St. Louis Blues Trade Rumors

Blues' sale on track despite missed deadline
February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The group attempting to buy the Blues missed a deadline Friday, a date scheduled to provide a commitment letter from its bank, but a league source said the development would not hinder the sale process. Tom Stillman's group, which signed a purchase agreement in January, remains on track to complete the sale, according to the source. That corroborates what NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said at the All-Star festivities last weekend in Ottawa when asked about the progress of the sale. "Based on the pulse that we're taking of the transaction and the things that need to be done, we're optimistic that (the sale will be completed) hopefully in the not-too-distant future," Bettman said. "In order"
Stillman signs deal to buy Blues
January 21
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A group led by Blues minority owner Tom Stillman has signed a purchase agreement to buy the club, a source has told the Post-Dispatch. The Blues and Stillman now must complete the sale and have it approved by the NHL, a process that could take several weeks. The league's Board of Governors will meet Jan. 28, the day before the NHL All-Star game in Ottawa, but only an update on the Blues' situation is expected to be discusssed, not a vote. The step of Stillman's group signing a purchase agreement comes 2 1/2 weeks after the NHL terminated a purchase agreement between the Blues and Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer. The league then granted Stillman an exclusive negotiating window. The"
Elliott signs two-year extension with Blues
January 19
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Brian Elliott was six months from finding out if he could turn his incredible comeback story into a starting goaltending job, making starter's money, somewhere else in the NHL in 2012-13. The free-agent-to-be admitted that it was tempting, but when approached by the Blues recently about a contract extension, he decided that "I'm not a guy that wants to roll the dice all the time." Despite the Blues having Jaroslav Halak under contract for the next two seasons at an average annual salary of $3.75 million per season, Elliott re-upped with the club Wednesday, signing a two-year, $3.6 million deal. He'll be paid $1.7 million in 2012-13, or triple what he's making this season."
Steen could play Thursday against Canucks
January 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues forward Alex Steen said he's feeling like himself again. What's that feel like? "Educated, funny ... Swedish," Steen quipped. Steen, who has missed the last six games because he wasn't feeling like himself, suffering from the effects from a concussion, has passed his baseline test and skated today for the first time since being shutdown. He plans to go on the ice again tomorrow morning, and depending on how that goes, there's a chance he could play against Vancouver."
Blues sale is clouded as league steps in
January 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The sale process of the Blues took another drastic turn Tuesday, as the NHL terminated the purchase agreement held by Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer, a league source told the Post-Dispatch. The deal opens the door for Blues minority owner Tom Stillman, who leads a group of local investors, to buy the club. Hulsizer, who signed a purchase agreement in October, had until last Saturday to finalize the sale before an NHL-imposed deadline, but that passed without an agreement. The NHL set the deadline in early November, and recently it appeared that Hulsizer might close the deal in time. But Hulsizer attempted to restructure the financing of the deal several times, according to sources,"
Time runs out for Hulsizer to buy Blues ... or has it?
January 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The deadline for Matthew Hulsizer to close on the Blues' sale passed at midnight without a sale, meaning the fate of the franchise now rests in the NHL's decision to give Hulsizer more time or allow Tom Stillman to take over the purchase agreement. Hulsizer is expected to continue his efforts to buy the Blues, but whether he has control of the process will be based on whether the league enforces a deal struck with Stillman two months ago, sources have told the Post-Dispatch. It is believed that Hulsizer's group has asked the NHL for more time to complete its purchase of the Blues. Multiple sources have indicated that the sale has been close to completion; it appeared as recently as 10 days"
Blues' sale talks are in crunch time
December 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The NHL-imposed deadline for the sale of the Blues to Matthew Hulsizer is less than 48 hours away and it's unlikely, but still possible, that a deal will be completed in time according to multiple sources with knowledge of the process. "It could go either way," one source said. Almost two months ago, the league gave Hulsizer until Dec. 31 to finalize the purchase. And despite sources' claims that a closing had been imminent in recent weeks, nothing has materialized. The hang-up appears to be the ability of Hulsizer and Dave Checketts to provide sufficient equity and perhaps secure the necessary bank financing to guarantee the viability of the ownership group. Hulsizer, who signed a"
Blues sale appears to be progressing
December 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The completion of the Blues' sale to Matthew Hulsizer appears to be progressing, according to those with knowledge of the process, but it will not be presented to the NHL's Board of Governors for approval at the group's meetings today and Tuesday in Pebble Beach, Calif. An update of the Blues' sale is expected at the meetings, where conference realignment is going to be the main topic of conversation. The league, however, doesn't vote on sales until they're final, and it's believed that there are several details remaining before Hulsizer's deal with the Blues is done. Hulsizer, who is CEO of Chicago-based financial-services firm PEAK6, signed a purchase agreement to buy the Blues on Oct."
