Everyone knew that the St. Louis Blues needed to upgrade their roster after losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs last season. Then with their division rival, the Dallas Stars, acquired Jason Spezza earlier this morning, they knew that something needed to be done to improve the roster.
The Blues did just that, first by signing Finnish prospect, Jori Lehtera, to a two year deal. Lehtera, a high skilled player with a pass first mentality. Lehtera played with Blues sniper, Vladimir Tarasenko back in 2011-12 with Novosibirsk Sibir of the KHL and the two had fantastic chemistry together. According to Doug Armstrong, Lehtera will likely see time between Jaden Schwartz and Tarasenko going into next season.
Lehtera has posted more than impressive numbers in his European career. In 178 career games in the KHL, Lehtera has scored 55 goals, 98 assists for 153 points. He's a pass first player who will compliment Tarasenko and Schwartz on the Blues second line.
Lehtera signed a two year contract, making 3.25M next season and 2.25M the season after.
The Blues top line was bolstered even more with signing of top free agent forward, Paul Stastny. Stastny signed a four year, 28 million dollar deal with the Blues. Broken down, he'll make 6.5M, 7M, 7M, and 7.5M over the four seasons.
In case you were wondering, I asked Dmitrij Jaskin if he'd be turning over the number 26 to Stastny, and the Blues captain, David Backes, piped in with his own opinion.
“@Blues_Buzz: Now a big question..... Hey @DmitrijJaskin Are you giving up #26 to Stastny?… He doesn't have a choice.
— David Backes (@dbackes42) July 1, 2014
Stastny is coming off an impressive season which saw him score 25 goals, 35 assists, and 60 points in 71 games this past season. Over his career, he's played in 538 games, scoring 160 goals, 298 assists, for 458 points.
He's a high scoring forward who makes his linemates better. He's expected to play with Alexander Steen and David Backes on the top line.
Stastny let it be known that he wanted to go to a team who wanted him. He stated earlier that "It's almost like you're a college recruit. You want to goo play somewhere that you're wanted, and the Blues really showed that."
Doug Armstrong stated that with the signing of Stastny and Lehtera, David Backes will likely be moved to the wing next season. The forward combinations are expected to be the following;
There are also depth forwards who could find their way into the line up such as Joakim Lindstrom, Dmitrij Jaskin, and Magnus Paajarvi. The Blues are very crowded up front, so don't be completely surprised if a trade is made sending a forward packing.
The Blues also signed minor leaguer forward Phil McRae (former Blues 2nd round pick) and defensemem Brett Regner. Both will be players for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.