Starting with off-season signings of Bill Guerin, Manny Legace, and Radek Dvorak, Davidson set the tone for the direction of his regime, and that revolved around asset building. By inking each to a short-term, inexpensive deal, Davidson set himself up with valuable flexibility.
If his signees found their old game, Davidson would have cheap vets ready to convert into prospects and picks at the deadline, as he now has in Guerin and possibly Dvorak (who's proven to be a valuable penalty killer, something always needed for a contender).
In the case of Legace, he wound up with a goalie perfectly suited to tutor the next generation of Blues goalies while keeping the current club’s record respectable.
The in-season move of bringing aboard Andy Murray was equally shrewd, as Murray's coaching style is ideal for his current personnel (i.e. young, willing to work hard, not overly skilled). The results have been spectacular, as the team has found its way back to the .500 mark and begun to win back fans with an honest, hard-working style.
Then, re-signing defenseman Eric Brewer and Legace to extensions over the weekend was important both on and off the ice.
On the ice, it basically cements the Blues' defense for at least the next four seasons. Brewer, McKee, Barret Jackman, Erik Johnson, Dennis Wideman, Christian Backman, Jeff Woywitka, and Matt Walker are a formidable core, and their presence means that for the next few seasons, Davidson doesn't have to spend one second thinking of adding a d-man.
As for Legace, as mentioned above, he is the perfect mentor should the Note bring Marek Schwarz up next year. Legace's got experience in tandem settings, and would likely not balk at a 50-30 split in games in the next year or two.
Off the ice, signing the two just before unloading Keith Tkachuk to Atlanta tells fans that this isn't just a fire sale, the team has designs on competing next year.
That brings us to the Tkachuk deal, which was nothing short of brilliant.
You have to wonder if Davidson actually asked Atlanta GM Don Waddell for three draft picks, plus a conditional pick, plus Glen Metropolit, because I can't imagine many GM would have had the pucks to do that.
And if it was Waddell who posed the deal to Davidson, the question simply becomes was Davidson able to withhold laughter?
Despite talk of the 2007 draft crop being weak, draft picks are the prime currency of the salary cap world. Davidson can package his picks (he'll have his own in the top ten, plus Atlanta's in the top twenty) to move up in the draft, or add a big name veteran (Olli Jokinen will likely be auctioned at the draft, and would provide the perfect centerpiece for the Blues' offensive revival).
Picks equals flexibility, and flexibility equates to power in today's NHL.
And the timing of the trade was impeccable. Davidson held two key assets, Tkachuk and Guerin, with Guerin holding more value than "Walt."
By moving Tkachuk first, Davidson has set the market price for Guerin higher, and taken an alternative off the market. Now he can play Detroit and Anaheim off of each other until the Tuesday deadline and maximize his return.
So to recap – if you're in Boston, Chicago, or Philly and you're looking to fast track your rebuilding process, ask JD for some tips. Inexpensive UFAs can add credibility to your club in the short term and prove awfully valuable come deadline day. Make sure your coaching staff complements your personnel, and gather assets to maximize flexibility. It's a three step plan to try and help you make it four rounds through the playoffs.
Deadline Bluelines: Tkachuk is gone and Guerin is likely not far behind, but who else might be on the way out the door? Jamal Mayers has been rumored, most often with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he's also raised his game to a new level with a more clearly defined role. . . . Moving Curtis Sanford would make a lot of sense, as his contract is up and he believes he can start in the NHL (a chance he won't get in St. Louis thanks to Legace's new deal). He wouldn't bring much in return, but every little bit helps. . . . Dvorak could go, but like Mayers, he's valuable to next year's Blues in the right role (third line and penalty kill) . . . . If Martin Rucinsky is healthy, the Rangers have been said to have interest. Could a dark horse leave from the backline? . . . . With McKee and Brewer locked up Johnson on the way next year, Jackman as the face of the franchise, and Wideman a valued powerplay specialist, what could oft-injured Christian Backman fetch? It's unlikely to happen but worth thinking about.
