The St. Louis Blues have signed veteran defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a three-year contract extension worth $4.125 million. Bortuzzo is now under contract with the Blues through the 2021-22 National Hockey League season.
#stlblues announce they’ve agreed on a 3-year contract extension with defenseman Robert Bortuzzo ($1.375 AAV).
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 15, 2018
Robert Bortuzzo Inks Three Year Extension with St. Louis Blues
The 29-year-old blueliner is an eight-year veteran of the NHL. He was drafted 78th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He remained with the Penguins until the 2014-15 season, where he then became a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Later that same season, Bortuzzo was sent back to Pittsburgh and then to the Blues. Bortuzzo has remained with the Blues ever since. In 288 games in the NHL, Bortuzzo has tallied 45 points (13 goals, 32 assists). As well, in 175 total games with the Blues, Bortuzzo has scored nine goals and has added 16 helpers (25 points total). However, this season Bortuzzo has only played in twelve games. He has one goal and two assists. He missed significant time due to a suspension and a lower-body injury.
Bortuzzo is not a flashy defenseman who’s quick across the ice. He’s a gritty player who isn’t afraid to use his body and is capable at playing solid defense down low.
“I believe in what’s going on here, the people in place and the guys in this room,” Bortuzzo said in an interview with ESPN. “I’m very comfortable here, and I’m happy to get [the deal] done.”
He’s been great, Bortuzzo,” interim coach Craig Berube told the St. Louis Dispatch. “He plays a hard game. Really good penalty-killer. . . .He’s hard to play against.”
Zach Sanford Sent Down and Joel Edmundson Ready to Go
In other Blues news, forward Zach Sanford was sent down to the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate in San Antonio. Sanford tallied nine points (four goals, five assists) in 23 games with the Blues this season. He was a healthy scratch for the past two games, not playing since his fight at practice with Bortuzzo this past Monday.
Also, defenseman Joel Edmundson practiced practiced again on Saturday and will be returning to the Blues’ lineup Sunday against the Calgary Flames. Lately, he has missed the previous two games due to a hand injury.
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