With a number of especially attractive commodities to deal (Eric Brewer, Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin would all command solid returns at the deadline), Davidson was in an excellent position to continue the team's rebuilding process.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the auction block. New Blues coach Andy Murray served up some very convincing Kool-Aid and persuaded every member of the team to up his individual effort and commit to a team system.
The results have been remarkable if not downright baffling.
To a man, each player seems to have embraced Murray's team-first philosophy and a basement-bound team has decided to emerge from the depths of the Central Division, running off 13 wins in their last 17 games (including wins over powerhouses San Jose, Detroit, and Anaheim). The club still sits eight points out of playoff contention, but at that pace, it's a deficit that could be made up.
Of course, "that pace" is much easier said that done. A .760 winning percentage will be almost impossible to maintain throughout the rest of the season. And that's where Davidson has to start guessing a bit.
Right now, the Blues are as healthy as they've been since the lockout's end, enabling comebacks for players like Brewer and Barret Jackman.
In his last 18 games, Brewer has been an even or plus player 16 times. Jackman has posted an even or plus rating in 17 of his last 21, is on pace to eclipse his season high in points, and is on pace to cut his penalty minutes in half from last season. They're not the only Blues who have raised their game this year, and Davidson has to ask himself how many of these players can sustain these performances.
If Davidson keeps the roster intact, he then has to decide whether to also become a buyer. In that case, any purchases would be small, since the Blues still have their eyes focused on the future and altering team chemistry would be a risky move.
Should he choose to make a playoff push, the team must respond not only by making the playoffs, but stealing a round or two, as well. At least then the damage done by missing out on acquiring prospects might be offset by the financial gains of home playoff dates.
Luckily, Davidson has 12 games to evaluate the Blues' chances. If the team falters in the next month and he starts putting price tags on his veterans, the question becomes who to move.
Tkachuk and Guerin are givens. Their contract status and solid play this year makes them attractive to a number of suitors, but at their age, they don't belong in the club's long-term plans.
Doug Weight and Martin Rucinsky's names have been thrown around, but each is on a fairly lucrative multi-year deal, and the odds of them being dealt for seem slim. Lesser lights like Jamie Rivers and Radek Dvorak could draw some interest, but probably not much in return.
With 12 games between today and the deadline, Davidson may have the decision made for him. A 10-2 run forces him to look towards the playoffs, while a 5-7 would put the long-range future in his sights. But going 7-5 or 6-6, well, he'd probably rather not think about that.
