In the context of the new regime's build-a-Blue workshop philosophy and obvious swap-meet strategy of rounding up draft picks, Jarmo Kekalainen is emerging as the organization's most important person. Kekalainen is the assistant GM and director of scouting, and more than anyone else at Scottrade Center, he'll determine the success of JD's draft-pick pooling.
Not only must Kekalainen and his scouts be able to identify young talent across the globe, but he must help plot a shrewd draft-day strategy to maximize their selections.
And in the Blues' situation, that includes the possibility of bundling picks to move up in the draft to pluck the right player at the right moment. The Blues used this approach to maneuver their way to the 25th spot in the first round of the 2006 draft, and made a move for coveted Swedish center Patrik Berglund.
The good news is, Kekalainen is a highly regarded talent evaluator who can organize and supervise a scouting staff.
The Blues were delighted when six of their players from Kekalainen's 2006 draft class participated in the recent World Junior Championships. Previous Jarmo draft picks in St. Louis (including David Backes and Lee Stempniak) are showing promise at the NHL level. There's nothing dramatic so far; it can take several years to get prospects ready for the NHL. But under Kekalainen's watch, the Blues are restocking their base of young talent.
And as the chief scout in Ottawa, Kekalainen ran the drafts that brought in future stars Ray Emery, Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat and Jason Spezza. That's just a partial listing; Kekalainen's picks are all over the NHL. And while with Ottawa, Kekalainen simultaneously served as IFK Helsinki's general manager in the Finnish Elite League and won the league championship in 1998. By all indications, this is a brilliant young hockey executive.
Now, for the bad news: Kekalainen's St. Louis contract expires in June. He has a strong desire to become the first European to run an NHL franchise from the GM's seat, and looms as an attractive candidate for teams seeking a fresh approach with an emphasis on player development.
Losing Kekalainen would be a serious blow for the Blues, especially considering that they're gathering draft picks and placing the future in his hands.
The Blues' No. 1 free-agent priority?
Re-sign Jarmo.
Bernie is right. Larry Pleau has been a good soldier, but it seems obvious that his has been a caretaker role this year. John Davidson has been calling the shots for all intents and purposes, and Pleau has been handling the detail work. But if jarmo wants to step up into a more central GM role the Blues should be the team to accommodate him. A Davidson/Kekalainen brain trust would be perfect for the long haul.
Lets hope they get it done.
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