Should the Blues try to rebuild Peoria's roster?

[PerryTurnbullfan]

The Blues used to delve more into the market of overage juniors and college seniors and sign them to minor league contracts. Perhaps they need a more aggressive GM at the Peoria level, even if it means sinking some cash into this market? We have got lucky with a few guys this way in the past. I don't think it has helped that the Traverse City tourney is gone and missing a training camp to give some overagers a look.

[Prussian_Blue]

Originally Posted by PerryTurnbullfan

The Blues used to delve more into the market of overage juniors and college seniors and sign them to minor league contracts. Perhaps they need a more aggressive GM at the Peoria level, even if it means sinking some cash into this market? We have got lucky with a few guys this way in the past. I don't think it has helped that the Traverse City tourney is gone and missing a training camp to give some overagers a look.

Not sure that the Traverse City tournament is "gone." That's where the Red Wings have their training camp, so the tournament will likely continue. It was just suspended this year because of the pending lockout.

[Crumblin Erb Brooks]

I think MaRae and Grachev will be resigned, assuming Grachev doesnt go back to Russia. Neither has developed, but I still think that they are still better options overall than Shattock, Sonne, Nigro, SDR and Barriball. I think those guys will be the ones who are least likely to return. Vet guys like Murray, Porter and Hensick may explore other options as well.

Cundari and Fairchild are pretty safe to return IMO, dont know about Scott Ford or Chorney. Id guess Chorney is least likely to return and would give us a solid 7-8 guys. Cundari, Fairchild, Ford, Edmundson, Hakanpaa/Eronen, Ponich, Shields.

I think Allen is solid to return, McKenna will probably lose his spot to Binnington.

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Originally Posted by Prussian_Blue

Not sure that the Traverse City tournament is "gone." That's where the Red Wings have their training camp, so the tournament will likely continue. It was just suspended this year because of the pending lockout.

Wasn't there a story out that due to cost, they were no longer going to participate in this tournament?

[Robb_K]

Originally Posted by PerryTurnbullfan

The Blues used to delve more into the market of overage juniors and college seniors and sign them to minor league contracts. Perhaps they need a more aggressive GM at the Peoria level, even if it means sinking some cash into this market? We have got lucky with a few guys this way in the past. I don't think it has helped that the Traverse City tourney is gone and missing a training camp to give some overagers a look.

They found Wideman that way and the guy is getting close to $5 million per year, and playing among his team's Top 4.

[Robb_K]

Originally Posted by PerryTurnbullfan

Wasn't there a story out that due to cost, they were no longer going to participate in this tournament?

I don't remember reading anything like that. The tournament was cancelled this season. THAT'S why The Blues didn't play. TV coverage of the tournament has been drastically curtailed (no more NHL network coverage). But The Rangers and Red Wings still televise, so it may be possible to watch a few streamed games.

[sh724]

Even if the Traverse City tournament is cancelled there are other prospect tournaments the Blues could go to. It is not like it is the only tournament out there. Pretty much every team plays in a prospect tournament.