Pre-Game Talk: 2024 Blues Training Camp Thread

[Stupendous Yappi]

it all depends on Bolduc. he has to show his true NHL identity - what he can be relied on to do. that is why I am uncomfortable placing him higher on my prospect chart. he has strong potential but it would be very reasonable for him to go either way in the NHL.

This is why this season is so much more engaging than last year. We will have more than one young player with promise getting a chance to grow and seize their destiny. A lot more compelling than the hodge podge roster we had last year.

 

[stl76]

I think most people really underestimate how much defensive responsibility Thomas had last year compared to other point-producing 1Cs.

Thomas was 1 of 17 centers who was on the ice for 60+ goals for at 5 on 5 last year. Thomas was the only one of them with an O-zone start rate below 50%. 11 of the other 16 guys were at 60% or higher and 14 of 16 were above 55%. If you expand that list to the 36 centers who were on the ice for 55+ goals for (which includes Kyrou, lol), Thomas is one of just two guys with an O-zone start rate under 50% at 5 on 5. 26 of the 36 were at 55% or higher.

I very much share your optimism that Faksa playing middle 6 minutes should free up Thomas to be deployed like a normal top line center instead of a shutdown top line center. We don't need to start him in the O-zone 60%-65% of the time like the guys who push for scoring titles, but approaching 55% would create a lot more opportunities for him.

Exactly.

I think a lot of people also really underestimate the defensive role Faksa has played in the past. The zone starts and quality of competition prior to 2022 were eye popping.

Now, his role did diminish the past couple years, so maybe he doesn’t have what it takes anymore and won’t have the impact I’m predicting. But I think it had more to do with the team/coach situation and roster construction in Dallas that it had to do with his play declining. Faksa had a similar defensive deployment under both Montgomery and Bowness, and he thrived in that role. Once DeBoer came on board tho, he saw less and less ice time while Hintz and then Johnston took on larger roles.

We’ll see, I could be wrong. But I’m optimistic that Faksa can still handle a substantial defensive load and that it will open up opportunities for Robert Thomas and the rest of the Blues’ top 6 this year.

 

[MortiestOfMortys]

If we’re going to make the playoffs this season — which I’m slightly bearish on — Faksa is going to have to have a return-to-form season. With all of the other uncertainty at the center position, he and Thomas are really the only two “natural” centers we have right now. Schenn was a converted winger. Buch would be the same. Sunny has been most successful on the wing. We’ve got Dean and Dvorsky, both of whom might be ready for a role at some point this season, but injuries notwithstanding they won’t be helping us get into a playoff position by Thanksgiving. It’s a shame that Alexandrov hasn’t taken enough steps forward at this point, he’d be really valuable right about now.

 

[blueper]

Lines 3, 4, and 5 were centered by Faksa, Walker, and Dean in that order this morning. So, at the moment, it looks like Walker is ahead of Dean to start the season. Walker had Texier and Toro on his wings same as saturday night I think. Dean had Kapanen and Saad. So whenever Saad is actually inserted into the lineup there will be a ripple effect. That ripple effect will be interesting.
Neighbours - Thomas - Kyrou
Bolduc - Buch - Schenn
Holloway - Faksa - Joseph

 

[TheOrganist]

Exactly.

I think a lot of people also really underestimate the defensive role Faksa has played in the past. The zone starts and quality of competition prior to 2022 were eye popping.

Now, his role did diminish the past couple years, so maybe he doesn’t have what it takes anymore and won’t have the impact I’m predicting. But I think it had more to do with the team/coach situation and roster construction in Dallas that it had to do with his play declining. Faksa had a similar defensive deployment under both Montgomery and Bowness, and he thrived in that role. Once DeBoer came on board tho, he saw less and less ice time while Hintz and then Johnston took on larger roles.

We’ll see, I could be wrong. But I’m optimistic that Faksa can still handle a substantial defensive load and that it will open up opportunities for Robert Thomas and the rest of the Blues’ top 6 this year.

15-17 hard minutes is probably pushing it for Faksa at this stage of his career (most Stars have said he's not the same player) but if he can give you 12-14 minutes of really solid defensive hockey to take the onus off Thomas it would be huge. Faksa has finished top 20 in Selke voting three times since 2018.

