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Live Chats
Blues chat with Jeremy Rutherford
Bring your questions and comments about the Blues, and talk to Post-Dispatch hockey writer Jeremy Rutherford.

by Mike Smithon Sep 19, 2012 at 6:46 PM
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Well, not ideal circumstances with no hockey in September, but most of us saw this coming. Hearing about layoffs around the league, let's hope the two sides can get this settled soon. I've been at the Blues' informal practices and talked to a few guys. I'll try to bring you the latest on as many subjects as possible. OK, here we go ... jump in if you have a question between now and 2 pm central. -

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After the 2004-05 lockout, the following year's draft was conducted using lottery balls. Some teams had a better shot to get a good pick based on their lack of playoff appearances the previous three seasons. That's the year that Pittsburgh won the draft and got Sidney Crosby. The Blues took T.J. Oshie in the first round. I'm assuming that if the entire season was lost this year, the draft in 2013 would be similiar. -

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I don't think you can ever say a lockout is good. Yes, there were some perceived benefits to revamping the game during the 2004-05 lockout, but now that the league is in the same position, what were the real benefits. The system does need tinkering, especially in regards to the revenue system as you mentioned, but this stuff needs to be handled in the offseason.....not during the season. -

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That's the logic of most people who believe the season will get underway before January. The league, and thus the players too, stand to lose a lot of money if those type of events are cancelled. I really can't see anyone giving up that revenue, but I've been proved wrong before. -

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I was mildly surprised for the simple fact that the KHL season was underway and he hadn't left yet. I saw him skating with the Blues Tuesday and thought there was a chance he would go to Peoria and begin the adjustment to the smaller ice. Thinking with the big picture in mind, the money is too good to pass up in Russia and many NHL players are heading there themselves to playing during the lockout. Nothing wrong with Tarasenko's decision, although yes he would have benefited tremendously from time in Peoria. -
Trying to be an optimist and looking on the bright side of things, this mass exodus of NHL talent to other leagues, could in the end help the NHL over the International presence. If T.J. Oshie goes to Sweden and really connects with the fans there and wows them, there might be a T.J. Oshie fan club overseas when he comes back to play here. -
Yeah, I suppose. The NHL is already wildly popular in Europe, but the personal connection with players would enhance that. But I don't think anyone in St. Louis, or any Blues fans in North America, are concerned with the start-up of the Osh fan club in Vasteras right now. They want to see hockey at Scottrade. -

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Yes, the players can make money in Europe and to an extent it allows them some flexibility and wherewithal. But obviously only a fraction of the players are going, so I don't think it gives the players union any tremendous leverage. The players want to be in the NHL obviously, and while it appears they're going to stick to the their guns, they want to strike a deal as quick as the owners do. -
Is there anything the fans can do to show our displeasure with the NHL that really sends a message? I was thinking along the lines of a mass boycott for the first week of their return. A few days of empty arenas would hopefully make them think twice about doing this again. -
Point taken, but what is a week going to do? The ONLY thing that would get the league's attention is an extended boycott and as much as I admire the stance of frustrated fans, I don't think know that that's possible. There's too many of them that will come back when the lockout's over. The league is counting on it, with Bettman saying as much when he commented that the NHL has the "best fans" when asked if they would return. -

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I suppose it depends how short. The season wasn't always 82 games, so something a little less wouldn't take away from the accomplishment, I don't think. Sure it will come with an asterisk, but if you play 60-something games and win four rounds of the playoffs, I think that would be pretty significant and recognized by most. -

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I don't think you'll see it any time soon....maybe down the road. The people in charge have indicated they will keep fighting in the game. You're talking about curbing it to 10 fights and I just don't think that's possible. How do you play a guy who has nine fights under his belt? One more and he's done. I think you either have to keep fighting in the game, or get rid of it all together . -

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They are no more. It was a great ride for Kelly Chase's club, with great contributions from coaches Jon Cooper, Jeff Brown and others. Not to mention all the hard work behind the scenes to make those championships possible. But the Bandits are done. The St. Charles Chill, who will participate in the Central Hockey League will open up in 2013-14 at the Family Arena. -

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There will certainly be issues to address after the lockout. One of those is re-alignment. Some may recall there was a plan released that would have gone into effect this season, but it was nixed by the players. I would expect we see some form of that plan revived after the lockout. As far as expansion, i don't see it. -
I would say that one way we could get the leagues attention is to avoid either purchasing or renewing season ticket purchases in the summers leading up to an expiring CBA, unfortunately that means that season ticket holders may lose their seats and be required to sit elsewhere. Thoughts? would a season ticket boycott turn any heads? -

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Here goes another one, given the lockout, things are quiet on the rumor mill as far as player movement and trades. Whenever this debacle gets settled, do you think there will be a given period say 7-10 days that will be given for teams needing to make moves? Or do you anticipate a lot of action either way?
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