I was thinking we would probably lose Gunnarson to expansion.

You never know what might have been discussed between DA and GM, this contract may have been made for Vegas to leave our D alone or because Lehtera is or isn't going to LV. It doesn't look like Vegas is going to find many guys signed for more than a year, so his 3 year contract might be fairly attractive, especially if he shows he can play when he gets in this year.

I would rather take a chance on Sobo than stick with Lehtera, but if Vegas takes him, we're just back to where we were 2 days ago. I'd still be hoping Lehtera doesn't finish his contract in St Louis.
- Blue Clam

I was hoping Armstrong would sweeten the pot to drop Lehtera's contract.

He's a very good face off man, great penalty killer, throws his body around like he weighs 275 Lbs.

i don't know why you wouldn't want a guy like that if he wants to be here and plays his role and not think of himself as a top 6 forward.
- bcallaway

Exactly. Has enough skill to fit in the top six for a short period of time if there is an injury. Is not slow like Lehtera.

People are mad because they loved him and he said I will go make money and not deal with that coach.

Shoot adding him means both Lehtera and Broadziak are expendable.

He was eligible to be taken before signing this deal.

He may be more interesting to Vegas (or less), depending on how they feel about the contract.

Seems like a big over-payment to me. So I would think it is less likely that he would be taken.

He almost got Berglund money. Berglund can score goals, Sobotka can't. Too much money.
- carcus

With our top 4 D men protected, it is all but certain that a forward will be taken. A lot of us are hoping it will be Lehtera but it is guaranteed that someone will be taken. So maybe the Sobotka extension is in a way an insurance policy. I'm hoping that DA has a deal worked out with Mcphee to insure that that someone ends up being Lehtera. I just don't see how you can envision a spot for him with Barbashev, Berglund, and Sobotka all better suited for the position.

As far as the value of the contract, compare it with Perron's. Similar age, slightly higher AAV, and he will likely end up with just under 50 points which is pretty decent for that contract. Going by Sobotka's last year with the Blues and what he's done in the KHL, you can predict he will score around 40 points. He also plays center, wins faceoffs, and brings physicality.

Maybe you guys can help me on this one. Player from the last decade or so (probably Cooke) that stuck his knee out to hit the guy down on the ice in the head. Was that against Savard? tried looking up the video but couldn't find it. Not sure if i have the right players.

Nevermind finally found it. Same 2 teams, different players. Neal on Marchand

With our top 4 D men protected, it is all but certain that a forward will be taken. A lot of us are hoping it will be Lehtera but it is guaranteed that someone will be taken. So maybe the Sobotka extension is in a way an insurance policy. I'm hoping that DA has a deal worked out with Mcphee to insure that that someone ends up being Lehtera. I just don't see how you can envision a spot for him with Barbashev, Berglund, and Sobotka all better suited for the position.

As far as the value of the contract, compare it with Perron's. Similar age, slightly higher AAV, and he will likely end up with just under 50 points which is pretty decent for that contract. Going by Sobotka's last year with the Blues and what he's done in the KHL, you can predict he will score around 40 points. He also plays center, wins faceoffs, and brings physicality.
- fattyboubatty

Don't forget Megan. That kid potted over thirty down there.

But honestly I'd bet LV picks up Bortuzzo, unless we pay them to take Lehtera. And Lehtera's not that bad. So it's a good thing the Blues get an extra first in a draft where players will take longer to develop tha the past two or three.

Don't forget Megan. That kid potted over thirty down there.

But honestly I'd bet LV picks up Bortuzzo, unless we pay them to take Lehtera. And Lehtera's not that bad. So it's a good thing the Blues get an extra first in a draft where players will take longer to develop tha the past two or three.
- BluemanGuruu

Lehtera to the Coyotes to play with Domi? Help them continue to get to the floor, give a playmaking center for Domi, not gut really much if anything in return. Just a thought.

Lehtera to the Coyotes to play with Domi? Help them continue to get to the floor, give a playmaking center for Domi, not gut really much if anything in return. Just a thought.
- Jason Millen

That could make sense since Tipett has so much power with players.