The Blues officially signed Quebec League (Lewiston) star David Perron on Monday after the nifty forward returned to Canada with his Super Series Teammates.
Perron will receive the maximum allowed for an entry level player. His three year deal worth $875,000 per season also includes a signing bonus good for $87,500. The maximum salary for an entry level player actually increases this year from $850,000. Because of the increase, players who were drafted in 2007 and play in the NHL right away will earn more than former first overall pick Erik Johnson will this season. When Perron plays his first NHL season his salary will actually be $787,500 after his signing bonus is subtracted.
You can expect Perron to be sent to Lewiston after a few days of NHL camp to get his feet wet. The Blues need to add power play depth and the idea of keeping Perron with the big club is very tempting. With that being said I would be shocked if he makes the club. The Blues have until October 2nd to send him back to Junior. Expect perron to join the Blues AHL affiliate when his junior season is completed.
Watching Perron play for Canada thus far in the Super Series makes me question a recent Red Line report that suggested a swift breeze could knock Perron off the puck. His strength on the puck is maybe the most impressive part of his game that I have seen thus far in the first four games. Perron, who has shined in his first ever chance on the international stage, has shown strong desire by creating chances off the fore check. He’s a playmaker who excels in one on one situations, even in tight areas. The Blues believe he has a chance to be really special. We shall see.
The Blues should think hard about keeping a proven AHL scorer like Charles Linglet to help out on the power play. Linglet is a strong PP player who can contribute with his above average play making ability to go along with his scoring touch. He needs to overwhelm Head Coach Andy Murray in camp to make the club.
We have seen players around the NHL play a fourth line role but also chip in on the PP. Guys like Jon Sim with the Islanders and Jeff Hamilton in Chicago are names that come to mind who have stolen quality ice time from fourth line role players.
Rink Rats!
Look for Peter Forsberg to sign with an NHL club after Christmas. He will look to get a deal in the neighborhood of 3.5 million to play out the rest of the season and the playoffs. Forsberg is the NHL’s version of Roger Clemens. The only difference is that Forsberg hates the attention.
Is it safe to say the only reason the NHL is changing jerseys is to make money? Fans are upset about having to go out and purchase a new sweater which is exactly what the NHL wants!
Word is that Calgary Head Coach Mike Keenan has the entire Flames organization wound extremely tight. There’s a shocker!! I guess we should expect to see Jarome Iginla fighting every two games while also playing 32 minutes a night!
Blues Clues!
The Blues have hired Skating instructor Barry Karns who lives in the Minneapolis area. Karns will work with the Blues every week and a half to two weeks during the season.
Congratulations to Dan Hinote who got engaged over the summer to Amy McCarthy (No relation to Blues Owner Mike) in Hawaii. Amy may not be related to Mike but she is the sister of television star Jenny!
Weight’s World Returns-Doug Weight has partnered with Northwest Bank and will once again provide a suite during all home games for kids battling cancer.
Keith Tkachuk, understanding that the NHL is a young man’s game, has lost more weight this summer. He is now down to his fighting weight….
Lee Stempniak has taken David Backes room inside the Tkachuk home. Stempniak will eventually move out when his house is ready.
What’s the over/under that Martin Ruchinsky reaches the 1,000 games played plateau this season? He needs 74 games to reach the milestone.
The Blues couldn’t be more pleased with prospect Steve Wagner. Wagner could force the Blues to make a trade if he continues to impress the way he has going back to the development camp.
The Blues leave for Traverse City this Thursday for the prospects tournament. Look for Michal Birner, Patrik Berglund, and Nikolai Lemtyugov to form a potent offensive line. Lemtyugov is a very skilled player who fans don’t know much about, pay attention to him in training camp.
Christian Backman arrives on Wednesday from Sweden. Petr Cajanek and Ruchinsky are the only other players yet to arrive.
Check out www.stlsportsmag.com to read an interesting feature on Blues President John Davidson.
My NHL radio show begins this Thursday at 7:00 pm on 1380 ESPN. Listen online at www.1380espn.com. The show is fittingly called Blues Buzz!
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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