ST LOUIS, Mo - The St. Louis Blues opened free agency by addressing their in house concerns.  The first steps were to resign team MVP from the 2009-10 seasons, Alex Steen to a four year deal.  Steen had a career year scoring 24 goals and 47 points for St. Louis while proving to be a wonderful asset to the special teams contributing seven power play goals to lead the Blues.  Steen ensures St. Louis four more years of solid veteran play up front to allow their prized rookies to continue to bloom.

Draft day acquisition Vladimir Sobotka signed with St. Louis to a one year deal.  The 5’10” 183 pound center from Trebic, Czech Republic played in 61 games last season scoring four goals and adding six assists to his total.

To compliment their signing of Steen and Sobotka, the Blues resigned Brad Winchester to shore up the physical player required in today’s NHL.  Winchester recorded eight points this season and set a career mark with 108 penalty minutes.  The Madison, Wisconsin native will enter 2010-11 with the Blues for the third straight season.

According to comments made by President John Davidson in the Post-Dispatch, the Blues are attempting to resign Carlo Colaiacovo and Mike Weaver along with newly acquired twine protective specialist Jaroslav Halak.  In regards to Paul Kariya, it appears as if St. Louis is ready to move in another direction.  However, if the price is right do not be surprised to see a short term deal offered for the veteran sniper.  

You may contact the author at:  John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com