TV Blackouts & Why They Happen?

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information