The St. Louis Blues were unable to land scoring depth at this year’s NHL trade deadline but they’ve ensured one of their current scorers won’t be leaving anytime soon.
On Saturday the Blues announced the re-signing of winger Brad Boyes to a four-year, $16 million contract extension, which will count as $4 million per season against their salary cap starting next season.
This move comes roughly a week after the Blues re-signed defenseman Barret Jackman to a four-year extension. Like Jackman, Boyes is considered an essential part of the Blues future as they continue to rebuild toward playoff contention.
It’s obvious why the Blues re-upped Boyes, as he’s the club’s leading goal-scorer this season, with 32 as of this writing and on pace for 41goals and 60 points at season’s end, which would be career-best in goals thus far and second-best single season point total.
Given the lack of scoring depth beyond Boyes, Keith Tkachuk and Paul Kariya on the Blues forward lines, management had to move quickly to sign Boyes to prevent him receiving an offer sheet from a rival club this summer when he would’ve been a restricted free agent.
$4 million per season might seem expensive but it was necessary, otherwise he would’ve received that much if not more from a potential rival team this summer.
Boyes recovered from his struggles in his sophomore performance in 2006-07 to become a legitimate scoring threat for the Blues this season. Given his youth (25) his best years should still be ahead of him, making this signing well worth it, particularly if he can approach or exceed the 40-goal mark each season.
This signing also pushes the Blues payroll to around $37 million committed to 13 players for next season. Considering the rest of the free agents they’ll attempt to re-sign will be affordable to retain, management should have enough money available this summer to go shopping for more scoring depth.
Don’t dismiss that possibility, for despite the Blues being in the midst of a rebuilding program, the city of St. Louis has proven a popular destination for some UFAs in previous years (Doug Weight, Keith Tkachuk and Paul Kariya) and should prove enticing again this summer to a UFA scorer.
Hey Spec, I know this is an early thought and wish full thinking, but could the Blues go after someone like Hossa as an UFA this off-season? Talk about a splash in St Louis. Or am I off my rocker.
I wouldn't say you're off your rocker. The Blues have as good a chance as anyone, although Hossa has stated he wants to play for a Cup contender, which will likely determine where he goes. Still, if the Blues are willing to out-bid other clubs I wouldn't rule it out.
I liked what I saw when Boyes was in Boston. Sending him on his way was a bit of a headscratcher at the time, but seeing where the Bruins are now, it makes sense. He's not exactly the first guy to mind when one thinks of defensively responsible forwards. On the flipside, he's not bad when it comes to putting goals on the scoreboard.
Speaking of St. Louis, what's happening with Andy MacDonald? Anaheim trades him to the Blues for cap space, and nobody hears from him again. If I remember correctly, he's still got a couple years left on his contract, but I can't remember the years or money value. Since he's sort of fallen off the charts, do you think he'll be on the move this summer?
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
