The St. Louis Blues were quiet on July 1st, making just two signings, both of which were of depth players. Their most important move of the offseason is yet to come, as rookie goaltender and RFA Jordan Binnington is in need of a new contract after his breakout season. It was expected that the Blues would be quiet on the free agent market given they just won the Stanley Cup. Here’s a recap of their day and a short write-up on each of the players.
- Nathan Walker, F. Walker was signed to a two-year, $1.4 million contract ($700,000 AAV). He appeared in just three NHL games for the Washington Capitals last season, in which he tallied zero goals and one assist. But, he played in 58 games for the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, in which he produced 17 goals and 22 assists. He also appeared in nine playoff games for the team, and he put up one goal and four assists in them. Drafted in the third round (89th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, Walker has appeared in just 12 career NHL games, in which he has compiled one goal and one assist. He has also played in 300 career AHL games, in which he has recorded 60 goals and 80 assists. The 25-year-old left wing is on his third organization over his six-season professional career.
- Sammy Blais, F. Blais was resigned to a one-year contract worth $850,000. In 32 games played for the Blues this season, he produced two goals and two assists. He also appeared in 15 playoff games for the team as they went on to win the Stanley Cup in seven games over the Bruins (internally crying as I write that), in which he tallied one goal and two assists. Drafted in the sixth round (176th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by St. Louis, Blais has appeared in 43 career NHL games, in which he has recorded three goals and four assists. The 23-year-old left wing is staying with the only organization he has known over his two-season NHL career.
This post will be updated if and when the team makes any more signings.
Hockey Addict 