While the hockey world spins out of control with trade rumors, crazy signings, and lockout worries St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong just keeps doing his thing. On
Wednesday he locked up head coach Ken Hitchcock to an extension that could put the Jack Adams winner behind the bench through the 2014-15 season.
Today he brings back another experienced veteran presence. Gritty forward
Scott Nichol has agreed to a one-year contract that will reportedly pay out a base salary of $650,000.
The 37 year old Edmonton native registered 3 goals and 8 points while appearing in 80 games last season. Nichol’s prowess in traditional statistical offensive categories does not accurately measure the impact he made with the Blues. He led the team with a 57.6% faceoff winning percentage (259-for-450) and also contributed 92 hits, 29 blocked shots, and 14 takeaways (Plus-9 Give/Take) in a small ATOI of 9:18, 1:41 of which was spent in short handed situations.
Certainly respectable numbers for a bottom six role player, but there is more to what Nichol brings to the table than those figures can show. As Armstrong elaborated Thursday afternoon, “His work ethic and professionalism are second to none and he serves as an excellent role model for our young core.”
A feisty group depth forwards is forming with this signing. Nichol joins BJ Crombeen, Ryan Reaves and Vladimir Sobotka as skaters under contract for the 2012-13 season likely slated for a 4th line role (assuming good health obviously). All capable of upping the energy level on the ice by banging opposing defenseman and none of which are afraid of dropping the gloves.
Now Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott are the two remaining UFA forwards that a decision must be made on. Chris Porter will go to July 1st unsigned. At this time it’s believed that Arnott will not return though the door may not totally close soon. His shot on the power play and experience level will need to be replaced. Russian rookie Vladimir Tarasenko seems poised to jump in to that opening on the man advantage. Expect another long tenured centerman to come on board. Whether that is via free agency like Jochten Hecht, Paul Gaustad or trade remains to be seen. Though it seemed like a Langenbrunner’s return was a lock, that’s reportedly no longer the case. Will the former US Olympic captain agree to a reduced role and potentially reduced pay? At his age (36) and previous salary ($2.5 million), that’s the only return scenario to bank on.
Should the “fill from within” route be taken the likely candidates to move up from Peoria to St. Louis would be Phil McRae and Rivermen captain Adam Cracknell.
Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and Kent Huskins are the other remaining UFAs. By all indications both will be allowed to hit the open market.
My Take
I confess to not being much of a Nichol fan. Mainly because he slewfooted Joe Vitale of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, but I digress. There is more to consider than my whacky personal team alliances outside the Blues. What he offers aside from the shenanigans as a heart n’ soul, blood n’ guts type at that cost is a deal worth making. There really isn’t an external option available who will do what he does and what role he does it from at that salary.
Your Take
Are you happy to see Nichol return? Comfortable with the salary and role? Should neither, one or both Lagenbrunner and Arnott return? If not, who takes their place?
Quick Hit Blues Randomness
- Former Blues player
Bruce Affleck has been named the Chief Operating Officer. The one time VP of Broadcasting and Alumni will now be responsible for the business side of the house relating to the Blues, Scottrade Center and related operations. Kudos and congrats are definitely in order as Affleck has worked in many different positions over the last 25 years and has played a big part in the 14 Fund. The guy is just all about the Blues and fits right in with new owner Tom Stillman.
- Speaking of former Blues… Defenseman Nikita Nikitin (2 years, $4.3 million) and Forward Cam Janssen (1 year, $575K (NHL) / $105K (AHL)) earned new contracts from Columbus and New Jersey respectively. Couldn’t be happier to see Nikitin doing well. Honestly, the trade that sent him to the Blue Jackets for Kris Russell has worked out well for both teams. Nothing wrong with a good hockey deal.
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Thanks for reading!
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