McDonald looking forward to healthy season

Veteran winger feeling "25 again;" feels healthier than he was last season

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- Andy McDonald is a voice of reason.

The Blues' winger understands that an athlete's biological clock doesn't last forever and Father Time catches up with everyone.

For McDonald, who turned 35 on Aug. 25, it's only natural to have those after-hockey thoughts and think about how much more time's left in the tank, especially with the lifespan of a hockey player.


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A healthy Andy McDonald gives the Blues a

much-needed offensive weapon.

But as McDonald enters his 12th season in the NHL -- his fourth full season in St. Louis -- he feels like Father Time will have to take a backseat and wait a while longer before the Strathroy, Ontario native checks out of his skates.

If McDonald's as refreshed and energized as he was while the Blues were skating informally at their practice facility, there are quite a few more miles remaining in those speedy skates.

"Physically I feel 25 again and I'm really looking forward to this year," McDonald said. "... I'm really looking forward to it. I feel better this year than I did last year. I think you play so many years with injuries and things going on, you don't realize what good health is. I feel great. I had a really good off-season. I'm healthy."

McDonald, who has 468 points in 648 career games, was also healthy going into last season, one in which the Blues had one of their best seasons in franchise history going 49-22-11. However, McDonald's season was unexpectedly derailed when he suffered yet another concussion the third game of the season in Dallas. That was on Oct. 13. He wouldn't see NHL action again until Feb. 12, missing 51 games.

It was the sixth concussion of McDonald's career, and at one point during the recovery process, he admitted there were times where he didn't know if he would ever play again. With a wife and two young kids to think about, the long-term future was definitely in play.

But McDonald went through the treatments, the rest and took the proper channels of concussion protocol, vowing to return. He played an abbreviated 25-game schedule last season and finished with 22 points as the Blues finished tied with the second-most points in the NHL with 109. McDonald would go on and tear it up for the Blues in their opening round playoff series win against San Jose with four goals and four assists in five games before the Blues were derailed by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

But the return to action was a different feel for McDonald, considering it wasn't the customary off-season program that builds a player up for the ruggedness of an 82-game season.

"Physically, I probably wasn't where I wanted to be because you really take advantage to having the off-season to get your strength," McDonald said. "When you go through a concussion, there's a good portion of the time where you're not doing anything, you're not training. To come back in and try to play and not kind of have that summer to train and get ready made it a little bit tougher. But I was probably just a little bit lighter and probably strength-wise, I could have been a little bit stronger.

"I was so happy to be back playing and I was pretty happy about my health at that point. I feel like I'm in better shape this time around. I will have my conditioning back, I will have my strength back. I'm a lot better off now."

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When Andy McDonald was in the Blues' lineup in 2011-12,

he was nearly a point-per-game player. But a sixth career

concussion forced the veteran to miss 51 games.

McDonald, who is experimenting with wearing a new helmet, one that will help protect from the vulnerabilities of a concussion, is projected to be playing the upcoming season on a line with Alex Steen and 2010 first round pick Vladimir Tarasenko. It has the potential to be one of the more lethal third lines in the league.

And for McDonald, who's entering the final year of a four-year, $18.8 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2013, he's eager and anxious to play a full 82-game season. That's only happened twice. Plus, McDonald would love to prolong his NHL career here, perhaps finish it in St. Louis.

"I feel better now mentally than I did last year," McDonald said. "I had some lingering things from years with concussions.

"I don't think I realized what 100 percent was until last season being able to come back and get the treatments and go through all that and to get to a point where I really felt confident that I was 100 percent. That's why I'm so upbeat about this season. I've had a great summer and I'm really looking forward to playing a full year with this kind of health."

Tarasenko a hit with teammates, fans

2010 first round pick hits ice for first time

wearing a Bluenote; large crowd at Ice Zone to see it

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- When Vladimir Tarasenko hit the ice for the first time as a member of the Blues, the applause from the large summer crowd at St. Louis Mills was probably something the 20-year-old wasn't expecting.

But getting to see the Blues' 2010 first-round draft pick (16th overall; Jaden Schwartz was picked 14th also in 2010) live for the first time in person was too good to pass up.

