NHL Free Agency: Winners and losers from day one

Loser: St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues still have a lot of time this offseason to improve. However, it cannot be ignored that they suffered a monumental loss by losing captain David Backes and wing Troy Brouwer. Backes signed with the Bruins while Brouwer left for the Flames.

Brouwer’s replacement was likely signed, as the Blues signed David Perron to a very reasonable two-year deal worth $3.75 million a year. Perron’s combination of size and speed should fit nicely wherever he is slotted in the lineup and it wouldn’t be surprising if he outproduces Brouwer next season. Still, the loss of Brouwer makes the T.J Oshie trade that much more frustrating.

Backes’ value to the Blues cannot be understated. Not only was he a true number one center for them, he was their captain and meant so much to the city of St. Louis. There is no immediate replacement for him as captain, though Alex Pietrangelo might be up to the task.

Trading Brian Elliott at the draft was a terrible idea, but they did get a solid backup in Carter Hutton. They also extended Jake Allen, confirming that Allen is their present and future starting goaltender.

It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Blues wound up being better next season, but the day one losses of Brouwer and Backes are huge.

Next: Winner: Tampa Bay Lightning