St. Louis Blues: It's Time to See How Much Jonathan Cheechoo Has Left

It has been well documented this season that the St. Louis Blues do not score very many goals.

It appeared the team was on the right track last week when they scored three times in four consecutive games, but Tuesday night St. Louis fans were once again reminded of the team's offensive woes in the Blues' 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

There has been much speculation that the Blues will be active at the trade deadline, as they search for a big-time goal scorer who can make the Blues an even more serious Stanley Cup contender.

Before the Blues go crazy at the trade deadline and make a big deal, however, there is one player who should get a chance.

While he may not be the player he once was, he is a former 50-goal scorer who could give the Blues the offensive spark they need to win a Stanley Cup. That player is Jonathan Cheechoo.

At first thought, this does not seem like the best idea.

Cheechoo has only scored 16 goals this year for the Blues' minor league affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. He is considered past his prime and is definitely not the same player who scored 165 goals in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks.

Many would consider this to be a risky move.

On the contrary, I do not see any risk in this move. If things do not work out for five or six games, then St. Louis sends Cheechoo back down to Peoria to finish his season with the Rivermen.

If things do work out, however, the rewards could be spectacular.

Cheechoo could provide the Blues with the offense they have been missing. He may not be incredible, but right now the Blues are getting very little production out of their right-wing spot, so the expectations will not be too high for him.

Instead of making a potentially catastrophic blockbuster deal for Rick Nash or some other All-Star-type player, give Cheechoo a shot. Cheechoo might realize that this is his final shot in the NHL and be motivated to do something amazing for the Blues.

It's so often unknown how players will react when everything is on the line for them. Just look at players like Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. You never know what will happen until you give a guy a chance.

It is time for the St. Louis Blues to call up Jonathan Cheechoo to the NHL. He could be the missing piece to the St. Louis Blues' Stanley Cup puzzle.