The Blues avoided arbitration with defenseman Bryce Salvador yesterday when he agreed to a two-year contract. Yesterday was the deadline for players who wanted to file for arbitration. Salvador made $525,00 last season and will make $1.2-million next season. The Blues have also come to terms with goaltender Brent Johnson, defenseman, Christian Laflamme and center Ryan Johnson. Arbitration will be the means of determining Pavol Demitra’s next paycheck. Demitra has led the team in scoring the last two seasons. Arbitration hearings will be held August 1-15. The NHL schedule will be released today. The Blues will open up the 2003-2004 season in Phoenix on October 10.
