The Spec Report - Title Defense Begins

ST.LOUIS - Now that the preseason has wrapped up the title defense for the Blues begins and it will not be an easy task at all. At least half of the starting roster has changed due to retirement, trades or signed elsewhere (waivers):

C Brandon Dubinsky (signed with Canadiens)
LW Vladimir Sobotka (signed with Rangers)
LW Paul Kariya (retired)
LW Francois Gauthier (retired)
LW Dean McAmmond (retired)
RW Eric Perrin (retired)

D Tim Gleason (traded to Bruins)

D Jay Bouwmeester (traded to the Oilers)

However, this has been offset by a new crop of rookies and vets who are more than capable of filling those holes:

C Chris Kreider (drafted)
LW John Lammers (acquired from Red Wings)
LW Jamie Benn (free agent signing)
LW Daniel Sedin (free agent signing)
RW Kyle DeCoste (promoted from PMHL)
D Tomas Kaberle (free agent signing)
D Brendon Nash (promoted from PMHL)
D Bob Sanguinetti (promoted from PMHL)
D Clayton Stoner (promoted from PMHL)

The Blues may not be as strong defensively as last year but should still field a strong enough roster to compete. They will need it especially when you take a quick look around the league as a few teams have gone out hard in trying to bolster their rosters. The Maple Leafs, who will always be contenders fielding one of the top teams, and Red Wings have improved their teams. The Americans who drafted 2 twin towers on defense should be better. The Whalers and Bruins are 2 other teams to should be near the top. But as we know anything can happen during the regular season. In any case, let's get this show on the road and drop the puck.

Mark Spector