Blues sign Oskar Sundqvist to four year contract

Oskar Sundqvist became a restricted free agent on July 1st, and he was set for an arbitration hearing on July 24th. The 25 year old center, who was a key contributor to the Blues’ fourth line throughout the regular season and playoffs, has elected to not go to arbitration. Instead, he has signed a four year contract extension with an AAV of $2.5 million.

Sundqvist was on a one year contract, so that may have been some motivation for his output of 14 goals and 17 assists in 74 games. His previous contract was for just $700,000, after a season where he played just 42 games with a goal and three assists. He was due for a raise based on his regular season output alone. During the playoffs, he had four goals and five assists while playing on a line that was the core of the Blues, especially in the final. Don’t believe me? Look at the nightmare that was game three, which happened while he was suspended. The Blues were short one of their best penalty killers, took too many penalties, and lost 7-2.

Oof.

The contract will carry him over to his UFA years. It’s a solid term, and a great price for someone who was a cornerstone of the Blues’ playoff success.