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Blues Extend QO's To Four Players/Yashin News

June 16, 2008, 3:25 PM ET [ Comments]
Andy Strickland
St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The St. Louis Blues have extended Qualifying Offers to Center Jay McClement, Forward David Backes, D-Man Jeff Woywitka, and goaltender Hannu Toivonen.

The Blues still could choose to extend at least one player to a longer extension.

Larry Pleau will meet with representatives of McClement Thursday morning in Ottawa. The two sides will likely avoid arbitration and agree to either a one or two year deal. The former 2nd round pick is eligible for free agency in two seasons. Most teams don’t like to extend players up to the year they become UFA’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blues sign McClement to a one year extension worth more than his $735,000 qualifying offer.

The Blues will also be meeting with representatives of David Backes in Ottawa to determine if a deal can be reached. Backes also has arbitration rights and is a decent shot to exercise this option if unsuccessful in reaching an extension with the Blues. The Blues have now entered preliminary discussions with Backes.

Players must file for arbitration by July 5th.

Toivonen has accepted a contract to play in Finland next season but remains property of the Blues.


Rink Rats!

If Alexei Yashin is going to return to the New York Islanders next season he won’t be coming with a discount. Word is Yashin is looking for similar money he’s been offered in Russia which is in the $5 million range.

Kings GM Dean Lombardi met with Assistant Coach Mike Johnston on Saturday.

The Vancouver Canucks have had no discussions with backup goaltender Curtis Sanford.

The Dallas Stars are looking for AHL teams to place their players. The Stars, who had an AHL affiliate in Iowa last season, will be the only team in the NHL this year without an AHL affiliate.

Bob Gainey may be willing to let Dallas place a few players in Hamilton, St. Louis could take a few as well.



Anaheim is taking over in Iowa this season.

In other AHL moves, Florida is moving into Rochester and Buffalo is leaving Rochester for Portland, Maine.

Cristobal Huet is apparently eyeing Ottawa if an extension in Washington doesn’t get worked out.

Goaltender Brian Boucher is expected to be re-signed in San Jose.


Blues Clues!

Yan Stastny is looking for a contract worth $500,000 to stay with St. Louis.

The annual Trainers meetings were held in St. Louis this past weekend. Blues President John Davidson was the first President to ever attend the yearly dinner.


More to come,

Andy Strickland

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