STLtoday.com Top Blues Headlines

• High-scoring Boyes may be focus of foes

Humble by the standards of many professional athletes, even Brad Boyes got a kick out of the reception he received back home in Toronto after scoring 43 goals with the Blues last season.

• Johnson optimistic as shoulder heals

After skating at the Blues' practice facility Monday morning, Erik Johnson walked into the players' lounge to mix a protein shake.

• Blues go after a fan favorite

Brendan Shanahan is a free agent and might not be returning to the Rangers because of a salary-cap issue.

• More variety for Blues fans

The Blues will open the NHL season at home for the first time since 2002 when they host the Nashville Predators on Oct. 10 at Scottrade Center.

• Ex-Blue Drake opts to go out a winner

When the Blues bought out the contract of captain Dallas Drake in June 2007, the NHL veteran took the approach of "everything happens for a reason."