"Half the jerseys, you didn't know what they said. They were all in Russian," joked Blues defenseman Ian Cole of the various Russian Tarasenko jerseys. "That's a good sign that they're here. ... They're really kind of sending a jolt of excitement, a little electric shock through the fan base.

"I think it's pretty cool, especially with this lockout that may or may not happen."



(Photo by Scott Neer/TSN-Photography)

Blues' 2010 first round pick Vladimir Tarasenko

took the ice Tuesday morning for the first time.

Even the teammates he will be playing with this season -- if there is a season -- were impressed as Tarasenko -- all 6-foot, 215-pounds of him -- took part in drills and conditioning as the Blues continue to work out with their informal skates preparing for what they hope is a 2012-13 season. Tarasenko totaled 100 points in 176 KHL games spanning four seasons.

"It's exciting to have (Tarasenko) here," said veteran forward Andy McDonald. "... Obviously he's got a big impact. He looked good out there. He's getting his feet wet and I think it's a big transition for him. For us, we just want to make it as easy as possible."

Tarasenko, who bolted Russia, the KHL and a more lucrative present-day contract for a dream of playing in the NHL and with the Blues, arrived in town Friday and is getting acclimated with North American life after signing a three-year entry-level deal in July. It's going to be up to his teammates to help him with the transition of living life in the U.S. initially; something they're ready to help him do.

"The most important thing is to make him feel comfortable off the ice, and especially on the ice," said center Patrik Berglund, who was in Tarasenko's shoes not too long ago when the Blues picked him 25th overall in 2006. "He's new. I know how it was. If you need help, I hope and he hopes that he asks for help so that we can help him. He looked really happy when he walked in. He didn't look shy or anything. He looks good."

Added veteran winger Jamie Langenbrunner, who's the oldest player on the Blues along with Scott Nichol at 37: "You want him to feel comfortable. I think we have a group of guys to do that. It's a good locker room when it comes to that. It's a good group of guys. It's very welcoming, not clicky at all so to speak. Those things take time. He's got to learn what we're all about and we've got to learn what he's all about. What buttons you can push, what buttons you can't.

"I think he looks like a guy that just wants to fit in and be a part of the group. If he comes with that attitude, he's going to be a great addition to this room."

 

Not only to the room, but according to Cole, on the ice as well.

"I think it can be huge, a guy that can put up 40-50 points maybe," Cole said of Tarasenko's potential initially for point production. "He's got that kind of skill-set. Having a guy on the ice like that, what's the downfall of that?

"I obviously don't know about him defensively or his two-way game. You can't really comment on that, but as far as his pure skill-set goes, you see him in the World Championships and you see him in the World Juniors, it's unbelievable. It's exciting to have that kind of skill level joining the rest of the guys with our top-end skill. It's going to be awesome."


(Photo by Scott Neer/TSN Photography)

Vladimir Tarasenko arrived in St. Louis on Friday and took part in his first

practice with the Blues Tuesday morning.

Tarasenko, who could go back to the KHL if there is a lockout rather than play for minimal dollars in Peoria, is projected to slot into the Blues' third line along with McDonald and Alex Steen.

So far, he's displayed a wicked wrister, he's a pinpoint passer and displays good speed.

"He's (got) good size. He's pretty stocky," McDonald said of Tarasenko. "Obviously that's a big factor in the NHL. You've got to be strong on your skates. But you've also got to be fast. He's fast, he's big. He's probably the complete package."

For Blues veterans, lockout not a good feeling

Jackman: missing 2004-05 season was "devastating"



By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- As much as the percentages seem to be against the upcoming NHL season starting on time, there are a few simple reasons why the players' union continues to preach positive thoughts rather than think lockout.

Call it cautious optimism. Particularly from those that have been around the game and know the helpless and empty feeling of what the 2004-05 lockout, which resulted in an entire season that was wiped out which resulted in the league needed an imaging overhaul with its product and its fan base.

"I was absolutely devastated the last time it happened," Blues defenseman Barret Jackman said referring to the last lockout. "I played my first year (in 2002-03) and then I was hurt all my second year and then what was supposed to be my third year, we were locked out.

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Barret Jackman was "devastated" the last time there was

an NHL lockout eight years ago.

