Strange sequence of events involving a pretty highly regarded prospect in the Blues organization took place today.
Recently D-man Jonas Junland was offered a one-way contract by the Blues for the 2010-2011 season in the neighborhood of $500,000 .
At that time all appeared to be good as emails were sent back and forth between Junland and his agents extending congratulations.
Junland never signed the deal.
Early today word began to spread that Junland had agreed to a one-year deal to play with Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League.
After speaking with members in the Blues organization today no one was able to confirm whether Junland had in fact signed to play over in Sweden. In fact the organization appeared to be blindsided by the news.
Earlier today I received confirmation that Junland did in fact sign to play next season in Sweden. I find it interesting that he did this without the recommendation of his North American agents.
Whether or not his Swedish based agent negotiated the deal between Junland and Farjestad remains unclear at this time.
The Blues will certainly qualify Junland later this summer and therefore hang on to his NHL rights. Having his NHL rights isn’t expected to prevent him from playing overseas.
Even though the Blues feel Junland has some promise, President John Davidson seemed rather unphased with the kid's decision. "He'd rather play in Europe".
Junland has always been a kid that walks to the beat of his own drum. During the 2008-2009 season there were some rumblings about him being unhappy in the AHL and there was even speculation he would be heading back home at the end of the year. Following this year he made some comments that didn't go over too well with the Blues organization when he publicly said his time in the AHL is over. He basically told the Blues to either sign him, trade him, or he’d be headed back to Sweden.
It appears he went with the latter even though the Blues offered him a one-way contract for next season.
The Blues are looking into whether or not there is an out clause in his contract which would allow him to return to the Blues this coming season.
I’m sure there is plenty more to this story, stay tuned.
In other news there have been some internal discussions about not holding a rookie camp this summer. What has become an annual event was expected to take place shortly after the NHL entry draft. There is still a possibility the organization brings some prospects into town but there appears to be a strong chance the on-ice portion of the camp will be eliminated. Obviously this could change, but multiple sources indicate there will not be a prospects camp this summer.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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