Post by St. Louis Blues on Jul 21, 2024 5:15:12 GMT -6
After a disappointing 23/24 season, today we take a look at the moves the Blues made or the one they should have made during the first months of this off season.
Even if the 2024 draft and the free agency are to be held pretty soon, GM Poulin already made a few moves/signings.
Basically, 95% of last year roster are back for another season. GM Poulin was pretty out loud that he believed in his plan and that the core would stay for at least 2 seasons.
Ty Dellandrea signed a 2 seasons extension at 2,8M$ and will play a big part on the 3th line next season. Since he was acquired from the Colorado Avs, he played 57 games with 18 goals and 24 assists with a +/- 13. He will be a big part in the Dellandrea/Grundstrom/Mascherin line.
Morgan Rielly also signed a huge deal worth $8,120,000 (with a huge undisclosed SB). Let's be honest, even if the Blues overpaid for Rielly, at the time he was the best player on the team. Also the Blues were really weak on the D side. Signing Morgan Rielly for a few seasons solidify the D core and he's the guy in St-Louis. Words around are that Rielly with be paired with Dylan Samberg who made huge steps in the right direction last season. If so Klingberg should be paired on the second duo and be a part of the Blues PP. One thing is for sure, the Blues are in a way better shape on the back end this upcoming season. Let's see if the squad can stay healthy.
The big fish here is the acquisition of the Danish forward Nikolaj Ehlers who won the PFHL Cup with the Florida Panthers. He was a big part of the team success and was the alternate captain of last season dream team. Ehlers has one year left on his $6,000,000 contract (the Blues will pay Ehlers $3,000,000). If he resign with the Blues, he will be a huge piece in the Blues offense for the next seasons, and if he doesn't want to resign here, he should be traded at the deadline with salary retained. The rumors around the team is that the Danish superstar will be assign with Blues futur superstar Adam Fantilli on the top line/top PP. We still don't know if Fantilli will be part of the pro squad but it should be interesting that's for sure.
Another signing was Brady Skjei at $2,600,000. He should get an upgrade and be paired with John Klingberg next season. We should see a bounce back on his side too.
The big rumor around the team at the moment is that the Blues are trying to trade Swedish goaltender Robin Lehner (32 years old). At $6,000,000 for the next 3 seasons, the decline already started in Lehner case. He played well last season but clearly the Blues are going to try to deal him pretty soon. He's not the solution here.
The Blues should be pretty quiet during this FA. Don't expect much of the signing side.
A few prospects/young players will make the Pro move this season. Now we just need to sit and wait. Good things will come soon... or at least we hope !