Is Perron's return to Blues' lineup imminent?
December 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"What could be better for Blues fans than a four-game winning streak and the third-most points in the Western Conference? How about the return of David Perron? It's possible but not certain that Perron, who has not played a game with the Blues in 14 months due to post-concussion syndrome, could be on the ice as soon as Saturday night when the club hosts Chicago at Scottrade Center."
Hull interested in joining Stillman group in bid to buy Blues
November 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Former Blues great Brett Hull has expressed interest in being part of Tom Stillman's investment group that is seeking to buy the hockey team, NHL sources have told the Post-Dispatch. Hull is not officially part of the group, but his intent has been communicated to the league and to Stillman, who is currently the Blues' minority owner. Sources believe that Hull, 47, has a desire to become more than an investor in Stillman's group, and in fact, could have a role within the organization, a marriage that some Blues fans have supported since No. 16 retired from the NHL in 2005. When reached late Saturday night, Hull wrote via text message that he had "no comment." Stillman also declined to"
Oshie may return to Blues tonight
November 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"T. J. Oshie did not participate in practice Monday at St. Louis Mills, and that was good news for the Blues. Oshie was not skating because he was given the day off for a second day in a row. As a result, the right wrist he jammed in Saturday's shootout loss at Minnesota is considerably better. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said he expects Oshie to be available by 6:30 p.m. when the Blues play host to the Los Angeles Kings at Scottrade Center. "He feels good, so unless something changes, he's ready to go," Hitchcock said. "The two days off did him wonders and he's looking like he's a player for Tuesday and moving forward.""
NHL suspends Blues' Stewart for three games
November 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"It's a new age in the NHL, where questionable hits are severely punished and the decisions are explained in detailed videos by former Blue Brendan Shanahan, now the league vice president in charge of player safety. So when Blues forward Chris Stewart shoved Detroit's Niklas Kronwall head-first into the boards in the first period of Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Red Wings, earning a five-minute major and a game misconduct, it was a matter of when, not if, Stewart would hear from the NHL. After a late-morning teleconference Wednesday, allowing Stewart to tell his side of the story, Shanahan announced a three-game suspension for the forward beginning with the Blues' game against the Florida"
Hulsizer group still bidding for Blues, sources say
November 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Although there has been no formal announcement from prospective Blues owner Matthew Hulsizer or the club regarding their purchase agreement, sources tell the Post-Dispatch that the two sides are still working to complete the deal. Hulsizer, CEO of Chicago-based financial-services firm PEAK6, signed an agreement with the Blues on Oct. 28, and if the deal closes, he would become the majority owner of the franchise. Sources say that Hulsizer would have 70 percent control of the club under the agreement, while Blues chairman Dave Checketts would hold the remaining 30 percent, although Checketts would be an investor and have no hand in hockey operations. The sale price for the package, which"
Blues trade Nikitin to Columbus for Russell
November 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Four days after hiring Columbus' former coach, the Blues have swapped defensemen with the Blue Jackets. The clubs have not confirmed the deal, but sources told the Post-Dispatch that the Blues have sent Nikita Nikitin to Columbus in exchange for Kris Russell. Russell, 24, was the Blue Jackets' third-round pick in 2005. A 5-foot-10, 185-pound lefthanded shooter, he has 18 goals, 79 points and a minus-29 plus-minus rating in 288 NHL games. This season, he had two goals, three points and a minus-1 in 12 games. Russell is considered a good skater who needs to use his speed more wisely. He isn't known for his passing and could use some improvement in his defensive zone. He was a healthy scratch"
Blues fire Payne, hire Ken Hitchcock
November 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Ken Hitchcock was rumored to be returning to an NHL bench as soon as Monday, but not in St. Louis. Hitchcock, who was under contract with Columbus and considered a replacement for the struggling Blue Jackets this season, instead joined the Blues late Sunday night, reuniting himself with general manager Doug Armstrong. The Blues took quick action after the club's 6-7 start, firing Davis Payne and naming Hitchcock the 24th coach in the franchise's history. He agreed to a contract that will run through the 2012-13 season, the club announced. A source said the team's assistant coaches are expected to be retained. The Blues declined further comment until a news conference at 10:30 a.m. today."
