On the verge of clinching the NHL’s best record, the Blues have rewarded the man who put the team together. General Manger Larry Pleau has received a contract extension through the 2003-2004 season. Pleau took over in June, 1997, inheriting a roster that had been decimated by Mike Keenan. Pleau focused on player development, rather than high priced free agents, and that committment is evident on the current Blues roster. Marty Reasoner, Lubos Bartecko, Michal Handzus, Jochen Hecht, Jamal Mayers, Tyson Nash and Ladislav Nagy all came through the Blues minor league system. The team Pleau has assembled is one win away from clinching the President’s trophy. The Blues host the Calgary Flames tonight. Pavol Demitra is still suffering headaches from the concussion he suffered on March 24th. He has not yet resumed practicing.
