As per the Blues’ earlier press release, Ken Hitchcock is under contract until the end of the 2012-2013 season. This gives one the thought that his being hired isn’t a quick fix for the kids who are under-performing – to show them the “right way” and move on. Hitchcocks’ way is the right way, or else you’re hitting the highway. He doesn’t mess around, and he demands accountability from his players. The youth on the Blues has gotten a reputation of being too relaxed and of contributing to an “inmates run the asylum” kind of feeling among the fans and people who cover the team.
Hitchcock’s defensive first style isn’t exciting hockey, and it might not fit well with the playmaking prowess of players like Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie, whereas David Backes, Chris Stewart, and the like should be able to grasp it fairly quickly. The young players are going to have to be quick studies, and will have to be responsible on and off the ice, or else Craig Custance’s tweet about changes coming will come true.