The St. Louis Blues have seemingly made the most of some down time during the league pause. The team has announced a new two-year contract with forward Sammy Blais. Blais has earned a raise from his current $850K deal to a $1.5MM AAV on his extension.
Blais, 23, has recorded six goals and 13 points in 40 games so far this season. Blais’ struggles with injuries have persisted this season, as he has missed 28 games due to surgery on his right wrist. Yet, when healthy he has been nearly three times as productive than he was last season. A big winger who isn’t afraid to play physically but also has some finesse to his game, Blais very well could continue to grow into much more dangerous scorer for the Blues over the course of his new contract, especially if he can stay healthy.
With Blais signed, the defending champs have gotten one of two priority RFA’s under contract. Blais would have had arbitration rights this summer, but instead will hold off on that process for at least another couple of years. Now, the Blues will turn their attention to defenseman Vince Dunn. Dunn, who lacks arbitration rights, nevertheless will need a new deal when his entry-level contract expires this off-season. Mackenzie MacEachern, Jacob de La Rose, and Derrick Pouliot are other RFA’s of note for the Blues this summer.
really is nice some leagues are allowing teams to give guys money during the lockdown
I mean the contract doesn’t kick in until July 1 anyways. He’s still making 850K this year
im just comparing it to how the MLB is completely restricting teams and players from even negotiating extensions. it seems fairly silly.