Blues sign deal for Hulsizer to purchase team
October 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Two weeks after a deal between the Blues and Matthew Hulsizer appeared imminent, the two sides signed a purchase agreement Friday, multiple sources told the Post-Dispatch. Details still need to be worked out, and the NHL must approve the deal, but it's the most significant step in the sale process since the franchise was put on the block by chairman Dave Checketts in March. A spokesman for Checketts' company, SCP Worldwide, did not return a phone message Friday. The Post-Dispatch reported Oct. 5 that Hulsizer had reached an oral agreement to buy the Blues and, a week later, reported that the sides were closing in on a purchase agreement. Sources said the delay in reaching one centered on"
Blues' Elliott wins backup job, Crombeen out indefinitely
October 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Brian Elliott will be the Blues' backup goaltender when the 2011-12 season starts Saturday against Nashville. The Blues have assigned goalie Ben Bishop, who was battling Elliott for the position, to Peoria."
Blues are glad to get Nichol on their side
September 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"To borrow on a more profane expression, Scott Nichol is what you might call a perpetual shift-disturber. That is, despite his diminutive size, the new Blue has made a career of disrupting opposing shifts, irritating other benches and energizing his own. The Blues got their first look at the kind of peskiness the 5-foot-9, 178-pound Nichol can perpetrate with his first exhibition appearance Tuesday at Minnesota. When the games count and the shifts are genuine, coach Davis Payne plans to plug Nichol into a variety of roles, which includes pairing him with another mighty mite, 5-10, 183-pound Vlad Sobotka. The "Gnat Patrol" figures to include B.J. Crombeen, a 6-2, 215-pound winger who"
Blues rejected $167 million offer, prospective buyer says
September 23
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues ownership has rejected an offer of $167 million to buy the franchise and is seeking a $190 million purchase price, according to the group that says it made the unsuccessful bid. Calgary businessman Max Chambers told the Post-Dispatch today that he was "surprised" the Blues didn't accept his all-cash offer, which was made on July 2, and he believes the current asking price is too high. In 2010, Forbes Magazine valued the franchise at $165 million. "The offer of $167 (million) was my maximum," Chambers said. "We think that's the most they've been offered. Obviously they haven't been offered $190 because $190 was the figure to take it off the auction block. I don't think anyone has"
Blues rejected $167 million offer, prospective buyer says
September 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues ownership has rejected an offer of $167 million to buy the franchise and is seeking a $190 million purchase price, according to the group that says it made the unsuccessful bid. Calgary businessman Max Chambers told the Post-Dispatch today that he was "surprised" the Blues didn't accept his all-cash offer, which was made on July 2, and he believes the current asking price is too high. In 2010, Forbes Magazine valued the franchise at $165 million. "The offer of $167 (million) was my maximum," Chambers said. "We think that's the most they've been offered. Obviously they haven't been offered $190 because $190 was the figure to take it off the auction block. I don't think anyone has"
David Backes named as newest Blues' captain
September 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"When the Blues begin training camp a week from today, the club will have a new leader. David Backes has been named as the 20th captain in Blues' history. The captaincy had been vacant since former captain Eric Brewer was traded to Tampa Bay on Feb. 18. Backes, 27, was selected by the Blues in the second round of the 2003 NHL draft. The former Minnesota State forward has spent five seasons with the club, totaling 102 goals and 218 points with a +20 plus-minus rating in 364 games. Backes, originally a right winger who was converted to center, led the club in goals (31), points (62) and plus-minus (+32) in 2010-11. His 62 points set a career high and his 31 goals matched a career high,"
