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.

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.

Blues Add Sobotka from Bruins for Warsofsky

The St. Louis Blues added some offensive depth on Saturday by acquiring center Vladimir Sobotka from the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect defenseman David Warsofsky. Sobotka will be a restricted free agent on July 1. In 61 games last season with the Bruins, he had four goals and six assists for 10 points. Warsofsky appeared in 34 games last season with Boston University, scoring 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points. Not a bad move for both teams, as both players should fit in nicely with their new clubs. Sobotka plays with lots of energy and toughness and also has some offensive upside, so he should be a good fit for the Blues on their fourth line next season. Warsofsky, who will remain in the NCAA next season, is still several years away from playing in the NHL, so he won't be in the Bruins' lineup any time soon, but he does give them a decent offensive prospect on the blueline.