Blues Retain Nikita Nikitin

One more free agent question has been answered. The St. Louis Blues have decided to retain Nikita Nikitin by signing the defenseman to a new one-year contract, as reported by multiple sources.

Nikitin made his NHL debut during the 2010-11 season and ended up skating in 41 games with the Blues. He finished the season with one goal and eight assists for a total of nine points to go along with a +1 plus/minus rating. The stats may not sound overly impressive but Nikitin’s demeanor and overall poise on the ice had numerous fans awaiting the news of a contract extension. Evidently, the team felt he did enough to warrant another season with the Blues.

The Blues drafted Nikitin back in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, and while it took quite a while for him to make the big leap to the NHL, the blueliner can likely chalk up his first year success to the additional experience he received while waiting to be called up. Credit can also be given to his time he spent with Russia, competing with their U18 and U20 squads.

The contract news comes as an early birthday present as Nikitin will celebrate his 25th birthday on June 16th.

Restricted Free Agents:

T.J. Oshie
Patrik Berglund (2 years, $4.5 million)
B.J. Crombeen
Vladimir Sobotka
Matt D’Agostini
Ryan Reaves
Roman Polak (5 years, $13.75 million)
Nikita Nikitin (1 year)

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Cam Janssen
Chris Porter
Ty Conklin