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It has been about a week since the Detroit Red Wings sent the Blues to a summer vacation for the third straight year. Historically, this is the time of the year in which Gateway City hockey fans and self proclaimed hockey experts panic, prognosticate, and prepare for next season.
But despite the doom and gloom conversation which is evident in print and by talk show junkies across the dial, you have to file the 1997-1998 season for the Blues as a very good year.
Last September, if one would have offered the Blues a 98 point season with a new General Manager, a coach in his first full year, and a boat load of potential free agents, any reasonable hockey follower would have grabbed this in a heart beat.
Indeed--this is what happened.
From the start of the season, Coach Joel Quenneville quietly, but effectively, instilled this team a stable blue-collar work ethic. Chris Pronger proved that Mike Keenan was right; accepting the challenge as the team's Captain and posting a mind boggling plus/minus record during the regular season. Pronger's leadership displayed the Quenneville style; quiet but effective.
Although the Defense was the signature of the 1997-98 Blues, the team led the National Hockey League in Goals scored by a team. To illustrate, this is the first year in several where Brett Hull did not lead the team in goals scored.
Thanks to the hard work of marketing guru Jim Woodcock and a successful team on the ice, the S R O crowds returned to Kiel Center. (Thanks also to Mr. Woodcock for destroying the Cranberry colored seats!!)
Last year at this time, Blues Management began their search for a new General Manager. It was decided that Larry Pleau would be the man to replace Ron Caron.
Once again, stability and quiet leadership was the underlying theme as Pleau addressed contract negotiations, trade proposals, personnel matters, and hockey operations.
Very quietly, Grant Fuhr was offered a contract extension. Very quietly and politely, "No Comment" was the boiler plate response to negotiations in progress.
I notice a trend here. Guess what?? It seems to work!
Whereas in the past summers when hockey fans were sitting on the edge of their seats wondering which overpriced free agent would be donning th Blue Note and which current Blues Player would be traded or lost to compensation, this summer Blues management is taking a businesslike approach.
Gone are the days, when the management knee-jerkily reacts to talk shows, media and veteran players. The Mark Sauer-Pleau-Quenneville leadership troika has proven to be a solid team with a shared philosophy.
Chances are slim that a free agent will be signed while the General Manager is on vacation as we have seen in the past. Chances are slim that a Team President will overreact to a contract negotiation as we have seen in the past.
Much to the chagrin of hockey correspondents, chances are strong that free agent negotiations will continue in confidence. Repeat after me: "No comment!!"
Obviously the first matter of contention is the status of the team's many free agents-especially the self proclaimed "Big Four" and center Pierre Turgeon.
To muddy the waters, the media blitz has already begun. Public negotiations have started by some players both in print and on television indicating their devotion to the organization and the city ofSt. Louis.
Put a bag in it, guys.
In all likelihood, the Blues management will not crumble to any such public relations tactics. This group of "suits" will address each free agent on a case by case basis. Don't bet against them; they have not been wrong often.
Turgeon is a restricted Free Agent, so the Blues can control his destiny. If asked privately, I'm sure the hockey Management would prefer to address Turgeon first; then deal with the veteran free agents.
Once the free agent situation plays itself out, the Blues will the evaluate the next step. Should Hull and/or Courtnall leave for greener pastures, then a new scorer becomes Priority 1. If MacInnis and/or Duschene are lost to free agency, then defense becomes an immediate area of concern.
So Blues fans, hang in there and enjoy your summer. Despite all the kidding, you are still the most loyal group of fans in this town.
Season by season, coach by coach, trade by trade, you have stood behind the team.
With that in mind, you can expect a lively off season without fanfare.
There are matters to resolve and decisions to make.
Right, wrong or indifferent, but the Blues won't stand pat during this off season.
Now if we can only convince the Rams of this!!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Huss hosts "Sportstalk" on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 pm, on WGNU AM-920, St. Louis.
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