Blues Add Veteran Depth, Expand Payroll by Signing Arnott & Langenbrunner
St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong quelled the restless natives by signing two of the most decorated post season war veterans on the open market Wednesday.
Both Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner agreed to one year contracts. Arnott’s will pay out just shy of $3 million. Financials of the Langenbrunner deal have not been reported.
Armstrong said the following regarding the addition of Arnott:
“Jason is a veteran forward and a Stanley Cup Champion who will be a valuable addition to our club. He’s a proven leader and we are excited that he has decided to wear the Bluenote.”
Over the course of 17 seasons the Collingwood, Ontario native has played for the New Jersey Devils, Edmonton OIlers, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitals
In 1,172 career regular season games Arnott has registered 400 goals, 904 points and 1,216 penalty minutes. In 115 career NHL playoff games Arnott owns 31 goals and 72 points. He won the Cup in 2000 as a member of the Devils.
His 2010-11 season was split between the Devils and Capitals. In 73 combined games he tallied 17 goals and 31 points.
Though older players are less coveted, at least by fans, in the current era of speed and skill, adding even experience is never a bad idea. Especially when the Blues have been on of the youngest teams in the league and the procured happens to be an US Olympic team captain and two time Stanley Cup winner.
According to Armstrong, The rationale behind signing Langenbrunner was the same as Arnott:
We’re excited to add a veteran forward with two Stanley Cup rings to our roster. Jamie is a solid player who will bring years of NHL experience on and off the ice for our hockey club.”
The Cloquet, Minnesota native has appeared in 1,035 games over his 16 year career. All of which has been spent with the Devils and Stars organizations. Amassing 237 goals and 368 points. In 137 career playoff appearances Langenbrunner has recorded 33 goals, 12 of which are game winners, and 86 points to go along with his pair of championship runs. The first in 1999 with former Blue Brett Hull and the second with the Devils in 2003.
Last season Langenbrunner skated for the Devils before being traded to the Stars. In 70 games between the two clubs he registered 9 goals and 32 points.
The two combine for a staggering total of 2,207 regular season games and 252 playoff games of experience.
Experience the Blues greatly need. Prior to the start of free agency only two roster members were above the age of 30. Andy McDonald and Barrett Jackman. Aside from the 2009 appearance, only those two had seen playoff action. McDonald was the only Cup winner.
The ability to perform gracefully under fire is often a by product of many battles in the NHL. When the Blues lost a high volume of regular skaters to injury last season the confidence and composure levels were subjected to great pressure. Without veteran depth providing stability the group cracked and ultimately fell apart.
Even before David Perron returns the lineup will boast four NHL quality lines for the first time before the lockout.
Head coach Davis Payne is surely smiling at the thought.
When the Blues jumped out to the best start in franchise history through 12 games last season Payne was able to roll three effective lines with the fourth tenderizing the opposing defense. After the injuries altered the lineup, his philosophy followed. Morphing in to a system similar to one his predecessor Andy Murray utilized.
Adding Arnott (6’5, 220 points) to an already large duo down the middle, David Backes (6’3, 225 pounds) and Patrik Berglund (6’4, 218 pounds), Payne will have the freedom once again to have his crew playing his brand of hockey.
With Ben Bishop back in the fold, Ryan Reaves is the final puzzle piece to fall in to place. He should be expected to sign soon.
What say you, blue bleeders? How do you like the 2011-12 lineup on paper? How do you grade Armstrong? Is the experience added upfront enough to counter the lack in the back?
Comments always welcome.