"Back then it was a little different scenario. There were a lot of teams that were hurting. Unfortunately, it took too long to make significant cuts to the payroll. The league has grown since then and it's a thriving business. We realize there are some teams that at the bottom are kind of struggling, teams like Phoenix and a couple teams in Florida. ... It's tough to sit by and watch hockey take the beating it is but hopefully this isn't a long-term thing and we'll get going."

NHLPA and most of its members fully understood they could lose an entire year and players quickly made arrangements to play overseas in Europe back then.

The players are more equipped and fully prepared for a worst-case scenario this time around, but there's a growing sentiment still floating around that something will in fact get done, even as late as the final hour when the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Sept. 15.

"I find it as a different feel, the last (lockout) to this one," veteran center Scott Nichol said. "I think both sides are really adament to get things going, get it resolved and quicker.

"The last lockout ... looking back now, guys were taking off for Europe relatively early. Not here and now. Guys are really unified and hunkered in to start the season and everyone's status quo and coming into their respective cities and getting things going."

The two sides, albeit getting a late start in negotiations, are talking and trying to hammer out a dialogue and finding common ground. But eight years ago, those negotiations -- or lack thereof -- were a road that led to an entire season being wiped out before common sense prevailed.

"I just remember the meetings throughout the summer were very negative and guys were just asking the very worst case scenarios," Jackman said. "Now with all the meetings that are going on, it seems like guys are asking the right questions.

"We're very optimistic. We're going to go in, everybody's going to plan on starting the season. We have a great group of people that are heading the union. A lot of guys involved, a lot more than we had the last time. We're educated and we know what's at stake."

Jamie Langenbrunner, a veteran entering his 18th NHL season and second with the Blues, said the sooner an agreement gets done, the better it is for everyone involved. Then the players can map out a plan of training and when to expect to play games.

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Jamie Langenbrunner feels like the players are caught

in the middle when it comes to a lockout.

"I think the longer it goes, the harder it is mentally to (train)," Langenbrunner said. "You plan your summers to get yourself ready for September and you can't train forever. I think for everybody it's a little bit different and know what you need to do to get ready. I think whenever there is uncertainty it does make that difficult. But having a group around town will help. We'll help push each other and pick each other up. As of now, we're preparing for Sept. 21."

It doesn't dispel the thoughts that Langenbrunner feels he and fellow players are the ones caught in the middle of a tug-o-war between the owners.

"I think all of us have to look at the big picture. We feel as players, this isn't even a player-owner problem. This is an owner-owner problem," Langenbrunner said. "We kind of get dragged into the middle of it, along with the fans. We play under the rules of their deal, how they interpreted those rules and how they decided to play with them was their call. But this is nothing that we designed, we're just a part of it."

The players are a big part of it, and as long as the two sides can come to a resolution, it will make things better for all parties, the game in general, and most importantly, the fans that support it.

"For me personally, I find that both sides, they would want it," Nichol said. "They'll get something done sooner than later, I would think.

"We love our union and the way (NHLPA executive director) Donald (Fehr's) been handling things. It'll all work out. There's too much to lose. I'm just a hockey player and want to play. Maybe I am optimistic."

Optimistic and from a fan's standpoint -- hopeful.

Blues looking at bigger, brighter picture as camp looms

Players that have trickled in for voluntary skates focused on

building off one of franchise's best seasons, not looming lockout

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- For obvious reasons, Blues players are in unison with their fellow NHL brethren as to why they don't believe a lockout will happen if a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached by Sept. 15.

And after a 109-point season that brought hockey back to league respectability and revived the game in St. Louis once again, it's understandable why players are looking at nothing but a successful resolution and that hockey will go off as scheduled this season with a new CBA in hand.

"We're just going day-to-day, getting our workouts in and preparing for the season," said veteran center Scott Nichol, one of eight skaters on the ice Tuesday at St. Louis Mills' Ice Zone who's fully aware of the daily ongoings between the NHL and NHLPA. "We're all really excited. All the guys are back in, we've got a great group and just chomping at the bit to get back going.

