The St. Blues have extended Pavel Buchnevich to a six-year, $48 million extension. The contract starts in 2025-26 and runs through 2030-31.
Blues Extend Buchnevich
BREAKING: Blues sign Pavel Buchnevich to 6-year, $48 million contract extension. #stlblues https://t.co/qNb14U5hjp
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 2, 2024
The Blues acquired Buchnevich in a 2021 trade with the New York Rangers.
In his time with the Blues, Pavel Buchnevich has appeared in 216 regular-season games, ranking third on the team in points (206), second in goals (83), and second in assists (123).Last season, Buchnevich scored 27 goals and recorded 36 assists in 80 regular-season games. It marked his third consecutive campaign with at least 25 goals and 60 points.
Buchenvich’s cap hit when his new contract begins in the 2025-26 season will be $8 million.
Buchnevich’s Future In St. Louis Had Been Unclear
With the Blues in the midst of a retool to go along with salary cap restraints, it was possible the Blues would trade Buchnvevich this off-season. Rumours even circulated heading into the NHL Entry Draft last weekend.
It can be assumed General Manager Doug Armstrong received offers for the star forward. However, Armstrong elected to re-sign Pavel Buchnevich.
The Blues Core Is Coming Together
Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou are already under long-term contracts. Signing Buchnevich to a long-term contract further establishes the core of players that can lead the Blues to their second Stanley Cup. There are others who could join the core, but for now, the Blues have their three big name forwards.
The Blues Cap Moving Forward
Pavel Buchnevich joins the list of Blues who are under contract past the 2030 season. Thomas, Kyrou, and Colton Parayko are also under long-term contracts.
The Next Contending Blues Team Is Coming Together
There is still much to do before the Blues are Stanley Cup contenders again. However, re-signing Buchnevich puts them one step closer.
The Blues’ next move would be to continue to unload some contracts that are not working out with the team.
Blues fans should sit back and smile. Better days are ahead.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
