Blues at a glance
	Camp schedule: Sept. 8-15: Sullivan Arena (Anchorage, Alaska) Sept. 16: U.S. Ice Complex (Chesterfield, Mo.) Coach: Joel Quenneville (6th season, 197-120-54-6) General manager: Larry Pleau (5th season)

Bill Laurie, whose purchase of the Avalanche fell through, through no fault of his own, moved on to the Blues -- and now he has to be smarting because Colorado won the Stanley Cup under the ownership of his brother-in-law, Stan Kroenke.

So it shouldn't be at all shocking that Laurie gave the full-steam-ahead sign to moves that increased the Blues' payroll about 50 percent this season. The difference can buy a lot of dog food at Wal-Mart, the seed money of the family fortunes. But the big question is whether the moves and the commitment will keep the Blues bona fide threats to the Avalanche, Red Wings and Stars again. In some ways, it seems that this was just a lot of shuffling -- and not a significant improvement.

The Weight of the world: The Blues' ambivalence about Pierre Turgeon was puzzling, and they weren't brokenhearted when he signed with the Stars. Doug Weight, acquired and signed from the Oilers, steps into the top-line center's role. Weight is a terrific player, but it remains to be seen whether his teaming on a line with last year's comeback king, Scott Young, will be as productive.

Get thee to Calgary: The Blues gave up on Roman Turek, and it seemed rash. Yes, he was shaky in the postseason, and the move is defensible because his teammates had lost the faith. But unless Brent Johnson and/or Fred Brathwaite prove to be prime-time goalies, Turek might look better next spring.

Getting defensive: Chris Pronger had an injury-plagued season, and Al MacInnis suffered that fearsome eye injury in late January. Joel Quenneville needs to take the hint: He needs to bring the ice time for Pronger and MacInnis -- especially the latter -- down from the stratosphere and give some to the younger players.

Blues 2001-02 preseason schedule
Date	Opponent	Time
Sat., Sept. 15	vs. San Jose at Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, Alaska	Canceled
Sun., Sept. 16	vs. San Jose at Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, Alaska	Canceled
Wed., Sept. 19	at Chicago	8:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 22	at Nashville	8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 26	Chicago	8 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 28	Nashville	8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 29	Detroit	8 p.m.