Blues Sign Nikita Nikitin to One-Year Deal

The St. Louis Blues announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Nikita Nikitin to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 41 games this past season, his first in the NHL, he had one goal and eight assists for nine points. He also appeared in 22 games with Peoria of the AHL, scoring three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. Not a bad move for the Blues, as Nikitin has lots of defensive upside. He's a good puckmover back on the blueline, so he should be a decent fit on defense next season for the Blues.