The Blues and 2006 first-round draft pick T.J. Oshie are inching closer to striking a deal that will put the 21-year-old forward in an NHL uniform in 2008-09.

Oshie can return to the University of North Dakota for his senior season, but indications are pointing toward him turning pro.

"I've been thinking about my decision, but I've got to get this school done in the next two weeks," Oshie said recently. "Once I get that done, I'll sit down and make a decision."

Oshie, who scored 18 goals and had 45 points as a junior this season, could help an ailing Blues' offense. The team finished 27th in the league in goals (205) in 2007-08.

Oshie was the 24th overall player taken in the 2005 draft and 17 of the 23 players selected before him have played in the NHL.

"It's our feeling that it's time for him to turn pro," Blues President John Davidson said. "For his career going forward, with all due respect to college hockey, we think it's time. With that said, it's his decision. We'll respect their decision. But if you're going to be an NHL player, it's time to go to another level."

If he signs, some believe Oshie has the talent to make a difference on the Blues' roster next season. Others believe the rookie will have some growing pains.

"I don't know," said Davidson, when asked what Oshie could contribute next year. "All I can say is... as we progress as a team, he'll be an important part of the franchise. It takes time, though. It takes hard work on the part of the player, good coaching, patient coaching... a lot of different elements. But he has the opportunity to become a very good hockey player. He's got lots of grit with the way he plays, and he's got skill with the puck."

Oshie said that he's looking forward to being a Blue one day.

"It's exciting to hear people talk about how excited they are for what I possibly bring to the table," Oshie said. "Hopefully, I can contribute to the team as much as possible."

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
The Blues rallied for a 4-3 victory in Buffalo on Nov. 28, picking up their seventh victory in eight games. Brad Boyes scored the game-winner with 58 seconds left, a sneak peak at what he would go on to accomplish this season with 42 goals. The Blues haven't been a good road team, but they won a big game in a hostile environement to improve to 14-8.

TURNING POINT
On Feb. 2, the Blues fell 6-4 to Colorado, which played without injured stars Joe Sakic, Marek Svatos, Ryan Smyth and Paul Stastny. The carry-over was evident three nights later when the Blues lost 5-4 to Tampa Bay, owners of the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Blues were 24-19-7 before the Colorado loss, but would go on to win just eight of their last 31 games.

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