- Although the St. Louis Blues made the right choice by not dealing Barrett Jackman in a package to Phoenix for Coyotes goalie Sean Burke, they didn't get the upgrade in goal they needed in Chris Osgood. Morganti suggests the Blues may still make an offer for Burke during the summer.

Spector's Note: I wouldn't rule anything out, but let's face it, the Coyotes won't give up Burke cheap. Landing him will cost the Blues.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

(April 26th)
CHANGES COMING IN ST. LOUIS.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Derrick Gould reports Blues general manager Larry Pleau believes it's "financially impossible" to keep his club's current roster intact, and added there could be changes coming in the off-season. Pleau's primary issue this summer is his goaltending, where he must decide if he'll re-sign restricted free agent Chris Osgood, who's stated he'll accept less than the $4 million per season he was making on his last contract to remain in St. Louis. However, retaining Osgood could stunt the development of Brent Johnson, himself a restricted free agent. Other RFAs of note include forwards Pavol Demitra, Cory Stillman and Tyson Nash. Any players that Pleau can replace through his farm system or the free agent market will be dumped, but the GM doesn't plan on touching his high-priced nucleous. Pleau might also shop players to free up cash to pursue other players.

Spector's Note: Of the restricted free agents, I think Stillman is probably on his way out. He's been singled out as a disappointment by the St. Louis media for some time.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

Jim Matheson reported the following this week:

- The St. Louis Blues, who claim to have lost $40 million last year with a $60 million player payroll, may not be able to afford to re-sign Group II free agent forwards Cory Stillman and Tyson Nash and may become "prime trade bait".

Spector's Note: The Blues have already engaged in cost-cutting measures within the organization but the only significant player cut has been goalie Fred Brathwaite. Still, that doesn't mean they're not considering chopping some salary.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

St. Louis Blues Sign Goaltender Chris Osgood

St. Louis, MO, June 11, 2003 - Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has signed goaltender Chris Osgood.

"At the end of our playoffs, Chris expressed to us that he wanted to play a major role in our effort to win the Stanley Cup in 2004," said Pleau. "To do so, Chris is agreeing to contractual terms well below the market rate for a goaltender with his record and experience. He's won the Stanley Cup, and the opportunity to win it again as a member of the St. Louis Blues is what drove his decision to sign with us for next season. We're impressed with his approach and very happy to welcome him back."

Osgood, 30, skated in nine regular season contests with St. Louis, posting a 4-3-2 record along with two shutouts, while appearing in seven postseason games. He appeared in 37 games with the Islanders prior to the trade, recording a 17-14-4 record, along with a 2.92 goals against average. Osgood missed 19 games with an ankle sprain and returned to action stopping 16 of 18 shots on March 8 versus New Jersey. Osgood played in a career high 66 games in 2001-02 with the Islanders, posting a 32-25-6 record, along with a 2.50 goals against average.

The 5-11, 180-pound goaltender has posted 30-or-more wins in seven of his last 10 NHL seasons, posting a career best 39-6-5 record, along with 2.17 goals against average during the 1995-96 season. The two-time Stanley Cup winner, backstopped the Red Wings to the 1997-98 Championship, recording a 16-6 record, along with a 2.12 goals against average. He set a Red Wing record by recording a 21-game unbeaten streak (19-0-2) and notched a career-best, 13-game winning streak during the 1995-96 season. Osgood has earned the Jennings Trophy on two occasions (1996-97, 1995-96), along with teammates Mike Vernon and Kevin Hodson.

The three-time NHL All Star has appeared in 501 career NHL games, posting a 274-152-58 record lifetime, along with a 2.46 goals against average. Osgood has appeared in 82 postseason games, registering a 44-33 record and a 2.23 goals against average. The Peace River, Alberta native was acquired by St. Louis on March 11, 2003 along with a 2003 third round selection from the New York Islanders in exchange for center Justin Papineau and the Blues second round selection in the 2003 Entry Draft

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Derrick Gould reports Blues GM Larry Pleau still has much work to do in the coming weeks. On the heels of re-signing goaltender Chris Osgood, Pleau is still negotiating with the agent for winger Pavol Demitra, who's a Group II free agent this summer. Pleau is also believed shopping for a defenceman to help take some of the load off aging veteran Al MacInnis. Gould notes Pleau still intends to reduce his $60 million US payroll, although it's unknown where the cuts will be.

