Friday Bluenotes – Junland back to Sweden?

According to reports in Sweden Blues prospect Defenseman Jonas Junland has signed a contract with Farjestad of the SEL.

This certainly opens the possibility that Jonas goes straight back to Sweden and moves past his NHL aspirations. There is also a possibilty that this contract is a fall back plan if he isnt unable to secure a spot on the NHL roster leaving training camp.

It’s too early to tell what is actually going on. Blues fans will have to wait for the hockey media to roll out of bed and bring in the details.

It’s an odd move now that Jonas is closer than ever to playing in the NHL full time. The Blues are losing three defensemen to free agency this summer and the Blues need his puck moving ability. Yes, his defensive abilities are in question. However, defense can be taught and the Blues are in need of more skill on the blue line.

As more info becomes available I will update the blog.

Update 5-1-10:

Jeremy Rutherford elaborated Friday on his Morning Skate blog on some details of the Junland contract.

Basically, JR confirmed that Junland agreed to the SEL contract and an out clause was not confirmed.

JR also cited the Peoria Star Journal saying Junland rejected a one year, one way contract for $500,000.

The Blues can continue to talk with Junland who is a RFA, but at this time there us no indication that the issue will be resolved soon.

See more on my Hockey Independent blog later tonight.