Not So Blue

Last season was a huge success for the St. Louis Blues. Despite being swept in the playoffs, the Blues were able to overcome serious injuries to their team leaders and watch their rookies carry the load. The future looks bright for the fans in the gateway city and fantasy gm’s should not shy away from selecting these hard working Blues.

Erik Johnson – The 2008-09 season was a disaster for Johnson. Not only did he miss the playoffs, he was unable to participate in one game all season. He should be fully healed from tearing both ligaments in his knee and fantasy owners should be happy. Johnson has high end talent and should be taken mid-early rounds of a draft.

Brad Boyes – He has finally found his stride and has improved on his totals over last year. He should continue go put up point per game numbers and does so silently. Look for Boyes to slip on draft day as he is not a household name yet.

David Backes - In his third year Backes has improved on both his point totals and penalty minutes totals as well. His stock will continue to rise and should be looked at as sleeper come draft day.

David Perron – One of only a handful of players playing fulltime in his draft class, Perron beat the sophomore slump by upping his totals. Look for more of the same next year.

Keith Tkachuk – This veteran will just go away. A leader on a young team, Tkachuk is no longer the point producer he once was. His value has fallen and should be looked at as a depth option now.

Patrik Berglund – The young Swede had a strong start to the season but faded as the season grinded along. Berglund is the face of the franchise and will be the top guy in a few years.

Andy McDonald – Finishing the season close to a point per game, McDonald will be the top guy next season. Owners will be rewarded by drafting him in later rounds as he can still play.

T.J. Oshie – A decent rookie season has Oshie as a depth player, for now. Look for him to develop further next year.

Carlo Colaiacovo – After a trade from Toronto, Colaiacovo found his way on the top power play unit and racking up a lot of points. Always an injury risk, he is worth taking a risk on because of his offensive upside.

Paul Kariya – When healthy, Kariya is still a top winger in the game. Kariya should be back with a vengeance next year but owners should be weary of his hip injury as it may linger. He still is keeper worthy and should be taken in early mid-rounds in a draft.

Alex Pietrangelo – He had 8 games in the big league before being sent down. Pietrangelo needs more seasoning in the AHL before he is considered an NHL worthy d-man.

Chris Mason – Exceeding expectations last season, Mason led the Blues’ march into the playoffs. A solid goaltender, Mason looks to be the number one guy heading into next season. Owners should look at Mason as a backup to their number one tender as he is on a young team and they could be streaky.

Mark