von http://www.stlouisblues.com

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June 30, 2003

St. Louis Blues Sign Goaltender Reinhard Divis And Defenseman Aris Brimanis Along With Forwards Sergei Varlamov And Jeff Panzer

St. Louis, MO, June 30, 2003 - Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has signed goaltender Reinhard Divis, defenseman Aris Brimanis and forwards Sergei Varlamov and Jeff Panzer. As per club policy terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Divis, 27, collected his first NHL victory in his first NHL start on Oct. 15 vs. Carolina. He appeared in two games posting a 0.72 goals against average along with a .971 save percentage and a 2-0-0 record. The 5-11, 196-pound goaltender appeared in nine games with Worcester posting a 6-1-0 mark along with a 2.25 goals against average. He missed the majority of the season due to injury. The Vienna, Austria native became the first Austrian born player to play in the NHL when he made his NHL debut on April 7, 2002 vs. Colorado. He was St. Louis' eighth round selection, 261st overall in the 2000 entry draft.

Brimanis, 31, spent the entire season with the Worcester IceCats, registering 21 points (8g, 13a), tying him for third on the team among defensemen. The 6-1, 212-pound defenseman was tied for first on the team among defensemen with eight goals, while also leading the team with a plus 19 rating. He set a new Worcester franchise record and tied an AHL record for the two quickest goals by the same team (along with teammate Jeff Panzer), :05 seconds apart on March 30 vs. Manchester. The Cleveland, Ohio native has skated in 100 career NHL games, with Philadelphia, New York Islanders and Anaheim, collecting 14 career points (2g, 12a) along with 53 penalty minutes. Brimanis was originally Philadelphia's fourth round selection, 86th overall in the 1991 Entry Draft.

Varlamov, 24, played in three games with St. Louis this past season over two different stints. The 5-11, 203-pound forward spent the season with Worcester, leading the team in points 61 (23g, 38a), assists (38) and power play goals (10). The Kiev, Ukraine native originally signed as a free agent by Calgary and was traded to the Blues by Calgary on June 23, 2001.

Panzer, 25, spent the entire season at Worcester and was named the IceCats MVP for the 2002-03 season, recording 54 points (22g, 32a), establishing career highs in assists (32) games played (80) and penalty minutes (36). The 5-10, 160-pound forward was the only IceCat to skate in all 80 contests and led Worcester with eight game-winning goals. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native was originally signed as a free agent on May 7, 2002.

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damit die blues mal wieder auf die erste seite rutschen. bin gespannt, obs divis schafft

Blues express interest in Joseph, Fedorov
By DERRICK GOOLD

Dominik Hasek announced his return to Detroit from a year of retirement on Tuesday, ushering current Red Wings goaltender Curtis Joseph to the trade block while the Blues continue to keep tabs on the market for possibilities.

Possibilities that do not currently fit into the Blues' fiscal prudence but could work in combination with other cost-cutting moves.

The Blues have spoken with Detroit about trading for Joseph, who began his career as a Blue, and they have phoned unrestricted free agent Sergei Fedorov's representative to inquire about the former league MVP. Both make or are expected to make hefty salaries.

General manager Larry Pleau must remove a payroll dollar for every dollar he adds, but he has explored various opportunities like Fedorov in case one roster move frees the cash for a signing that today looks too costly.

"We're taking a look at a lot of different things," said Pleau, without commenting on specifics. "We're trying to explore anything out there that would improve our team. What's out there that would make us better."

Joseph, 36, has a no-trade clause and is due $16 million over the two seasons remaining on his contract. Joseph's agent, Don Meehan, said the no-trade clause "is what it says it is." The Blues, a source said, are one of the few teams Joseph would consider.

Speculation in Detroit centers on the Blues offering Doug Weight, but Weight also has a no-trade clause. Reports the Blues were interested in moving Weight at the recent NHL draft were fiction, and the Blues have not contacted Weight or Weight's agent about a move.

Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, also represents Blues goalie Brent Johnson and defenseman Christian Laflamme. But it was a separate call from Pleau that concerned Fedorov. The 33-year-old center, two years older than Weight, turned down a couple deals worth $10 million annually with Detroit. Brisson said he and Fedorov are "narrowing the field" of teams to consider. He would not say if the Blues, who could be skittish about a multiyear deal, are in the final field.

