Heres how to overhaul the Blues

As the Blues stagger into the extended Olympic break, everybody employed by the franchise will have an opportunity to assess the state of the organization.

Frustration abounds.

The Blues are stalled in 13th place in the Western Conference, with formidable teams like Detroit, Dallas, Anaheim and Minnesota standing between them and the playoff bracket.

This team, as currently constructed, isnt quite good enough to return to postseason play -– and it is a LONG way from contending for the Stanley Cup.

So what is John Davidson to do?

Adding explosive offensive talent would provide a quick boost, but such acquisitions are difficult.

The Blues bid on winger Ilya Kovalchuk, but that potential 50-goal scorer seems determined to test the free-agent marketplace.

So the Devils landed him instead.

Kovalchuk gives that team a chance to win the Cup this spring, so team president Lou Lamoriello isnt as concerned about losing him this summer.

With Kovalchuk off the board, for now, the Blues must look ahead.

This team doesnt need to start over, but it needs a thorough overhaul.

Davidson, Larry Pleau, Doug Armstrong and Co.

should:

1.) Start shedding veterans who dont fit into the long-range plans.

Some players (Carlo Colaiacovo) will be easier to move than others (Paul Kariya), but the Blues should try to free a few roster spots to give younger players a late-season look.

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