After losing key players in Saku Koivu, Mark Recchi, Jason Smith and veteran Radek Bonk testing free agency this year, the Blues went into UFA needing to fill a few holes. GM Gareth Evans had targets and unfortunately missed out on one.
Needing a second line left winger, Evans went after the versatile Pavol Demitra with a big bid. And within hours of potentially signing him, a bid came in from another team that put him out of reach. That left Evans looking at his second option, Brendan Shanahan. After that bid was outbid, Evans went for his third option in Ryan Smyth. Finally Evans enjoyed success as Smyth signed a two year 7.75 million dollar contract with the Blues. Smyth's strength will go nicely with new linemates Daymond Langkow and Mark Parrish.
Though the defensive core was set, Evans had plenty of space to work with and went after a familiar face. Jason Smith was signed for three years at 3.3 million a year, one of the best contracts that was given in this reporter's opinion. While with Ottawa in the NHL, Evans is gambling that this will reflect nicely for next season for the team.
The St. Louis Blues missed the playoffs last year, but this year Evans feels that the team will make the playoffs this year. But refuses to make a 'Don Waddell' guarantee as we all know how that turned out.
The expected lines for this year are:
Malone - Drury - Antropov Smyth - Langkow - Parrish Satan - Peca - Vyborny Pandolfo - Hamilton - Guite