Blues have pieces in place to make playoff run
August 25
NHL.com
 
"After Davis Payne took over as coach of the St. Louis Blues midway through the 2008-09 season, the team experienced an impressive late-season renaissance that pushed it into the postseason for the first time in four seasons. With an unlikely playoff berth to build on, the Blues appeared to be back on the right track, but in two seasons since then the high expectations haven't materialized. The Blues have missed the postseason each of the last two springs and the 2010-11 campaign, in which they went 38-33-11, left them a full 10 points back of Chicago for the Western Conference's final berth. That type of result had to be disappointing for a team that had loads of young potential and had"
Deadline day nets multiple offers for Blues
August 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues say they have received "multiple bids" today, the club's self-imposed deadline for receiving offers from interested parties. A spokesman for SCP Worldwide wouldn't say how many offers the club has received, citing that "confidentiality agreements preclude us from elaborating any further." The Post-Dispatch has confirmed through a source that Blues minority owner Tom Stillman, who is heading a local group of investors, has submitted a bid today. Stillman is the owner and CEO of Summit Distributing, a St. Louis-based beer distributorship. At this point, it is not known whether Chicago-based businessman Matthew Hulsizer, who was featured in Sunday's Post-Dispatch, has made an offer."
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Blues sign defenseman Syvret
August 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues added some defensive depth to the organization today, signing Danny Syvret to a one-year contract. Syvret, 26, agreed to a two-way deal that will pay him $525,000 in the NHL and $200,000 in the American Hockey League. He projects to play for the Peoria Rivermen, the Blues' top minor-league affiliate. Syvret, a third-round draft pick in 2005 by the Edmonton Oilers, played in the American Hockey League last season. He split time with Syracuse (Anaheim) and Adirondack (Philadelphia), posting 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 59 games. The 5-foot-11, 203-pound blueliner also played in 10 games with the Ducks and Flyers last season, netting one goal and assist. "Danny Syvret has"
Prospective Blues owners will be narrowed to one soon
July 21
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"In the coming weeks, Blues chairman Dave Checketts plans to have the number of parties interested in purchasing the team narrowed to one potential buyer. "It's too early for that (now), but we'll be there shortly," Checketts said Wednesday. "You get to the point where you say, 'There's a highest bidder and most capable bidder' and you focus your energy. It's not there yet, but we will get there shortly ... We expect to have an orderly sale process and it'll be done by the start of the season" in October. A week ago, the Post-Dispatch reported that interest in the Blues has been increasing, according to Robert Caporale, founder of Game Plan LLC, which is conducting the sale. Caporale"
Blues re-sign forward Ryan Reaves
July 18
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues signed their final restricted free agent today, agreeing to terms with forward Ryan Reaves. Reaves signed a one-year, two-way contract extension that will pay him $525,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in the American Hockey League. Reaves, 24, made his NHL debut in 2010-11 and played 28 games with the Blues. He had four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and 78 penalty minutes. With the departure of Cam Janssen, who signed with New Jersey last week, Reaves is expected to provide the Blues with a physical element. He had eight fights in his 28 games in the NHL last season, after posting 12 in 50 games in the AHL last season."
