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Schwartz, Lindbohm, Gainey, And Blues/Carolina Pre-Game |
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Jaden Schwartz Inks New Deal
After missing the first ten days of training camp, Blues forward Jaden Schwartz has signed a two year contract in which he will earn $2 million in year one of his deal, and then $2.7 million in the second year. An average of $2.35 million per season.
Schwartz is already back in St. Louis and practiced with the team today. He's expected to play in Thursday's pre-season game against the Minnesota Wild.
He hit the ice sporting number 17 this afternoon. Schwartz changed his number from nine to 17 in honor of his sister, Mandi Schwartz. Mandi passed away in 2011 after battling myeloid leukemia. He was able snag number 17 after Vladimir Sobotka left for the KHL. Steve Ott in turn switched from number 29 to number 9.
Bob Gainey Joins Blues
The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have hired Bob Gainey as a special consultant to Blues head coach, Ken Hitchcock. The role is said to be a minor one. Gainey and Hitchcock, who have a history of working together with the Dallas Stars, will communicate throughout the season. His official title is a "coaching consultant". Just another set of eyes and another brain for Hitchcock to pick through throughout the season.
Gainey, Hitchcock, and Blues general manager, Doug Armstrong, all worked together in Dallas. They all three won a cup together as members of the Stars organization.
Petteri Lindbohm Impresses At Camp
Going into preseason, if you would have asked who the best defender would be throughout the first four preseason games, you probably would have heard Alex Pietrangelo's name, or Jay Bouwmeester's name.
Not many expected that Petteri Lindbohm, a two-way defensemen from Finland, would be the answer. Lindbohm has impressed the Blues staff a great deal during training camp, with his play in the offensive and defensive zone, as well as his overall work in practice as well. He's lasted a lot longer in camp than many expected he would.
Lindbohm had an agreement with the Blues that he would return to Finland if he was cut during training camp. While he's solidifying himself as a guy who can play in the league this season, he is still likely to return to Finland if he's cut. With Jordan Leopold and Nate Prosser fighting for spots in camp, it's expected that Lindbohm will be cut before the final roster is released. The fight for the seventh and eighth defensive spots will be between the three defenders previously mentioned.
It is possible that Lindbohm beats out Prosser and potentially forces Leopold out as well. The kid has earned a shot with his play this far.
Blues Host Carolina Tuesday
The Blues will host their second preseason game at the Scottrade Center on Tuesday, as the Carolina Hurricanes will be coming to town. Hitchcock will be tinkering with some new line combinations as well in this game. The Blues lines for tomorrow night's game are as follows;
Patrik Berglund - David Backes - T.J. Oshie
Alexander Steen - Paul Stastny - Joakim Lindstrom
Robby Fabbri - Jori Lehtera - Vladimir Tarasenko
Peter Mueller - Dmitrij Jaskin - Magnus Paajarvi
Jay Bouwmeester - Kevin Shattenkirk
Petteri Lindbohm - Alex Pietrangelo
Barret Jackman - Nate Prosser
Brian Elliott
Jake Allen
The Blues, who are 0-3-1 in preseason, will look to earn their first win of the pre-season. This is the most experienced roster to play in a preseason game thus far. Alexander Steen, who was dinged up last week, will play in his first game this preseason.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
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