So Much For A Blogging Day Off

Thought I could take a day of rest...silly me.

Via Taking Note and Buzzing the Net is a piece from True Hockey about the future of Americans list player Jaden Schwartz.  Jaden was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and they may want him to spend a season in the WHL rather than playing college hockey.

Schwartz would probably challenge for the WHL scoring title next season if he leaves Colorado College. The Blues won’t push him to leave school if that’s where he wants to be. Obviously having a chance to play with his brother Rylan is likely one of the main factors in him choosing CC in the first place.

At the end of the day the decision is completely up to him. Would the Blues prefer to see him take his game to the CHL? My sources tell me they would as the CHL would probably best prepare him to make the jump to the NHL in the near future. Again just because they’d like to see him in Tri-City next season doesn’t mean they will force the issue.

Schwartz will sit down with his advisor in the coming days and weigh out all of his options. Signing a pro contract remains one of those options but again I’m told the Blues have no intentions of rushing him. With that being said if he came to Doug Armstrong and said he wants to turn pro I don’t think the Blues would say no. I do think most would agree he could use another year to build up his body and get stronger. (TrueHockey)

That's kind of a big deal.  This kid is really good.  Like, really.  Meanwhile, the Herald has a nice bit about Americans' goalies Owsley and Driedger getting to work with Olie the Goalie:

"He is a resource not a lot of other goalies in the league have," said Owsley, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta. "You just have to come in with an open mind and take what he gives you. He doesn't try to change my game, he gives me pointers."

"He will be the best goalie coach I'll probably ever have," Driedger said. "He's an All-Star goalie and he knows what he's talking about. I knew he owned the team, but I didn't know he was going to work with us -- it worked out perfectly."

"Like every rookie that comes into this league, it's a huge step and it can be overwhelming," Driedger said. "He can bring you back to earth and help you focus on what you need to do."

"Chris has raw talent, he just needs to polish it a bit. It's nice to see them apply what you teach them."

"I went home at Christmas and I was telling my friends that Olie was my goalie coach," Driedger said. "A little bragging goes on, but it's cool, for sure." (Herald)