Alexander Steen

St. Louis Blues: Alexander Steen Signs Four-Year Extension

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Earlier today, the St. Louis Blues signed forward Alexander Steen to a four-year extension worth $23 million.

The extension offers impeccable timing on both sides, as the Blues opened up training camp today, while Alex Steen avoids unrestricted free agency beyond the 2016-17 season with the new contract.

After undergoing shoulder surgery in June, Steen did not participate in this month’s World Cup of Hockey tournament. However, the 32 year-old also represented Sweden in the 2014 Winter Olympics, where he collected one goal and three assists over six games in Sochi.

Steen finished the 2015-16 campaign with 17 goals, 35 assists and 48 penalty minutes. In eight seasons with the Blues, Steen ranks within the franchise’s top ten for game-winning goals (24), plus/minus (+54) and shots on goal (1,393).

Following the offseason departures of David Backes and Troy Brouwer, Steen could see his role as a top-six forward increase for the upcoming year. One possible line combination for Steen could involve Paul Stastny and Vladimir Tarasenko, both who established their personal-highest scoring output in a season with the Blues last year.

Perhaps Steen’s uncanny leadership was the most decisive factor leading to his extension. Having held an alternate captain role since 2011, Steen is the team’s longest-tenured forward aside from Patrik Berglund.

The Blues have made the Stanley Cup playoffs six times with the 11-year veteran. Among Steen’s 24 career playoff points, the forward has produced memorable first-round overtime goals against the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Steen’s contract extension is one of three given by the Blues prior to the 2016-17 season. Jake Allen signed a four-year extension worth $17. 4 million less than a week after St. Louis traded Brian Elliott to the Calgary Flames, while Jaden Schwartz avoided arbitration with a five-year, $25.7 million deal in July.