"Sergei will get his multiyear deal," Brisson said.

Though the Blues are intent on altering the look of the team while trimming or clinging to the current payroll, ownership has indicated cash would be available for a deal too good to pass up. Also a creative combination of acquisitions and trades could fit new faces into the budget.

Decisions will not be swayed by the headline-grabbing deals made by rivals Colorado and Detroit.

"We can't start counter-punching like that," Blues president Mark Sauer said. "We have to do what's best for the franchise. We're losing a lot of money. (Pleau) has the authority and he has the plan to shape a different roster, a roster where we get younger and maybe less expensive."

The Red Wings hold an $8 million option on Hasek. The seven-time Vezina winner does not have a no-trade clause and Detroit has not said it will definitely move Joseph. Indications are that Joseph will be traded, preferably to the Eastern Conference - and that the New York Rangers top a list that includes the Blues.

"Ideally, as quick as possible I'd like to get a goaltender moved," Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. "That's easier said that done in the current financial environment. Both are very well paid, and I'm going to have to try and be creative with some other team to put something together."

Hasek, who retired after winning the 2002 Stanley Cup in his only season with Detroit, said his "desire is to play for the Detroit Red Wings. That's my goal and nothing else." Watching and reading about the playoffs kindled his interest in a return.

"I now feel that I have achieved a better balance in my life and I have more to offer the game," Hasek said. "My batteries are recharged."

While exploring moves and moves to make after moves, Pleau remains focused on re-signing restricted free agents such as Pavol Demitra and Bryce Salvador. Winger Martin Rucinsky is drifting away from a return to the Blues after the team did not exercise his option. His representative said they seriously talking with one team, and it isn't the Blues.

"It would be hard to walk into a dressing room with a pay cut or onto a team after an option was not exercised," Rucinsky's rep, Paul Kraus, said. "That's an option that right now is uncomfortable with my client."

Notes: The NHL will release teams' schedules this week, possibly as early as today. With the increase to six games against each Central Division foe - up from five - the Blues will lose several Eastern Conference trips and visitors.

If you can't beat em, at least beat'em up !
Norrie/Rich/Tasker/Verbeek/Lakos - Toledo Storm Fighting Brigade 2001

und hier noch dreimal die blues mit vertragsverlängerungen u.a.:

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St. Louis Blues Sign Defenseman Tom Koivisto And Forward Mike Danton

St. Louis, MO, July 16, 2003 - Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has signed defenseman Tom Koivisto and forward Mike Danton. As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Koivisto, 29, became the third Finnish born player to play for the Blues. He recorded his first career NHL goal becoming the 15th player since the 1993-94 season to notch a goal in their Blues debut on Oct. 10 versus Anaheim. The 5-10, 186-pound defenseman spent the majority of the season with Worcester, appearing in 47 games, recording 17 points (four goals, 13 assists). Last season, Koivisto was named the top defenseman of the Finnish League. The Turku, Finland native was originally St. Louis' eighth round selection, 253rd overall in the 2002 Entry Draft.

Danton, 22, was acquired by the Blues from New Jersey on June 21, 2003 along with a third round selection, 101st overall (Konstantin Zakharov) in the 2003 Entry Draft in exchange for a third round selection, 93rd overall in the 2003 Entry Draft. The 5-9, 190-pound forward appeared in 17 games with New Jersey last season, collecting a pair of goals along with 35 penalty minutes. The Brampton, Ontario native was originally New Jersey's ninth round choice, 135th overall in the 2000 Entry Draft. Prior to being drafted, Danton played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, capturing a playoff championship with the Barrie Colts in 2000.

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St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Goaltender Brent Johnson
And Defenseman Bryce Salvador

St. Louis, MO, July 16, 2003 - Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has re-signed goaltender Brent Johnson and defenseman Bryce Salvador. As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Johnson, 26, posted a 16-13-5 record along with a 2.47 goals against average last season. He notched his 11th career shutout on Dec. 23 vs. Los Angeles, becoming one of six active goaltenders to notch 10 plus shutouts in their first 100 NHL games. Johnson was named NHL Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 29, recording four consecutive victories, including a 1.25 goals against average and .951 save percentage over the span. The 6-2, 199-pound net-minder, missed 27 games due to a high ankle sprain prior to training camp and returned to the lineup on Dec. 12 at Nashville.

