Season Preview: St. Louis Blues
Major Additions: Paul Kariya
Major Subtractions: Dallas Drake, Curtis Sanford
Analysis
St. Louis should be a fun team to root for over the next few years. They’ve recovered from a pretty disastrous fall and seem now to be heading in the right direction on all fronts.
Paul Kariya won’t turn the team around overnight, nor is he the kind of player you build a franchise around anymore (though he’s close) but he will add some spark and excitement to a team that’s been lacking in both. Aside from his addition, the Blues will look mostly within for improvement. They will also hope that Jay McKee stays healthy to solidify and anchor their blueline.
Playoffs? I wouldn’t count on it, though it’s not out of the question. To truly compete with the big boys in the division and conference, however, St. Louis would need a truly inspired season from one of their goaltenders - and with Manny Legace the expected starter, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that happening anytime soon.