The Blues have given Patrik Berglund a three-year extension. The deal is reportedly worth $11.1 million, or an average cap hit of $3.7 million a season. If you’re confused by this deal, you should be. Berglund looked primed to test free agency (restricted) and the team looked comfortable letting another team extend an offer sheet his way after yet another disappointing season with the Blues. Does this deal signal a trade is in the works or do the Blues really believe in Berglund?
The Berglund deal was pretty surprising. It looked like he had played himself out of St. Louis after drifting through the better part of last season. He had his hot streaks, as does any player, but he ended with just 14 goals and 18 points in 78 games. He failed to reach the 17-goal total he had in 2012-13 which came in an abbreviated 48-game campaign.
All in all, Berglund once again proved he can not be a focal point of the team’s offense. He’s nice to plop down in front of the crease, but he doesn’t use his size to the best of his ability. He goes long stretches without being involved and his overall demeanor and intensity leave a lot to be desired.
Considering all of the above factors and the rumors surrounding the Blues and their pursuit of a new center, the Berglund deal is really surprising. However, recent talks indicate that Ottawa may be counting on a price for Jason Spezza no team can match. Did the Blues wave the white flag on Spezza and lock up a center they know about? Let’s hope not. Hopefully the Berglund deal is a sign of something a bit larger.
Considering how out of left field this deal is, a lot of fans are speculating that a trade is in the works. There may be a team interested in Berglund which wanted to make sure he had a contract before finalizing the trade. That may just be speculation, but the trade possibility makes a lot more sense than the fact the Blues would like Berglund’s recent play so much that they want to secure him for three seasons.
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