Dmitrij Jaskin signs a three-year entry level deal with the Blues

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AfNNmJE53UY?rel=0

Lost amidst the insanity that was the few days leading up to the NHL trade deadline, the St. Louis Blues signed prospect Dmitrij Jaskin to a three-year entry level contract, as reported by the team's official site. 

Jaskin, the Blues' second-round pick (41st overall) from the 2011 Draft, previously was skating in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), but will now report to the Peoria Rivermen. Jaskin's new deal is worth a reported $2.41 million over three years and will pay $70,000 per year at the AHL level and between $742,500 and $925,000 at the NHL level. 

It's always nice to see a team wrap up one of its prospects. It's even better when that prospect is widely regarded as an NHL-ready player at the age of 20. 

Skating in the QMJHL, Jaskin had an extremely impressive campaign in 2012-13, scoring 46 goals and 53 assists (99 points) in 51 games. His point total was good enough for fifth best in the league. 

Prior to his time in the QMJHL, Jaskin skated in the Czech league with Slavia Praha for two seasons. Here he struggled some, scoring just four goals and eight assists in 63 games. While he never got rolling offensively, the lessons Jaskin learned competing in such a competitive league at such a young age were extremely valuable.

Just how good is Jaskin? Ask St. Louis Director of Player Development Tim Taylor. 

"Jaskin is an NHL-ready combination of size and skill. His offensive prowess, physicality and hockey sense give him the versatility to play up and down the lineup and contribute in a variety of roles.”

Will we see Jaskin in the NHL before 2013 comes to a close? Probably not, but it's certainly not impossible. If injuries test the team's depth (knock on wood that they don't), the Blues will have to at least consider calling on the talented youngster.