Blues Get Busy

The St. Louis Blues took steps this weekend at ensuring that they're preparing for the future. Keith Tkachuk went south for the spring, but the biggest news is the extending of Manny Legace and Eric Brewer's contracts. The extensions come at a pivotal point for the organization and are well timed by John Davidson. A big question mark facing the Blues was whether or not the fan base would diminish if we traded away Tkachuck or Bill Guerin. Well, one is already gone and Guerin may be soon to follow, but the Blues ensured that they are truly working towards the future.

Tkachuk ends up in Atlanta for forward Glen Metropolit, a first and third round pick in this years draft and a second round pick in 2008. If Atlanta resigns Tkachuk in the offseason, then the Blues would be given another first round pick in 2008. Metropolit, 32, has played in 57 games for Atlanta this season, recording 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) along with 20 penalty minutes. The 6-0, 195-pound forward has played in a total of 160 NHL games, amassing 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) while playing for the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent on July 19, 1999.

Legace agreed to a two year extension,while Brewer has agreed to four more years of wearing the Bluenote. Legace, no doubt, is a great signing. I would say this ensures the future of Curtis Sanford is not going to be in St. Louis. Either he or Jason Bacashihua will be on next year as Legace's backup (most likely B.Cash), and the other one will be hunting for a job elsewhere. Sanford becomes a free agent at the end of the year. The future at the goaltending position is deep for the Blues, and while Legace netminds for the next two years it will give the Blues a chance to sort out their goaltending prospects for the future.

Eric Brewer is more of a question mark, however I do like the signing. Under coach Mike Kitchen, Brewer pretty much sucked. He didn't hustle, he didn't fight, he didn't really play. However, under new coach Andy Murray he has turned his skillz up a notch and seem to be the top tier defender we thought he was when we got him. So, if he keeps up this play, then I'm excited about it.

It is in my humble opinion that we should trade Guerin now as well. It seems to me like it should be a package deal. Keep them both or trade them both. The Blues acquired quite a bit for Tkachuck, and they are certain to get as much if not more for Guerin.