STFU ... This is important dammit, it's hockey!! I've spent the better part of 40 years glued to radios, TV's and seats in both the Arena and this current contraption they replaced it with (not a fan of all the crap they play and show ... just give me Ernie Hayes on the organ and real fans in the seats) and I want to see Cup hoisted here!!

Backes has the potential to be that Shanahan-type player but he also a few years away from it. I honestly think he would be harder to replace than Perron. But we can argue that all day...

I think you are mistaken about Pronger's trade value. I think he wasn't traded at the deadline because they wanted too much and knew they could get more in the off-season, with more teams bidding for him. I'll bet he goes for at least one high draft pick and one top-line prospect or young NHL'er (like Perron or Backes). And he is more valuable to us for a variety of reasons (see brilliant posts above by me).

As far as his "lack of leadership" and unnecessary penalties and ego, blah, blah, blah... I'm not concerned. He was good enough to win a Cup with the ducks,eh? He has matured and would also be playing for an organIzation that is far different than the one when he left here. His wife is from here and he likes STL. I think you would see a more mature and smarter player... The reason he will be trade bait is that they need cap room and he is only signed until the end of next year. They know he's not staying in California and they want value for him. Many teams will give a fair price just for the one year rental. Any deal the Blues make would have to include an extension of at least 1-2 years. If they couldn't get him to sign an extension, I would agree that the price is too high. But I think the extension is a no-brainer...