The St. Louis Blues are totally going to win the 2003 Stanley Cup. They signed forwards Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott to contracts on Wednesday, pulling two more free agents off the market and adding a bit of a veteran presence up front in StL.
We're not yet sure of the financial details of Langenbrunner's one-year deal, but he made $2.8 million per season on his last contract. You'd have to expect less than that on this one. Arnott earned $4.5 million on his last deal and will reportedly earn just under $3 million on his Blues contract, also a one-year deal according to TSN.
Langenbrunner played last season with the Dallas Stars after being traded away from the New Jersey Devils last offseason. Arnott was traded away from the Devils to the Washington Capitals at the 2011 trade deadline.
Over at SB Nation St.. Louis, Laura Astorian took a deeper look into what these deals mean for the Blues. Why would they sign two old dudes?
Langenbrunner at 35 and Arnott at 36 are both going to be utilized as a balancing act for the young forward core. Both still have gas left in the tank. Arnott provides some depth up the middle at center, while Langenbrunner adds some right wing experience. This move now puts the Blues at 13 one-way forwards for next season, limiting the chances of a player like Philip McRae or Brett Sterling coming up unless an injury happens.
It's all about experience. And maybe winning that 2003 Stanley Cup again. For more on the Blues, check in with our blog, St. Louis Game Time.