Blues Sign Vladimir Sobotka to Three-Year Deal

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center Vladimir Sobotka to a three-year contract extension worth $3.9 million. The deal will pay him $1.2 million in 2011-12, $1.3 million in 2012-13, and $1.4 million in 2013-14. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 65 games this past season, he had seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points and 69 penalty minutes. He missed four games with a shoulder injury and 13 games with a fractured foot. Not a bad signing for the Blues, as Sobotka plays with lots of energy and toughness and has a little offensive upside. He should be a good fit on the checking lines for the next three years.