Blues Re-Sign Forwards Steen and Sobotka

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have re-signed left wing Alex Steen to a four-year contract and center Vladimir Sobotka to a one-year contract. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Sobotka was acquired from the Bruins during the 2010 Entry Draft for defenseman David Warsofsky. In 68 games last season with the Blues, Steen had 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points, while Sobotka had four goals and six assists for 10 points in 61 games with the Bruins. These are decent signings for the Blues, as both players should provide plenty of offensive depth for the team next season. Steen is good in a defensive role and can score goals, while Sobotka plays with plenty of energy, has some offensive upside, and is very versatile, as he can play both center and on the wing.

Maple Leafs Acquire Stempniak from Blues for Steen, Colaiacovo

The Toronto Maple Leafs looked to shake up their roster on Monday as they acquired right wing Lee Stempniak from the St. Louis Blues for center Alex Steen and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo. The trade comes in the wake of rumors that the Maple Leafs are looking to sign Brian Burke as their new general manager. So far this season, Stempniak has three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 14 games. He missed four games in October with a knee injury. Stempniak has played strong of late, scoring 11 points in his last seven games and is on pace for a career season. Steen has been rather disappointing so far this season with two goals and two assists for four points in 20 games, while Colaiacovo has one assist in 10 games and is currently day-to-day with a left ankle injury. It is no surprise that the Leafs moved Steen and Colaiacovo as team management has been disappointed with their production the past couple seasons, but it is a bit of a shock the Blues dealt Stempniak given his fine performance of late. The Leafs will get a steady offensive performer with good passing skills in Stempniak. It's a bit puzzling why the Blues would want Colaiacovo given his injury history and their injury woes on the blueline so far this season. Steen has the potential to become a decent goal-scorer, but did not play up to those expectations in Toronto. Perhaps a change of scenery is what Steen needs to become the offensive producer he is projected to become. Playing with some of the Blues' talented forwards could very well help Steen improve his game.