 

[blueper]

15-17 hard minutes is probably pushing it for Faksa at this stage of his career (most Stars have said he's not the same player) but if he can give you 12-14 minutes of really solid defensive hockey to take the onus off Thomas it would be huge. Faksa has finished top 20 in Selke voting three times since 2018.

It seems like he's been around forever. But he's still only 30 ... younger than Parayko.

 

[Davimir Tarablad]

Lines 3, 4, and 5 were centered by Faksa, Walker, and Dean in that order this morning. So, at the moment, it looks like Walker is ahead of Dean to start the season. Walker had Texier and Toro on his wings same as saturday night I think. Dean had Kapanen and Saad. So whenever Saad is actually inserted into the lineup there will be a ripple effect. That ripple effect will be interesting.
Neighbours - Thomas - Kyrou
Bolduc - Buch - Schenn
Holloway - Faksa - Joseph

I'd much rather have Walker playing 4C and Dean getting top6 minutes in Springfield. I'd ideally want Dean to get a shot in the top9 during any call ups

 

[LogosBlue]

Who are the natural centers on our team? It would appear to me that Thomas is our go to 1C and Faksa is our go to 4C now. That leaves 2C & 3C up for grabs. I've not been a fan of Buchy playing center. I think he's much more dynamic on a wing. Our options are between Schenn, Dean, Holloway, Alexandrov and Sundqvist for those accustomed to playing the position right? In my opinion, Dean needs to marinate a little more and Sundqvist may be cooked. It appears Alexandrov is also headed down to the AHL and used in emergency callup type role. That leaves Holloway and Schenn to fill the vacant spots. I would be much more comfortable with Schenn in a lower minute roll on the 3rd line and giving Holloway the opportunity to see if he can handle the 2C spot. Opinions.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Who are the natural centers on our team? It would appear to me that Thomas is our go to 1C and Faksa is our go to 4C now. That leaves 2C & 3C up for grabs. I've not been a fan of Buchy playing center. I think he's much more dynamic on a wing. Our options are between Schenn, Dean, Holloway, Alexandrov and Sundqvist for those accustomed to playing the position right? In my opinion, Dean needs to marinate a little more and Sundqvist may be cooked. It appears Alexandrov is also headed down to the AHL and used in emergency callup type role. That leaves Holloway and Schenn to fill the vacant spots. I would be much more comfortable with Schenn in a lower minute roll on the 3rd line and giving Holloway the opportunity to see if he can handle the 2C spot. Opinions.

You pretty much nailed it, bro. We've been trying to figure out 2/3C for several weeks and still don't have an answer. Either the players will answer that question by the end of TC or DA/Bannister will have to make a command decision by default.

 

[blueper]

You pretty much nailed it, bro. We've been trying to figure out 2/3C for several weeks and still don't have an answer. Either the players will answer that question by the end of TC or DA/Bannister will have to make a command decision by default.

It appears that Faksa is the 3C for the foreseeable future. I want Holloway to play with a better play maker, but no votes for me. As of this morning and tonight Walker is the 4C. Things will get moved around at the latest when Saad joins the team after the baby is born. Not sure what the ripple effect will be, but there will be movement in the top 9.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Lines 3, 4, and 5 were centered by Faksa, Walker, and Dean in that order this morning. So, at the moment, it looks like Walker is ahead of Dean to start the season. Walker had Texier and Toro on his wings same as saturday night I think. Dean had Kapanen and Saad. So whenever Saad is actually inserted into the lineup there will be a ripple effect. That ripple effect will be interesting.
Neighbours - Thomas - Kyrou
Bolduc - Buch - Schenn
Holloway - Faksa - Joseph

My guess is this

Neighbours-Thomas-Kyrou
Saad-Buchnevich-Bolduc
Holloway-Schenn-Joseph
Texier-Faksa-Toropchenko

 

[stl76]

15-17 hard minutes is probably pushing it for Faksa at this stage of his career (most Stars have said he's not the same player) but if he can give you 12-14 minutes of really solid defensive hockey to take the onus off Thomas it would be huge. Faksa has finished top 20 in Selke voting three times since 2018.

