St.Louis Blues preview

FORWARD

The Blues have 14 NHL-level forwards signed through at least this season – Paul Kariya, Brad Boyes, Andy McDonald, David Backes, Keith Tkachuk, Alex Steen, Jay McClement, T.J. Oshie, Patrick Berglund, David Perron, B.J. Crombeen, Brad Winchester, Cam Janssen and Yan Stastny. Whew. Total salary cap hit: $28,662,499 million.

If Kariya’s healthy, the Blues could have a dynamic group up front, with lots of different line variables at coach Andy Murray’s disposal.

There’s lots of skill – Kariya, McDonald, Boyes, Oshie and Perron. But there’s lots of power and bulk, too.

Backes is an emerging star. Tkachuk is a cement mixer on skates. Winchester and Crombeen are virtually immovable.

Boyes has 76 goals the last two seasons. Backes is the kind of center – 6-2, 200 – that other clubs covet. He had 31 goals last season in his third NHL campaign.

Full Team Preview Here