I love the way Boedker has been playing lately. I think he SHOULD stay on the Hanzal line and move Whitney to another line. Whitney has been making plays to all sorts of different players all season long. The guy is just a chemistry machine. Put him on a different line and let Boedker play with with Hanzal and Vrby
I would tend to agree the ice time will be spread out a little more evenly with Boedker's recent success - with the caveat that Tip will continue to ride the players that are playing well.
Spreading ice time around makes all the sense, everyone will be a little fresher come playoff time.
I'm waiting till he plays minutes in some meaningful competitive games before I come to any serious conclusions. He was very good in the last two games but lets see it as a part of a team effort. He's done nothing to lose time though that is for sure.
He moved up the depth chart from speedy 3rd/4th liner to potential top-6. He's been very good on both ends of the ice. A LOT of progress in the offensive side of his game compared to last year.
Hey guys, peaceful St. Louis fan here. The Blues have a need for a top pairing left handed defenseman, you know the guy we hoped Brewer would turn out to be but never really was. What's your opinion of Jovanovski's play before the injury this year? IMO he's exactly what the Blues need and with Brewer and Boyes' contracts gone they have the $$ to throw a solid offer his way. Heck they might even overpay him ala the Mckee and Kariya deals after missing the playoffs again this season.
Hey guys, peaceful St. Louis fan here. The Blues have a need for a top pairing left handed defenseman, you know the guy we hoped Brewer would turn out to be but never really was. What's your opinion of Jovanovski's play before the injury this year? IMO he's exactly what the Blues need and with Brewer and Boyes' contracts gone they have the $$ to throw a solid offer his way. Heck they might even overpay him ala the Mckee and Kariya deals after missing the playoffs again this season.
His play has regressed a lot, but he can still play big minutes. He's a UFA after this season and we already have 7 defenseman signed for next season, so I'm thinking we probably deal his rights at the draft.
For what a 7th? Nobody's gonna pay much to be able to negotiate with a pending somewhat long in the tooth UFA.
A 7th is a lot better than nothing. We have 7 defensemen signed for next season. If we resign Jovo without getting rid of someone else, OEL will not have a spot. I would much rather give OEL the time to develop into an elite defenseman than have an aging Jovo take up a spot on a blueline that's already old as hell without him.
I think it would be more accurate to say that, while he's looked good in limited minutes, his future success and the team's current season are both too important to risk overexposing him.
I guess OEL is a disappointment since he's pretty much a healthy scratch every other game?
not even close to being correct.
OEL has played well but he's hit the wall a few times given the number of games in the NHL schedule versus what he's used to in the 2nd Division of the SEL. Pace is a lot quicker and the games are more frequent. He looks like a future stud.
OEL needs to start putting on weight and assert himself in the physical side of the game. He was a baby eater in the SEL, so I don't see why he suddenly dropped off any sort of nastiness.
OEL needs to start putting on weight and assert himself in the physical side of the game. He was a baby eater in the SEL, so I don't see why he suddenly dropped off any sort of nastiness.
It's hard to answer about the points because we don't know the extent of the injury, but I will say I think Korpi is better just because of his better skating and creativity.
All depends on how much ice time is available for this season. He should be up the big club full time, but he definitely needs to work more on his defensive game. His offense is terrific with his smooth skating and his puck-moving abilities.
As for the future, he definitely has the pure talent to be a star in the NHL. He just needs to be groomed.
What are your expectations for OEL for the upcoming season?
Is he a Full Time NHLer?
Also, what do you think his peak upside is? Lidstrom/Norris Trophy upside or a Swedish minute munching Jay Bouwmeester type...
Thanks
OEL will be a full time NHL'er next season.
His ceiling is as a legitimate #1 D man. I would rate his ceiling as higher than any current Yote in the system (including Yandle).
Question will be whether he has 40 point potential or can he put up offensive in the neighborhood of 60+ points in a few years time.
Until his game matures OEL will slowly move up through our depth chart. The key for him this year was to get adjusted to the mental aspect of the game and acclimatize towards a 80 game season.
