Backes for BSchenn and Gudas?

[Brett27]

Part of me says take a chance with Backes. He'd be a great bulwark against the Pens' and Bruins' tough guys. He scores more goals than Brayden Schenn and adds more grit. This would allow Couturier to play more as an offensive threat, since Backes can shut down opponents too. The other side of me says, stick to the plan! Let young dudes develop, just as Hextall says. I think Hexy is doing as good a job as he can, given the horrible contracts Homer stuck him with. But man, if it's a trade--Gudas and BSchenn for Backes--I wouldn't blame Hexy if he pulled the trigger on it (even though he hints heavily that he won't in the article.)

http://www.nj.com/flyers/index.ssf/2...hextall_a.html

[BigSlizz]

Here's the thing about Blues players - they think the season ends in April. they all reek of shit in the postseason.

[Brett27]

That's true...

Here's the thing about Blues players - they think the season ends in April. they all reek of shit in the postseason.

but being free of Hitchcock might make Backes not want to end his season so early. I also think he'd bring accountability. G and Simmonds are not the most effective leaders. But I see what you're saying. The Blues do mail it in as soon as Doc Emerick starts talking about hockey's second season.

[Loki]

My thinking is that the only way they do that

is if the Blues take on one of those boat anchor contracts like macdonald or vinny

[Brett27]

is if the Blues take on one of those boat anchor contracts like macdonald or vinny

Now that would be a perfect scenario. MacDonald is salvageable as a third pairing guy but Vinny is the Ryan Howard of the team. Huge contract that nobody wants for the shell of a once great player.

[Loki]

Well, they had a deal with Nashville

last offseason to trade Vinny, but ownership nixed the deal because they were still pissed about the Weber offer sheet.

[Dolomite]

Wakey Wakey

[Brett27]

Brilliant moment by Duncan Keith.