Davidson, formerly the top U.S.-based colour analyst, has spent the summer rebuilding a roster that was stripped down for a fire sale that led to the Blues not only ending a 25-year playoff run but finishing last overall. He seems to be enjoying the task of resurrecting a franchise that also chased off much of its fan base.

The Blues open Thursday night at San Jose.

``My patience level will be tested, there's no question about that, because I haven't been through it,'' Davidson said. ``I think there's going to be times where you grit your teeth and have to bear it.

``But you know what? I think we have a plan.''

Former New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden executive Dave Checketts leads a new ownership group that inherited the remnants in late June. It's no coincidence that all seven of the free agents they've added made it to the playoffs last season, to aid in what Davidson, a Blues goalie in 1973-74, calls a franchise culture change.

Defenceman Jay McKee, who'll miss the first few weeks with a knee injury, is one of the league's top shot-blockers. Forward Doug Weight was part of the talent exodus from St. Louis and returns after helping the Hurricanes win a Stanley Cup. Manny Legace, who comes from the Red Wings, is likely the No. 1 goalie.

Also added: wingers Bill Guerin, Dan Hinote and Martin Rucinsky, and defenceman Jamie Rivers. Those veterans will be mixed with star power forward Keith Tkachuk, who showed up svelte unlike last season when he reported 20 pounds overweight, and youngsters who got a chance to develop last season, such as Lee Stempniak and defenceman Dennis Wideman.

``I had a great opportunity and played a lot,'' Wideman said. ``I made a lot of mistakes that you make as a young guy but the way I look at it, last year was my year to make those.''

The Blues aren't rushing first overall draft pick Erik Johnson, a defenceman who's staying at the University of Minnesota for now.

``I think this team is going to come together real quick,'' said Guerin, attempting to rebound from a 40-point season with the Dallas Stars. ``It's got the makings of good chemistry here.''

Having Davidson as his boss was a big factor in Guerin choosing St. Louis.

``I've known J.D. for a long time from my days in Jersey while he was in New York,'' Guerin said. ``There's not too many guys that know the players around the league better than him.

``He has a really good hockey mind, and that's why he was good at what he was doing. He's going to put together the right pieces.''

Coach Mike Kitchen was patient with no-names last season and now he has a lot more to work with. It would be a huge leap, but Kitchen thinks making the playoffs is realistic.

The Oilers needed 95 points to earn the final spot in the Western Conference last season. Last season, the Blues had only 57.

``We're making all the steps to move forward,'' Kitchen said. ``We need everyone going in the same direction, and if we have that going all year and stay healthy, we'll push for a playoff spot for sure.''

Davidson believes better discipline is a must for a lineup that leaves little margin for error. He was highly critical after one pre-season game after defenceman Barret Jackman retaliated for a body check and drew a double minor.

Last season, he said the Blues took too many bad penalties.

``We're going to be a fine-line team and it's a very difficult conference when you think about playoffs,'' Davidson said. ``We need guys to play a smart game.''

Davidson knows they've got to win their share to get fans back in the seats after last season, which only prolonged bad feelings from the lockout in 2004-05.

They'll take another step toward healing in December when Brett Hull's No. 16 jersey is retired. Hull's clashes with the front office precipitated his exit in 1998.

``We have to reconnect, there's no question,'' Davidson said. ``They know what position we're in and they want to see good, solid, honest efforts.

``We're going to get to that winning thing the right way and we're going to work hard to get there.''