The season isn’t even over yet, but the St. Louis Blues have been busy adding talent to their future with two signings on defense. The team extended defenseman Marco Scandella, while agreeing to term with collegiate Scott Perunovich on a contract. That leaves quite a bit of depth on the Blues’ blueline and leaves even more questions on whether St. Louis intends to sign pending unrestricted free agent Alex Pietrangelo to a long-term deal.
In his most recent mailbag, The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford (subscription required) writes that he believes the Blues continue to prioritize signing Pietrangelo and believes that his $9MM AAV asking price might now be too high and he might have to accept less or a short-term deal as the NHL deals with the effects of COVID-19. Regardless, the Blues will likely have to unload some contracts to make a deal possible as Rutherford suggests the team is likely going to have to move backup goaltender Jake Allen or buying out forward Alex Steen. Allen, in particular, could have some value after posting a 2.15 GAA and a .927 save percentage in 24 appearances, and could attract some teams looking for help in net as he will have one year remaining next year at $4.35MM.
- Speaking of goalies, Calgary Flames veteran Cam Talbot, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, that he is looking for one more chance to be a starting goaltender again and that will be his basis for signing with a team. “I wouldn’t rule out coming back, but, obviously, my goal coming here was to show the rest of the League that I still have it in me to be a starting goalie and I think I accomplished that,” Talbot said. The 32-year-old had a bounce-back season in Calgary after signing a one-year deal with the Flames with a 2.63 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 26 appearances as the backup to David Rittich.
- In his most recent mailbag, Sportsnet’s Mark Spector suggests that there is a strong likelihood that the Edmonton Oilers will re-sign fourth-line center Sam Gagner to another short-term deal. He believes that Edmonton general manager Ken Holland looks at Gagner as a future member of his front office in the same way he looked at Dan Cleary, Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby when he was with the Detroit Red Wings. On top of that, Gagner is likely looking for a one-year deal at under $1MM, a contract that a team like Edmonton would value considering how top-heavy the team is in expensive contracts. Edmonton is also Gagner’s family’s home, suggesting that is where he would prefer to stay.
MacJablonski--NotVegasLegend
Dear Doug Armstrong: Here is what a couple of us PHR jokers think:
Keeping Petro = GOOD
Keeping Faulk = BAD
(Hope this helps during the upcoming tumultuous off-season)
riverrat55
addition as mentioned in story, and continuation of PHR Jokers by Mac
By Out Steen = GOOD
MacJablonski--NotVegasLegend
G! Alexander AND his infamous beak?!!! Papa Thomas will not be pleased with you! ;)
The Blues’ bottom line, however, will be. (Much to Alex’s chagrin — He is getting somewhat long in the tooth, unfortunately…)
BennyTheBoss
The Blues are kicking themselves for the Faulk extension
riverrat55
I feel they need to hold on to Allen unless they give Husso a look when new season season starts, and cut ties with Alex Steen on buyout , he is 36 and carries a cap hit of $5,750,000. he still plays well not sure how much more he can play the way he has been relied on for a nice career and valuable player in eventual run to Stanley Cup. He has had a good career or will he take a 35+ contract or wait til 2021 when free agent.