Who is Cheechoo and Why the Blues Signed Him
The St. Louis Blues front office has committed to building a better on ice product at all levels this summer. With several veteran depth signings for the NHL club as well as some significant additions for the AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. The addition of former NHL goal scoring ace Jonathan Cheechoo to a one year, two way contract caps off the effort.
The 30 year old Moose Factory, Ontario native enjoyed a spectacular offensive career with the Belleville Bulls of the OHL before working his way up the ladder in the AHL with the with the Kentucky Thoroughblades and Cleveland Barons. He made his NHL debut in 2002-03 with the San Jose Sharks. In 2003-04, his second full season at the NHL level, Cheechoo broke out with 28 goal recorded in 81 games. In 2005-06, the season after the one lost to the lockout, he posted career highs in goals (56), points (93), games played (82) and took home the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for the most goals scored in the league.
Sadly, his career would begin sliding from there.
In the following four seasons Cheechoo’s goal totals would consistently dwindle due to time lost to injuries. Dropping from 37 in 2006-07 to 23, 12 and eventually just 5 goals with the Ottawa Senators in 09-10. His game appearances would drop as well. From 76 to 69, 66 and down to just 61 games for the Senators. Last season was the first for Cheechoo spent entirely in the AHL since 2001-02. In which he posted solid numbers when reunited with his first professional coach, Roy Sommer. Scoring 18 goals and 47 points in a back injury shortened 55 game stint while on a AHL tryout contract with Worcester Sharks, San Jose’s AHL affiliate.
Cheechoo’s track record was apparently enough to entice the Blues to offer a substantial contract. The deal pays out $600,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in the AHL. It also carries a guarantee of he will earn at least $225,000 this season.
On the surface its a puzzling deal when the Rivermen’s offense already boasts AHL scoring dynamos TJ Hensick and Brett Sterling. Why assume the risk when other potential veteran scoring options were available?
There is more than meets the eye to this scenario. After passing physical exams earlier in the week he was given a clear bill of health. Meaning as needs dictate in St. Louis, a return to the biggest stage in professional hockey is an option.
As Chechoo told Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star:
“The Blues have some good young players coming up in their system, and if I can find my way onto that roster … if not, the AHL is a really good league, and it’s the place you want to be in if you can’t play in the NHL.”
“I’ll settle in at Peoria, but my ultimate goal is to make it back to the NHL with the Blues, and I intend to hold up my end of the bargain.”
Certainly the words of a motivated individual. Such drive should lead to Cheechoo pushing hard to perform well in Peoria. Position atop the list when the fax machine inevitably brings in new paperwork to fill an opening three hours south is goal number one.
The pressure will also be on Hensick, Sterling as well to be at the top of their game or be left behind. The likes of Chris Porter, Adam Cracknell and Phil McRae must also be on point if they want to be in the running as well. Last season’s successes do not provide preferential treatment.
With such a large portion of the core forwards enticed to produce, the by product should be a strong club able to push for a return to the Calder Cup Playoffs and maybe more.
Don’t forget that Cheechoo has appeared in 501 career NHL regular season games (keep in mind the Veteran’s Rule as well) and 56 NHL playoff games. He’s been around the block and no matter where he is skating, St. Louis or Peoria, he will be providing a veteran’s touch to a young locker room. His time as a prolific big league finisher may have passed, but the addition of depth is never a bad gamble to take.
-
Thanks for reading. As always you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter: @618_STLBlues.
