Observations:

September 2015 –  After signing a deal with the AHL affiliate Bakersfield back in August, Philip McRae brings a veteran two-way presence to the younger prospects this season. Mcrae made his pre-season debut with Edmonton Oilers on the evening of September 26, 2015. He fired three shots on net and had four penalty minutes. He appeared in 15 NHL games with the Blues back in 2010-2011 but has failed to crack a lineup since. He certainly isn't flashy but he is very responsible at both ends of the ice and isn't afraid to get to the dirty areas. He will look to impress in Bakersfield this season and possibly be an injury call-up if things get grim. He shouldn't be considered in even the deepest of keeper leagues at this point. The Oilers are hoping a change of scenery will boost McRae's development back to an NHL regular instead of stagnate like he was beginning to do with St. Louis. Tyler Thomson

October 2014 – McRae is back in North America as he signed a two-way deal with the Blues. He will begin the 2014-15 campaign with the team's AHL affiliate in Chicago. He does not project to be much of a factor in fantasy leagues. Eric Daoust

July 2013 – McRae has signed with Tappara Tampere of the Finnish Elite League for the 2013-14 season. The Blues gave him a qualifying offer so they retain his NHL rights.

June 2013 – McRae's 2012-13 season was a step backwards. He finished with a disappointing 18 points and minus-11 rating in 45 games for Peoria in the AHL. His long-term outlook has not changed much though. He still needs some seasoning at the minor pro level and if he makes it to the NHL it will probably be in a depth role for a few years. He is a restricted free agent this summer but with a lack of organizational depth beyond their top prospects do not be surprised to see him re-signed by the Blues. Eric Daoust

June, 2012 – Philip McRae is a good power forward prospect who has the skill set and intangibles of a future NHL player.  How good he is in fantasy hockey, and how long it takes for him to post good statistics, remains to be seen.  McRae had a decent AHL season with 39 points in 71 games in Peoria, however it was not enough to gain further NHL experience in St. Louis after a 15-game call-up in 2010-11.  He is a candidate to make it on the Blues’ roster in the fall, but the arrival of Vladimir Tarasenko will hurt those odds.  Look for McRae to split time between the AHL and NHL next season, followed by a slow rise in the depth chart after a few seasons playing in the bottom six.

Fantasy Outlook: C-

McRae has upside, but needs to make an impact now less he falls through the cracks. He has depth forward written all over him and could provide short term boosts to leagues that reward hits and penalty minutes if he makes it.

Footage:

McRae shows some roto league potential with a decent effort in a fight:

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