re: Choosing an NHL team to follow (STL Blues, it is - questions on pg. 7)

It would be awesome if Horton could have a good (not even asking for great) season. That would be like adding a strong free agent, since he really didn't do much last year. Our offseason was quiet, but Jarmo made a good point that there's a lot of room for growth from within, and it's probably more than it is for most other teams. Based on age, Atkinson should be a little better, Calvert should be a little better, Boone and Murray should be a lot better, Prout, Savard and Erixon should all be better, Johansen (assuming he eventually signs) should be a little-a lot better and even Bob should be a little better.

There aren't many guys from last year's team who should be worse this year. Hartnell will probably be worse with us than he was with Philly last year due to age, but he should still be better than Umberger was, so that's an upgrade. Wiz and Tyutin are the only regulars from last year that "should" potentially be worse this year than they were last year. It's pretty exciting.