Blues sign forward Jonathan Cheechoo
July 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues rolled the dice a bit on Wednesday, announcing the signing of forward Jonathan Cheechoo to a one-year contract. Cheechoo, who turns 31 today, spent last season with the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League, accounting for 18 goals and 29 assist in 55 games, and his contract is a two-way arrangement. With their depth at right wing, the Blues likely have Cheechoo targeted for their AHL affiliate in Peoria. However, general manager Doug Armstrong acknowledged he wouldn't mind catching lightning in a bottle with the veteran right winger."
Interest in buying Blues heats up
July 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The temperature isn't the only thing that has been on the rise in St. Louis. The sale of the Blues is warming up, as well. Robert Caporale, chairman of Game Plan LLC, the company retained to handle the sale of the team, said there has been a spike in activity over the past 10 days. Game Plan has identified five "very interested parties" in acquiring the National Hockey League team, potential buyers that are prepared to submit binding bids. "Things are definitely heating up," said Caporale, who said he expects the sale to take place before the start of the season. The Blues open the season Oct. 8 against Nashville at Scottrade Center. Game Plan has established a data site for prospective"
Report: Prospective buyer looks at Blues
July 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Another name in the sale of the Blues re-surfaced on Friday when the Toronto Globe and Mail reported that Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer recently toured the Scottrade Center with Dave Checketts. Hulsizer recently withdrew his offer to buy the Phoenix Coytes. Hulsizer has discussed a price in the $165-170 million range for the Blues, a source familiar with the situation told the paper. But it was not known if an offer was made."
Canadiens acquire F Blunden from Blue Jackets
July 7
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets made a minor-league swap on Thursday, with the Habs acquiring forward Michael Blunden from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for forward Ryan Russell. Blunden, 24, played 37 games with the AHL Springfield Falcons in 2010-11, recording 21 points (12 goals, 9 assists) and serving 41 penalty minutes. Blunden also appeared in one NHL game with the Blue Jackets. Blunden suited up in a total of 51 career regular season games in the NHL with Chicago and Columbus, including a 40-game season with the Blue Jackets in 2009-10, registering four points and 59 penalty minutes."
Blues sign Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner to identical one-year contracts
July 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Before Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner signed Wednesday with the Blues, the NHL veterans asked the club "a lot of great questions about the depth of our team," general manager Doug Armstrong said. The Stanley Cup champions and former team captains learned as much as they could before agreeing to terms on identical one-year, $2.5 million deals that could be worth as much as $2.8 million individually if they reach certain bonuses. What they didn't know is that the other was also signing in St. Louis. "I had no idea that (Armstrong) was pursuing Jamie," Arnott said. "I agreed to do the deal (Wednesday) morning, and he mentioned that he had signed Jamie as well. It was kind of cool in the"
Blues sign Langenbrunner, Arnott
July 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Seeking to add more veteran help on offense to its young team, the Blues have signed free-agent forwards Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott to one-year contracts. Langenbrunner, 36, split his time last season between the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars, where he played in 70 games, tallying nine goals, 23 assists and 32 points. The No. 35 overall pick in the 1993 NHL entry draft, the 6-1, 205-pound Langenbrunner has put up career totals of 1,035 games played, with 237 goals, 401 assists and 638 points. Arnott, 37, also begin last season with the Devils before joining the Washington Capitals. Between the two stops he played in 73 games, chipping in 17 goals, 14 assists and 31 points."
Blues sign veteran Scott Nichol to one-year deal
July 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues have signed veteran forward Scott Nichol to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the contract were not immediately known. Nichol, 36, appeared in 56 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, scoring four goals, adding three assists and amassing 50 pentlaty minutes."