For sure, you may be right. He’s only 30, but he’s got a lot of hard miles on his body.

Personally, I think his decreasing role in Dallas probably had more to do with the ascension of Hintz/Johnston and a change in coaching philosophy than it did with a sudden decline in Faksa’s then late 20s.

We’ll get to see soon enough tho!

 

[Snubbed4Vezina]

My guess is this

Neighbours-Thomas-Kyrou
Saad-Buchnevich-Bolduc
Holloway-Schenn-Joseph
Texier-Faksa-Toropchenko

I feel like Texier will be a waste on that line. I'd much rather see him with Holloway and Schenn.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

I feel like Texier will be a waste on that line. I'd much rather see him with Holloway and Schenn.

I’m just going with the fact that they’ve had Holloway/Joseph and Texier/Torpo together for the entirety of camp.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I’m just going with the fact that they’ve had Holloway/Joseph and Texier/Torpo together for the entirety of camp.

A Texier/Torpo pair is legit havoc.

 

[Robb_K]

Who are the natural centers on our team? It would appear to me that Thomas is our go to 1C and Faksa is our go to 4C now. That leaves 2C & 3C up for grabs. I've not been a fan of Buchy playing center. I think he's much more dynamic on a wing. Our options are between Schenn, Dean, Holloway, Alexandrov and Sundqvist for those accustomed to playing the position right? In my opinion, Dean needs to marinate a little more and Sundqvist may be cooked. It appears Alexandrov is also headed down to the AHL and used in emergency callup type role. That leaves Holloway and Schenn to fill the vacant spots. I would be much more comfortable with Schenn in a lower minute roll on the 3rd line and giving Holloway the opportunity to see if he can handle the 2C spot. Opinions.

I think a surprising semi-major trade is soon coming to fill The Blues' 2nd Line centre position. I don't think they are going to install Holloway in that position from the beginning of this season. I also don't think they're going to play Schenn there. He's a much better fit on Line 3.

You heard it here, first!!! (Has Robb_K gone Bonkers??? Or has his creeping senility broken out, big-time???? Film at 11!)

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

I think a surprising semi-major trade is soon coming to fill The Blues' 2nd Line centre position. I don't think they are going to install Holloway in that position from the beginning of this season. I also don't think they're going to play Schenn there. He's a much better fit on Line 3.

You heard it here, first!!! (Has Robb_K gone Bonkers??? Or has his creeping senility broken out, big-time???? Film at 11!)

I agree with this.

After looking across the league at team’s lineups, it seems like all of our options would be in the Pacific Division.

ANA- Zegras/Strome
LA- Danault/Turcotte
SEA- McCann/Gourde/Wright(doubt it)
VGK- Karlsson

 

[Reality Czech]

I think a surprising semi-major trade is soon coming to fill The Blues' 2nd Line centre position. I don't think they are going to install Holloway in that position from the beginning of this season. I also don't think they're going to play Schenn there. He's a much better fit on Line 3.

You heard it here, first!!! (Has Robb_K gone Bonkers??? Or has his creeping senility broken out, big-time???? Film at 11!)

Respectfully disagree. They are going to let all the new players gel and settle into their roles in the lineup before making even more roster moves. Buch will get a month or two to see if he can be an effective center, and Holloway/Texier/Faksa will also get their chances to try and fill the 3C hole. If none of those options work out, we'll go fishing for an underwhelming, yet cheap middle six center option sometime around Christmas and Schenn will go back to 2C in the short term.

I do understand the desire to find a solid 2C option, but I don't get the logic of trading significant assets to get one right now considering the fact that we likely aren't competing for the division title let alone a Stanley Cup this year. If we look like we could make the playoffs, I'd expect a mid-tier addition that won't cost major assets. Someone like Christian Dvorak.

Not exciting but that's the more likely scenario IMO.

 

[Robb_K]

Respectfully disagree. They are going to let all the new players gel and settle into their roles in the lineup before making even more roster moves. Buch will get a month or two to see if he can be an effective center, and Holloway/Texier/Faksa will also get their chances to try and fill the 3C hole. If none of those options work out, we'll go fishing for an underwhelming, yet cheap middle six center option sometime around Christmas and Schenn will go back to 2C in the short term.