The Farmington, Michigan native set a career high during the 2001-02 season posting 34 wins, while playing in a career high 58 contests. He set a franchise record by posting a 10-game winning streak during the 2001-02 regular season and became the first goaltender in NHL history to record shutouts as his first three playoff victories during the 2002 postseason. Johnson has recorded a 72-44-11 record, along with a 2.25 goals against average in 133 career NHL contests. He was traded to St. Louis by Colorado on May 30, 1997 for a third round draft selection (Rick Berry) in the 1997 Entry Draft.

Salvador, 27, recorded 10 points (two goals, eight assists), along with a career high 95 penalty minutes in 71 contests with St. Louis last season. The 6-2, 215-pound defenseman, tied his career high in assists, while averaging 18:57 minutes of ice-time. Salvador appeared in his 200th career NHL game on Mar. 13 at Vancouver and notched his 200th career penalty minute on Feb. 6 vs. NY Rangers

The Brandon, Manitoba native has skated in 212 career NHL contests, all with St. Louis, collecting 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists), along with 242 penalty minutes. Salvador was originally signed by St. Louis as a free agent on Dec. 16, 1996 and was drafted by Tampa Bay in the sixth round, 138th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry draft.

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St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Defenseman Christian Laflamme
And Forwards Steve Martins And Ryan Johnson

St. Louis, MO, July 16, 2003 - Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has signed defenseman Christian Laflamme, and forwards Steve Martins and Ryan Johnson. As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Laflamme, 26, skated in 47 games with St. Louis this season, registering nine assists, He tied a career high, recording 15 penalty minutes in a game on March 23 at Dallas. The 6-1, 206-pound defenseman made his Blues playoff debut on April 12 at Vancouver. The St. Charles, Quebec native has appeared in 308 career NHL games, recording 46 points (two goals, 44 assists), along with 262 penalty minutes. He was signed by St. Louis as a free agent on Aug. 21, 2001 and was originally drafted in the second round, 45th overall, by Chicago in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.

Martins, 31, was claimed on waivers by St. Louis on January 15. He recorded six points (three goals, three assists), skating in 28 games with St. Louis and appeared in 14 games with Ottawa prior to joining the Blues. The 5-9, 185-pound center posted career highs in games played (59), points (13), goals (six), assists (seven), and penalty minutes (37) during his 1999-00 campaign. The Gatineau, Quebec native has registered 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) along with 120 penalty minutes in 238 career NHL matches. He was originally Hartford's first selection, fifth overall, in the 1994 Supplemental Draft. Martins spent four seasons at Harvard University from 1991-95 prior to joining the Whalers.

Johnson, 27, was claimed on waivers by the Blues on February 19. He skated in 75 games (17 with St. Louis, 58 with Florida), recording all of his seven points with the Panthers. The 6-1, 201-pound center posted a plus-or-even rating in 16 of his 17 games with the Blues. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native recorded career highs in all categories, points (21), goals (seven), assists (14), and games played (80) during the 2000-01 season with Tampa Bay. Johnson has registered 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) along with 108 penalty minutes in 275 career NHL matches. He was originally Florida's fourth selection, 36th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to making his pro debut, Johnson spent two seasons at the University of North Dakota from 1994-96 .

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Pronger hands captaincy to MacInnis

TSN.ca Staff

9/16/2003

The St. Louis Blues will have a new captain of sorts this season.

That is, the same captian they had last season.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that defenceman Chris Pronger sat down with veteran blueliner and teammate Al MacInnis on the eve of training camp and asked him to keep the team's captaincy.

"It was a total surprise," MacInnis told the paper Monday.

Pronger, a former Norris and Hart Trophy winner, spent most of last season recovering from major wrist and knee operations. When he returned at the end of last season, MacInnis continued wearing the "C" while Pronger tried to get reacquainted with his teammates and the game.

Pronger became captain at the start of the 1996-1997 season, and he was the second longest-serving captain in Blues history.

"He felt health-wise this was more important - to be the best player for us again," Blues general manager Larry Pleau said. "Felt that this was the best thing. He wants to be a good player again...Chris wants to get back to being the best player and that's the best leadership he can give us."

tsn