Blues add depth at forward with signing of Sterling
July 4
NHL.com
 
"The St. Louis Blues announced Monday that veteran free-agent forward Brett Sterling has been signed to a one-year, two-way deal. Sterling, 27, spent the majority of this past season with the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, putting up 53 points (26 goals) in 65 games. The 5-foot-7, 175-pound forward also played in seven games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In those contests, he had 3 goals and 5 points."
Blues sign defenseman Huskins
July 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues were looking for a veteran defenseman, not necessarily one with a Stanley Cup on his résumé, but they found one in Kent Huskins on the second day of free agency Saturday. Huskins, 32, who won a Cup with Anaheim in 2007, signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Blues. After being traded from Anaheim to San Jose in 2009, Huskins has been in the postseason the past two years with the Sharks, playing in the Western Conference finals last season against Vancouver. In his career, nearly one-seventh of all the games he has played have come in the playoffs (47 of 321). "Obviously, he's coming from a winning program," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. "The last two teams"
Blues re-sign forward Matt D'Agostini
July 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues have agreed to a two-year contract extension with forward Matt D'Agostini, taking him off the free-agent market. The deal is for $3.3 million, paying him $1.5 million in 2011-12 and $1.8 million in 2012-13. "Matt had a solid year for us last season," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. "We look forward to his continued growth as a Blue and in this league." Free agency began at 11 a.m. St. Louis time without a deal finalized between the Blues and D'Agostini, changing his status from a restricted free-agent to an unrestricted free agent. That's because the Blues chose no"
Blues expect quiet day as free agency opens
July 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Since signing Paul Kariya on July 1, 2007, the Blues have been noticeably quiet on the opening day of free agency. In fact, in the last three summers, backup goaltender Ty Conklin in 2009 has been the only player to come in from outside the organization and sign with the club on July 1. No major additions will be expected today, either, when the NHL kicks off the free-agent frenzy at 11 a.m. The Blues are looking to add a couple of complimentary players to their roster, but with the team still for sale, general manager Doug Armstrong will be studying his budget closely before considering a deal. "You start with what you know you can accomplish," Armstrong said. "You don't try and attack"
Blues sign Oshie to one-year deal
June 30
NHL.com
 
"St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Thursday the club has re-signed forward T.J. Oshie to a one-year contract. "We're excited to have T.J. in the fold for another season," said Armstrong. "His energy and versatility make him an integral part of our club." Oshie, 24, dressed in 49 games for the Blues this past season recording 34 points including 12 goals, 22 assists and a +10 rating. The 5'11", 195-pound forward posted a career-high seven-game point streak from Oct. 11 to Oct. 28 (goal, eight assists) and also lead the club in shootout shooting percentage converting on four of his five attempts (80%) for the year."
Paul Kariya announces retirement
June 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Former Blue Paul Kariya announced his retirement Wednesday from the NHL, citing the advice of doctors who say that he would be susceptible to another concussion. Kariya played three seasons with the Blues (2007-10), posting 36 goals and 87 assists in 168 games. Two hip surgeries limited him to 11 games in 2008-09 and he missed the team's trip to the postseason. Kariya returned in 2009-10, but on Dec. 27, 2009, the winger was hit by Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta and suffered a concussion, causing him to miss six games. Kaleta received an elbowing penalty, but the NHL did not suspend him."
