Patrik Berglund’s new three-year contract was a pretty big surprise. Coming off of a disappointing 32-point campaign in the regular season and another quiet playoff series, Blues fans were stunned to see Berglund receive both three years and a raise for his efforts. Plenty of fans have speculated that the deal means a trade is coming, but Berglund signed the deal because he wants to play in St. Louis.
Via StlToday:
“That’s why I signed this deal.”
Berglund has also heard all of the rumors and speculation regarding a trade.
“You will always have a bunch of rumors and all of that, but really there’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t think about it. I’m just trying to get ready for next season. That’s pretty much all I can do, and that’s where my mind should be.”
That’s a pretty standard response from an athlete, but you get the sense that Berglund really is hoping to stay with the Blues. At the same time, he’s aware that he hasn’t been as big of a contributor as he should be.
“If I play better or get hot, obviously I will get some more ice time, I will get more chances on the power play and so on,” he said. “I’d say it’s more up to me to show them … you’re right around the net, where scoring chances are. I see it as more up to me. You’ve got to prove yourself and show them you have what it takes.”
Exactly.
The problem here is that Berglund had that opportunity. The one-year, $3.25 million contract Berglund had in 2013-14 was supposed to be the “prove yourself” contract. Berglund’s play last season would dictate how the Blues would handle him moving forward. Evidently, a really disappointing season and a dreadful playoff series against Chicago (0 points and a -7 plus/minus) gets you three years and a raise.
If a trade isn’t in store, Berglund’s contract is a confusing one. We’ll have to wait and see how things shake out, but for now it looks like a bizarre move from Doug Armstrong.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
