Unrestricted free agent center Paul Stastny signed with the St. Louis Blues, agreeing to a four-year contract. The 28 year old is the son of Peter Stastny, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, who finished his career in St. Louis, playing the final two seasons (1993-95). Paul’s brother Yan also played for the Blues (2007-10). Paul grew up in Chesterfield. The younger Stastny has played eight seasons in the NHL, 538 games, all with the Avalanche. He had 60 points (25 goals) in 71 games last season and has 458 points in his career, with 18 points in 22 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Blues add Stastny to join David Backes as the Blues top-two centers to compete not only in a deep Western Conference, but tough Central Division, but GM Doug Armstrong told Blues.NHL.com, don’t be surprised to see Stastny and Backes together on the same line.
“I see a scenario where Paul plays with [Alexander] Steen and Backes,” Armstrong said. “That gives us quite a bit of strength on the wing, [and] the size with Backes. And then you have [Patrik] Berglund with [Vladimir] Sobotka and maybe [T.J.] Oshie as another line. Lehtera has a history with [Vladimir] Tarasenko from the KHL.”
The Blues also signed their center and 2008 third-round pick Jori Lehtera to a two-year contract.
The Chicago Blackhawks signed veteran center Brad Richards, the Dallas Stars acquired center Jason Spezza and the Minnesota Wild picked up goal scorer Thomas Vanek.
