Steen had a semi-breakout year in 2009-10, sharing the Blues lead with a career-high 24 goals, and ranking first on the team with seven power-play goals. His shot from the point was the driving force behind the man-advantage this season, as he truly developed into a quarterback for his team.
“Alex had a career year last season and was a key part on our power play unit,” said Blues GM Doug Armstrong, who officially started his new job this morning. “We’re happy to have him in the fold for the next four seasons.”
The deal breaks down into a back-loaded contract. He will receive $2.75 million in 2010-11, and $3.56 million in the next three seasons. His cap-hit will be $3.36 million each season.
This is a very smart move for the St. Louis Blues. Steen, who came to St. Louis as part of the trade that sent Lee Stempniak to Toronto back in November of 2008, averaged just 16:16 per game, which ranked him 16th on the team in time-played. Scoring 24 goals in a season in that short of time is truly impressive. The Blues may have stolen this deal.
Keywords: alex steen, doug armstrong, lee stempniak, nhl, st louis blues
