The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Scott Perunovich to a one-year, one-way contract extension worth $1.15 million.
#stlblues announce a one-year extension with D Scott Perunovich: 1 year x $1.15 million.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 18, 2024
Perunovich Has Accumulated The Assists, But No Goals Yet
Perunovich appeared in 54 regular-season games for the Blues last season, posting 17 assists and 12 penalty minutes. In seven Stanley Cup Playoff games, Perunovich has registered four assists. Perunovich is still looking for his first NHL goal.
The Minnesota native has dressed in 73 regular-season games with the Blues, recording 23 assists. Perunovich was originally drafted by the Blues in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Perunovich’s Role With The Blues
The one-way contract means Perunovich will get the paid the same amount whether he is in the NHL or AHL. Typically, teams will do this when they do not expect a player will be sent down again for performance.
Perunovich should figure to be a regular in the Blues lineup next season. With the rumblings of the team looking to part ways with Colton Parayko or Torey Krug, it gives Perunovich a larger opportunity. Also, the Blues are continuing to integrate younger guys into the lineup and build for both the present and the future. The Blues will want to see if Perunovich can be the player they thought he could be when they drafted him. Perunovich has shown in the minors that he can be that player.
Overall, the Blues are in good shape. They have a talented group of young forwards and now keeping a young Perunovich in the fold helps. It’ll be a great year to see if he can continue to prove himself. He should have every opportunity to do so. The Perunovich contract makes sense for both sides and exciting times heading into 2024-25.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
