I accept full credit for the St. Louis Blues’ acquisition of Oskar Sundqvist. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. They brought back a vet at a fair price, just days after I predicted they wouldn’t do anything this summer.
Some could argue that the Blues’ recent six-year success in the free agent market is just pure luck. Some would refer to it as market intelligence and timing a move.
Regardless of the situation, Doug Armstrong managed to conjure up another enigma. While it may not be the prettiest or fluffiest rabbit, it is a reliable worker that will do the task at hand.To be honest, I was astonished to learn that Sunny Days had returned to St. Louis. I was adamant that the Blues would not explore the free agency market, and I also had no doubts that Sundqvist would receive an offer higher than the veteran minimum.
Rather, the Blues made a stealthy move and acquired a highly valued player for a pittance. Though the timing isn’t quite the same, it reminds me of how they patiently waited for Pat Maroon before snagging their guy for a great price.To be honest, I was astonished to learn that Sunny Days had returned to St. Louis. I was adamant that the Blues would not explore the free agency market, and I also had no doubts that Sundqvist would receive an offer higher than the veteran minimum.
Rather, the Blues made a stealthy move and acquired a highly valued player for a pittance. Though the timing isn’t quite the same, it reminds me of how they patiently waited for Pat Maroon before snagging their guy for a great price.Alternatively, St. Louis could decide to use him as a winger. Although he isn’t a particularly potent offensive player, Sundqvist can step in when needed.
It is naive to believe that this signing will miraculously turn around the Blues’ troubles. Remember that he has recorded career highs of 31 points and 14 goals. We’ll never know if he achieved more during the COVID-19 year, but that was his projected speed.
We do know that he gives the Blues greater size, depth, and variety. With a solid 6’3″ and 220 pounds, Sundqvist is unflappable.
Although he gets to the front of the net, he doesn’t really have a net-front presence when it comes to goaltender screening. The Blues have been severely lacking it over the past few seasons.
Sundqvist is another man the Blues can trust on the penalty kill too. Any improvement there is welcome after a season where they had long stretches where you just assumed a goal was going in when the Blues were on the PK.
If you like some of the other metrics, his defensive point shares and overall point shares were never higher anywhere else than with the Blues. His defensive zone starts were also leaps higher with the Blues, showing that Berube knew he was dependable when there was a play about to begin in the Blues zone.
Sufficed to say, Sundqvist has every opportunity to have a similar resurgence this coming season to the one Sammy Blais had when he returned to the Blues. Perhaps it won’t be with goals, but there’s clearly a reason Sundqvist came back.
Leave a Reply