Jordan Kyrou's Search for Consistency & Expectations for Interim Bannister
Also, thoughts on Vrana as he heads to AHL Springfield & more
Welcome to the THW St. Louis Blues Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have Jordan Kyrou’s search for consistency, the expectations for interim head coach Drew Bannister, thoughts on Vrana heading down to the minors, and more.
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Jordan Kyrou Can Find Consistency After Blues Fire Craig Berube
December 14, 2023 by Evan Mead
When it comes to talent, Jordan Kyrou can be a game-changing player. But like many others, there is an expectation around him that he has yet to meet this season. Even though the St. Louis Blues are only 28 games into 2023-24, his slow start is quite alarming. Having struggled to produce consistently when on the ice, there has been some concern with Kyrou and his ability to turn the corner. However, there might be some hope after the Blues announced that they would be relieving Craig Berube of his duties as head coach.
Averaging just under a point per game last season, there were very high expectations for both Thomas and Kyrou. Hoping that they could be the faces of the franchise, the Blues locked them up long-term. However, thus far, it seems as though Thomas is the only one who has taken a step up. Having struggled to put up points consistently this season, there’s now some concern regarding Kyrou.
Expectations for Drew Bannister After Blues Fire Berube
December 14, 2023 by Mike Meyer
The St. Louis Blues have officially hit the end of the Craig Berube era. After the club’s 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the team announced they were parting ways with the only coach to bring a Stanley Cup championship season to the city of St. Louis.
While this should not have been the reason to keep Berube with the Blues, it is certainly among the reasons why he is and will remain one of the most beloved coaches in franchise history – with the announcement and parting of Berube, the front office also announced that Springfield Thunderbirds head coach, Drew Bannister, would be promoted to the NHL to take over Berube’s position. With the surprising removal of Berube, what are the expectations for Bannister and the Blues moving forward?
Blues’ Vrana Heads to Springfield After Clearing Waivers
December 14, 2023 by Ethan Carter
It appears that the St. Louis Blues are frustrated with forward Jakub Vrána after placing him on waivers on Tuesday, Dec. 12. They acquired him at the trade deadline last season from the Detroit Red Wings. In that trade, the Red Wings retained 50 percent of Vrána’s salary cap hit for a return of a 2025 seventh-round pick and minor league forward Dylan McLaughlin.
Overall, the Blues gave up very little for a boom-or-bust player, which is not a bad move to make whether it works or not. While out of contention last season, the Blues needed to make moves like this to acquire experienced forward depth looking for a change of scenery and they did the same with Kasperi Kapanen.
5 Defenseman the Blues Should Target to Fix Special Teams
December 15, 2023 by Anthony Testaguzza
There are a handful of issues this season with the St. Louis Blues, and it’s been getting worse as the days pass. The Blues suffered a few major problems with the defensive core (especially on their special teams). Their top four defensemen are struggling to hold off the onslaught of shots. Increased shot totals are making it more and more difficult for the goaltending tandem of Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer to hold a level game where they are not getting outscored quickly. All of this resulted in the club being pushed out of a playoff spot.
Maybe this season is a possibility of something similar, one adjustment away from a promising rest of the season. After all, they just scrapped part of their defensive depth since trading Robert Bortuzzo to the New York Islanders on Dec. 8. Jakub Vrana was recently reported to be “available for trade” and then confirmed on waivers according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, which could be good for some trade bait if there is no improvement in Vrana. Here are five defensemen the Blues can consider acquiring to improve the top four defensive lines and special teams.
Blue Note Weekly Audio Report: Losing Streak Reaches Three Games
December 11, 2023 by Ethan Carter (Premium Substack Content)
In today’s edition, the Blues are on a three-game losing streak, head coach Craig Berube mixes up his lines, Robert Bortuzzo is traded to the New York Islanders, and more.