Weighing in on Recent Blues News

The Blues have made a few changes in the past week.  Let’s take a look at how the Blues are making headlines:

Manny Legace placed on waivers; clears and heads to Peoria in the AHL

Manny Legace has officially seen his last day as a St. Louis Blue.  Around 11:00 a.m. Friday, Blues President John Davidson announced that the veteran goaltender would be put on waivers, and if he clears he would be assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL.  The team also called up rookie goaltender Chris Holt, recently signed to a pro-contract.  Manny was not so happy-go-lucky after hearing the news.

"It's extremely tough," Legace said Friday afternoon. "You play your heart out for a team, and the minute you hit a little bit of a rough patch, they dump on you. It was very hard to hear."

John Davidson dismissed Manny’s comments, simply stating, “Manny has his own opinions; I'm not going to speak to Manny's opinions.”  He elaborated on the team’s move by stating that they gave him a chance to play his best in St. Louis, but has faltered this season. 

After looking at the stats and watching Manny’s play, it was obvious that he would be moved by the Blues.  Being an unrestricted free-agent this summer, Legace did not prove that he belonged as the starter any longer.  There is just one question that arises from putting him on waivers; was there even an attempt of a trade?  Legace was selected as an All-Star last season, plus he was always heralded as a strong goaltender even as a backup in Detroit.  If the Anaheim Ducks can get a sixth-round pick for Brad May, Legace could not get the same, if not more?  I find that very hard to believe.

Manny did report to Peoria after clearing waivers Saturday, meaning that the Blues still need to pay the approximate $900,000 left on his contract as of now.  But if the 36-year old goaltender were to be called back up, he would need to go through re-entry waivers, meaning any team could claim him in a 24-hour period for half of his cost.

Andy McDonald signs four-year, $18.8 million contract extension

Andy McDonald, who has missed the past 35 games with a fractured left leg, finally signed a contract extension with the Blues Monday morning, a much anticipated move for Blues fans. 

“St. Louis Blues ownership and myself realize how integral Andy is to the future of our organization,” Davidson said. “He’s a first line center who will play a major role in the development of our team.”

Andy has been a strong presence since being brought in last season for Doug Weight, and management wanted to lock up a key-member of the rebuilding movement.  Even though McDonald is small in stature (5’10” 190 lbs.), his numbers have been big since arriving in St. Louis.  In 65 total games played in a Blues uniform, Andy has racked up 34 assists and 54 points.

The contract is believed to be front-loaded, meaning that a higher portion of his salary will be paid in his first two seasons, and paying him a little less the second half of his contract.  This is great for the organization, because defensemen Erik Johnson and Jonas Junland’s contracts are up after next season, while young defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, and forwards Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie see their contracts end after 2010-11.  Paying McDonald less for the second half of his contract will allow more money to be allotted for the younger players asking for larger contracts.

Thoughts to Ponder

Jay McClement has been on an absolute tear lately for a checking center, scoring four goals in his past five games, including two against Columbus on February 3rd.  Aside from goal-scoring, Jay has also played in many different game-situations and has looked better than ever in each one of them.  Whether it is penalty-killing or working the puck down low in a close game, he has been one of the better Blues to watch as of late.  The checking center will be a restricted free-agent at the end of the season, locking him up as well may be a smart move for the team…

Alex Steen is a forward that has not been seen much on the goal sheet, but has shown potential and played well since coming over in the trade for Lee Stempniak.  Scoring just 19 points in 52 total games, he has proven that he was a decent pick-up in the deal despite the numbers.  Coming to St. Louis, Steen was in Maple Leafs’ head coach Ron Wilson’s doghouse, putting up four points in 20 games.  But the 15 points with the Blues has been effective, considering the man who went the other way in the deal, Stempniak, has just five goals and nine assists in 33 games since the trade.