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Patrik Berglund and Blues agree to five-year extension

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 26, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St Louis Blues forward Patrik Berglund (21) shoots in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St Louis Blues forward Patrik Berglund (21) shoots in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Blues have agreed to a five-year extension with forward Patrik Berglund.

Going into this season, the St. Louis Blues had two key free agents to worry about. The first is Kevin Shattenkirk. His fate is still up in the air, though it seems likely he’ll be traded. However, they also had to worry about forward Patrik Berglund. The Blues will be keeping him around, as he has signed a five-year extension worth $19.25 million. Berglund’s annual cap hit will be $3.85 million, according to NHL.com

"Berglund has been with the Blues since being drafted by the club in the first round (No. 25 overall) in 2006. The Vasteras, Sweden-native is one of just 16 players to appear in at least nine seasons with the Blues. He has accumulated 286 points, including 145 goals and 141 assists, in 615 regular season games. Berglund has also posted 10 goals and 12 assists in 49 career playoff appearances."

The 28-year old forward will be under team control through the prime of his career. Though most forwards start declining around age 32, Berglund should still give the Blues at least three or four productive seasons. His cost is well within reason for someone of his caliber.

Moving forward, the Blues still have some more questions to answer. They clearly need to add to their forward core. The Blues must do so, and perhaps this is why they’re open to trading Shattenkirk. St. Louis can’t afford to keep him, especially since they’re already paying Jay Bouwemeester and Alex Pietrangelo a lot of money. The Blues also have to pay Colton Parayko once he becomes a restricted free agent.

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Berglund is one of the best defensive forwards on the team. Lately, he’s been producing an impressive rate. The term of his extension is a bit questionable, but his salary should help offset any concerns.

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