I do understand the desire to find a solid 2C option, but I don't get the logic of trading significant assets to get one right now considering the fact that we likely aren't competing for the division title let alone a Stanley Cup this year. If we look like we could make the playoffs, I'd expect a mid-tier addition that won't cost major assets. Someone like Christian Dvorak.

Not exciting but that's the more likely scenario IMO.

I was thinking of a mid-tier player, too, but doing it NOW, before the season starts, because we think we'll havew a decent shot of making the playoffs with so many young players looking like they're going to improve decently as this season progresses. Dvorsky, after good improvement will first take over at 3rd Line centre, not 2nd. Christian Dvorak, or someone else at his level, won't cost so much spending assets that will hurt our future; and doing that now, instead of at the trade deadline, or waiting for a youngster to win that job, will prevent a potential weaker start of the season from keeping us from making The Playoffs.

 

[PocketNines]

They aren't going to do it that quickly Robb. It's not ripe to know the needed attributes because we have to see what's missing. They are set up so that if it's January and they're in the thick of it they can consider bringing aboard a rental vet they can extend (think of the Leddy addition). But they have to give Dvorsky a fair inside track to lock this down in the near to medium term in case his development leaps the way some high end talents can leap. He isn't ready but he's not wildly far away and you have to give someone like that room to seize it

 

[BleedBlue14]

Why must we insist that 18 and 25 stay together on a line?

They try to get way too creative together in my viewings.

I liked it better towards the end of last season where I think it was Schenn - Thomas - Neighbors
and Saad - Buch - Kyrou.

Would be happy with them trying out

Schenn - Thomas - Bolduc
Neighbors - Buch - Kyrou
Saad - Holloway - Texier
Torpo - Faksa - Joseph

I'm interested to see where Texier ends up through the middle of the season in line combinations. He clearly is a skilled player and can create offense. The issue is it seems like it's almost so chaotic at times, he has to create to an extremely high level for it to be effective. His range in my eyes is all the way from a 70 point player to a guy who gets waived

 

[Robb_K]

They aren't going to do it that quickly Robb. It's not ripe to know the needed attributes because we have to see what's missing. They are set up so that if it's January and they're in the thick of it they can consider bringing aboard a rental vet they can extend (think of the Leddy addition). But they have to give Dvorsky a fair inside track to lock this down in the near to medium term in case his development leaps the way some high end talents can leap. He isn't ready but he's not wildly far away and you have to give someone like that room to seize it

That's what I'd like most. I hope Dvorsky can start a great Blues' career sat centre, THIS season, with an unexpected, REALLY strong start.

 

[PocketNines]

That's what I'd like most. I hope Dvorsky can start a great Blues' career sat centre, THIS season, with an unexpected, REALLY strong start.

it would solve a lot of problems in a hurry, which is why I'm skeptical it'll happen in a hurry. but I'm also not attached to the results this season, they are not near being a contender. this season is about figuring out what contributions we just added among young pros that we can count on.

 

[Renard]

If we’re going to make the playoffs this season — which I’m slightly bearish on — Faksa is going to have to have a return-to-form season. With all of the other uncertainty at the center position, he and Thomas are really the only two “natural” centers we have right now. Schenn was a converted winger. Buch would be the same. Sunny has been most successful on the wing. We’ve got Dean and Dvorsky, both of whom might be ready for a role at some point this season, but injuries notwithstanding they won’t be helping us get into a playoff position by Thanksgiving. It’s a shame that Alexandrov hasn’t taken enough steps forward at this point, he’d be really valuable right about now.

An important position of the team is unfilled, and Alexandrov apparently isn't ready for the NHL. This was his big chance and he missed it.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the team has assigned forwards Zach Dean, Dalibor Dvorsky, Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, Mathias Laferriere, Mackenzie MacEachern, Hugh McGing, and Dylan Peterson, as well as defensemen Samuel Johannesson and Hunter Skinner, and goaltender Vadim Zherenko to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.


The Blues will open the 2024-25 regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 8 when they visit the Seattle Kraken at 3:30 p.m. (CDT) at Climate Pledge Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and 101 ESPN radio.