|
Sobotka Arbitration, Barbashev, Prosser, Welsh Sign, Butler #25 |
|
|
|
|
|
The St. Louis Blues announced yesterday that forward Vladimir Sobotka, who signed a three year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, was awarded a one year, 2.275M contract.
Rumors are out there that Sobotka wants to return to the NHL after one season in the KHL, but he doesn't want to return to the St. Louis Blues. However he'll have to fulfill the one season awarded by the arbitrators.
After Sobotka plays out his awarded season, he'll become a free agent. The Blues could also trade Sobotka to any other team in the league, but Doug Armstrong has been very blunt about the situation. He wants Sobotka to be a Blue when he does decide to return to the NHL.
The Blues also made a trio of signings, starting with their second round pick from the 2014 NHL entry draft, Ivan Barbashev.
Barbashev, 18, is an offensive forward who can play both center and left wing. Barbashev posted 25 goals, 43 assists in just 48 games last season with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. Barbashev was a very interesting pick, as he was expected to be drafted in the first round, and the Blues were reportedly trying to trade back into the first round to pick him up, only to grab him in the second round. Barbashev is highly skilled, and is physically ready for the NHL. Though it's unlikely, Barbashev will battle hard during training camp to try and make the team's roster. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the starting roster during the 2015-16 season.
The Blues also added more depth to the Chicago Wolves with the signing of veteran defensemen Nate Prosser and forward Jeremy Welsh. Both players signed one year, two way contracts.
Prosser, 28, is more of an NHL veteran than an AHL veteran and will provide even more competition in camp for the Blues blueline. Prosser played last season with the Minnesota Wild, playing in 53 games. In those 53 games, he notched two goals and six assists. He also played in 10 playoff games for the Wild last season as well.
Welsh, 26, played parts of last with both the Vancouver Canucks and the Utica Comets of the AHL. Welsh played in 19 games for the Canucks last season, scoring just one goal. In 49 games with the Comets, Welsh registered 7 goals and 8 assists. He isn't an offensive forward, but focuses more on his defensive play. He'll add a strong veteran depth to the Wolves bottom six next season.
Chris Butler, who was signed to a one year, two way contract just about a week ago, will be wearing number 25 next season for the St. Louis Blues. Butler, a native of St. Louis, played his high school hockey in St. Louis before going on to play with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. He then went on to play for the University of Denver. After being drafted by the Sabres in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL entry draft, he finished his third season of college hockey before playing for Buffalo. He was traded to the Calgary Flames in the 2010-11 off-season. Last season with Calgary, Butler played all 82 games, scoring two goals and adding 14 assists.
The Blues continue to stock up on depth after adding their offensive firepower early in the off-season. The competition for roster spots next season will be very interesting to watch with the amount of forwards and defenders under contract. It'll be interesting to see if the Blues add a veteran goaltender to play in Chicago next season, as their third string goaltender right now is Jordan Binnington and if there are any injuries to Brian Elliott or Jake Allen, Binnington would be the next option. It's not clear if the Blues believe Binnington is ready for any NHL action of not so that will be something to watch for as the off-season progresses.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»