Agent says Oshie talks 'going well'
June 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues and the agent for T.J. Oshie are negotiating a contract extension that could have the forward signed before the start of free agency Friday, when he'll be permitted to receive offer sheets from other teams. On Monday, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said that there had been continual dialogue with Matt Oates, Oshie's agent, but "not to the point where there's comfort with the other side's position." It's not known how much progress has been made, but Oates told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that "Doug and I have been talking a lot over the past couple of days, and things are going well." Oates declined to comment further, but there is belief that a deal could be struck"
Oshie's agent: 'Things are going well'
June 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"With 48 hours remaining before Blues forward T.J. Oshie becomes a restricted free-agent, and permitted to receive offer sheets from other team, there appears to be some progress in negotiations. Earlier in the week, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said that there had been continual dialogue with Oshie's camp, but "not to the point where there's comfort with the other side's position." But this afternoon, Matt Oates, Oshie's agent, told the Post-Dispatch: "Doug and I have been talking a lot over the past couple of days, and things are going well." Oates declined to comment further, but there is belief that a deal could be struck between Oshie and the Blues before free agency opens"
Blues still looking for help
June 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Nearly shut out in their attempt to trade for NHL-ready players at the draft, the Blues will resume their search Friday when the league's free-agency window opens. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had indicated that the club's first opportunity to shore up the roster was at last week's draft, packaging picks for "complementary" players. But other than trading a third-round pick to the New York Rangers for forward Evgeny Grachev, a player who could push for a roster spot, the phones stayed on the hook. "The draft this year, for some reason, was quiet as far as trade talk," Armstrong said. "There were some big contracts moved, but not a lot of hockey trades." Grachev, 21, is a 6-foot-4,"
D'Agostini appears on the way to market
June 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues did not make a qualifying offer to Matt D'Agostini on Monday, which could make the forward an unrestricted free agent Friday if he is not re-signed by the club. D'Agostini, who had a career-high 21 goals and 46 points for the Blues last season, was set to become a restricted free agent Friday. But restricted free agents who were not given qualifying offers by their team before Monday's deadline automatically become unrestricted when free agency opens Friday. The Blues have been negotiating a contract extension with D'Agostini and could continue to do so before Friday, but it appears that he will hit the market. The team's decision to not make D'Agostini a qualifying offer, which"
Blues make picks, trade for Rangers' Evgeny Grachev
June 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"After a quiet evening with no picks in the NHL Draft's first round, the St. Louis Blues did all their draft work Saturday in rounds 2-7. In the second round, the Blues added two forwards, as well as some defensive help. St. Louis selected Ty Rattie with the No. 32 pick. Rattie is a right wing most recently at Portland of the Western Hockey League and had 79 points last season. "He's someone that we liked because of his high skill level," Bill Armstrong, the Blues' director of amateur scouting, said. "Obviously, he's got some work to do as far as his strength, but he has been able to put up points his whole life at every level." With the 41st pick, St. Louis added another right wing in"
Blues re-sign Crombeen for two years
June 23
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues have re-signed forward B.J. Crombeen to a two-year, $2 million contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. The deal pays Crombeen $950,000 for the coming season and is worth $1,050,000 in 2012-13. Crombeen, 25, was scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said he considers the rugged 6-foot-2, 214-pound forward to be an important part of the mix."
Blues seek help for offense
June 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Last season the Blues were hit by a rash of long-term injuries to their skilled forwards, and there was a lesson that came along with it. They'd better be prepared next time by having some NHL-ready depth in the organization. It's difficult to have replacements on hand for the likes of David Perron (concussion), Andy McDonald (concussion) and T.J. Oshie (broken ankle). Few teams, if any, have that type of talent in the minor leagues, which makes a midseason trade perhaps the only option. That can be a difficult task in itself, though, as few clubs are willing to part with their skilled forwards. But the Blues' reluctance to add significant payroll made those transactions impossible anyway."
Blues weigh all options as draft approaches
June 20
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Just in time for this week's NHL draft, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has received his budget from club chairman Dave Checketts for the 2011-12 season. Though not wishing to disclose the Blues' payroll ceiling, which could say a lot about the commitment level of an ownership group selling the team, Armstrong did say, "They've been good with me." One of the bottom-level spending clubs in the NHL the past few seasons, however, isn't expected to veer from that course this offseason, as Checketts continues to search for a new buyer. The Blues, who had a payroll of $44.5 million in 2010-11, have $39 million committed to next season's payroll. They will need to spend at least $7 million"
Blues re-sign forward Chris Porter
June 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues have re-signed forward Chris Porter to a one-year contract extension. It's a two-way contract that will pay Porter $600,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in Peoria."