Amanda: Six years, forty and a half million dollars for Connor McMichael, and we still haven't figured out who's centering the second line. Mailbag day, Blues fans, and we're answering your questions head-on.
Paul: And we're starting with the contract that's got everyone talking. Big commitment, big expectations.
Amanda: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, the only daily hockey show that bleeds Blue. I'm Amanda, and as always, Paul is here with the sharpest takes in the game.
Paul: Let's get into it. Today it's all about you, the fans. Three segments of mailbag, covering the big storylines, the roster battles, and a lightning round.
Amanda: First up, the McMichael signing and what it means for the center depth. Then we'll dive into the training camp battles, and finish with a fun hypothetical and quick takes.
Amanda: Don't go anywhere, because we're about to answer the questions you've been burning to ask. Stick with us.
Amanda: Segment one. Big picture. Sarah from St. Louis asks: 'With the McMichael extension, are the Blues locking in their top six, or just creating more trade bait?' Great question, Sarah.
Paul: I think it's clear they see him as a core piece. Six years, 40.5 million, that's a commitment to a top-six role, not a placeholder.
Amanda: And we called it yesterday. We said he'd be a top-six forward and hit 25 goals. This deal backs that up.
Paul: Exactly. They're betting on his two-way game and his shot. He's not just trade bait, he's the future down the middle.
Amanda: Next up, Mike from Denver asks: 'We're fifth in the Central. Are the Blues actually a playoff team, or are we just hoping?'
Paul: Mike, I get the skepticism. The Central is a gauntlet. But look at this roster. Forward depth is legit. Defense is solid with Parayko, Fowler, Broberg, and Carlo.
Amanda: And we've been saying it all week: this team is built for the playoffs, not just the regular season. The question is goaltending.
Paul: Right. Binnington is the starter, but can he be consistent? That's the big if. If he's on, this is a dangerous team.
Amanda: We predicted fourth in the Central and a wild card spot. I'm sticking with that. They're in the mix.
Paul: And that opener in Dallas on October 2nd? That's a statement game. Win that, and you set the tone.
Amanda: Alright, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we're digging into the roster battles that are going to define training camp. Stick with us.
Amanda: Welcome back. Segment two: the roster battles. @BluesBeliever asks: 'With all these centers, who's playing wing? And who's odd man out?'
Paul: This is the million-dollar question. You've got Thomas, McMichael, Suter, Sundqvist, Dube, Finley, McTavish... That's a logjam.
Amanda: And let's not forget Dvorsky. He's a center by trade, but he might be better served on the wing to crack the lineup.
Paul: Exactly. I think you see Thomas and McMichael as your top two centers. Then you have Suter and Sundqvist battling for that third line role, with Dube and Finley fighting for the fourth line spot.
Amanda: So who moves to wing? I'm thinking McTavish could slide over. He's got the size and the shot to be a power forward on the wing.
Paul: Yeah, McTavish on the wing with Thomas could be a nightmare matchup. And you've got Holloway, Neighbours, Buchnevich already on the wings. It's crowded.
Amanda: Someone's going to be disappointed. That's the reality of a deep roster. But it's a good problem to have.
Amanda: Next up, Rachel in Chicago asks: 'Is the defense set, or is there an open spot for someone like Mailloux?'
Paul: I think the top four is set: Parayko, Fowler, Broberg, Carlo. That's a solid top four.
Amanda: But the third pair is up for grabs. You've got Mailloux, Rosen, Tucker, and maybe even someone like Berggren if they experiment.
Paul: Mailloux has the most upside. He's young, he's got size, and he can move the puck. I think he gets a long look in camp.
Amanda: But can he be trusted defensively? That's the question. Rosen is the safe veteran, Tucker is the physical presence. It's a real battle.
Paul: I'd keep an eye on Mailloux in the preseason. If he shows he can handle the defensive zone, he's got the job.
Amanda: Alright, we've got one more segment coming up, and it's a fun one. A hypothetical and a lightning round. Stay with us.
Amanda: Segment three. Fun hypothetical. @HockeyFan99 asks: 'If you could add one player from any team to this Blues roster, who is it and why?'
Paul: Easy. I'm taking Connor McDavid. Imagine him with Buchnevich and Holloway. That line would be unstoppable.
Amanda: Oh, that's the obvious pick. I'm going to go off the board. Give me a true number one defenseman. Like Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes.
Paul: You're not wrong. Adding a guy like that would transform the power play and the transition game. But McDavid is generational.
Amanda: Fine, you win. McDavid it is. But can you imagine that power play? McDavid, Thomas, Buchnevich, Holloway, and Parayko on the point. That's terrifying.
Paul: Terrifying for the penalty kill, that's for sure. They'd need a new net.
Amanda: Alright, lightning round. I'll throw out a quick take, you give me a yes or no. Ready? The Blues will score more goals than they allow this season.
Paul: Yes, I think the offense will be top-ten, and the defense is solid enough. I'll say yes.
Amanda: Binnington will have a bounce-back year.
Paul: I'll say yes. He's got something to prove, and the defense in front of him is better than last year.
Amanda: Dvorsky makes the opening night roster.
Paul: That's a tough one. I'll say no, but he's the first call-up. He needs a little more time to adjust to the pro game.
Amanda: I think you're wrong there, Paul. I think he forces his way in. But that's why we have the debate.
Amanda: And that's the lightning round. We've got to wrap up the mailbag. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions.
Amanda: Quick recap: we talked McMichael's big deal, the center logjam, the defensive battles, and we made a few bold predictions.
Paul: Remember, we're sticking with our fourth-place finish in the Central and a wild card spot. And McMichael hits 25 goals.
Amanda: If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with your fellow Blues fans. It helps us out more than you know.
Amanda: And as always, let's go Blues! We'll see you next time.