"You want to keep the momentum and I think everyone's like that. Once training camp starts, there's 30 teams that think they're going to win the Stanley Cup and we're one of them. We have a good chance. It's going to be hard work this year. We're not sneaking up on anybody. Everyone knows we have a good team. The style that we play is a real in-your-face, hard game. It'll be a good challenge for us. We'll be like the Detroit Red Wings where everyone's going to play their 'A' game against you and it's going to make our team even grow that much more."

Nichol, who resigned for one year this summer, along with Barret Jackman and Jamie Langenbrunner, have a combined 39 years' worth of NHL experience. But all three were on the ice Tuesday getting workouts in along with Peoria-bound goalie Mike McKenna, 2009 draft pick Sergei Andronov, Ottawa goalie and St. Louis home grown talent Ben Bishop, Philip McRae and a pair of others. Andy McDonald has also made his way in but did not participate Tuesday. Alex Pietrangelo, Ian Cole and Jaden Schwartz were in town recently and will return soon.

Instead of thinking about what might not be, they are choosing to remain on the positive side and not have a repeat of 2004-05, which was wiped out completely due to an owner's lockout. And it's the veterans that are setting the example of getting in early that signifies the Blues' willingness to build off last season.

"It shows the young guys and everybody we're all on the same page," Nichol said. "It doesn't matter how old or how young you are. We want to win.
"We're here to win and that's what we get paid for. We had an exciting season last year. We're not going to totally duplicate it, good or bad. We want to be better. Every day you want to get better and we did last year and I don't see why we can't this year."

But being the end of August, the Blues would have most, if not all of their camp players in town by now. With the uncertainty of what may or may not happen, some guys have delayed getting into town just yet. The element of the unknown has everyone on edge these days.

"It's tough some days but you've got to look at it like it's going to start September 21st, the first day of training camp," said Jackman, who signed a three-year, $9 million extension instead of opting for unrestricted free agency. "You've got to just ramp yourself up to that date. Things could change from now to then and you could have a new target date and you try and adjust your training accordingly.

"It's tough to figure out some drills to do with six skaters and two goalies ... it's tough. You come into St. Louis, you never know ... getting apartments or what the future holds. Guys are going to stay in their hometowns and skate with other guys that they have there. Mostly guys that have kids are in town or make their home base out of St. Louis are the ones here. They'll start trickling in here probably in the next couple weeks."

The NHL and NHLPA seem to have a wide gap over the core issues that are threatening the existence -- or part of -- the 2012-13 season. But players have to continue to go about their business as if things will work out accordingly.

"Yeah, I guess it throws a little uncertainty into it, where normally this time you'd have that target date of Sept. 21 and camp opening and gearing up for that," Langenbrunner said. "I think for the most part, for right now, that's the mindset we have to go with. But obviously the uncertainty of it makes some days a little bit tougher. But it's the end of August and we've been going here for a good couple of weeks. More and more guys are going to start coming in now and then we'll prepare and be ready until they tell us not to be."

* NOTES -- Blues general manager Doug Armstrong confirmed on Tuesday that Alex Pietrangelo is to have a minor procedure performed on a lower-body issue.

Armstrong would not divulge any specifics on the injury but Pietrangelo did suffer a sprained knee in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Kings when he was shoved awkwardly into the boards from behind by the Kings' Dwight King. It forced Pietrangelo to miss Game 2 before he returned to play in Games 3 and 4, a series the Kings won in a four-game sweep.

Pietrangelo, 22, who played in 81 games last season and posted career-highs in goals (12), assists (39) and points (51), indicated at the team's exit meetings after being eliminated by the Kings and again last month when he came in for a voluntary skate with prospects that there was no need for any surgical procedure on the knee, so it is believed to be in another area.

Pietrangelo, who finished fourth in the Norris Trophy voting this past season, is not expected to miss any time once training camp opens. Barring a lockout, camp is slated to open for the Blues and the rest of the NHL on Sept. 21st.

... The Blues also signed Sergei Andronov, the team's third round pick (78th overall) in 2009, to a one-year, AHL-only contract on Tuesday.

Andronov, 23, has spent the last three seasons playing in the KHL at CSKA Moscow. The 6-foot, 183-pound winger had 11 goals and 18 points in 101 games.

It was a bit of a surprise to the Blues, but last month, reports surfaced of Andronov's desire to play in North America saw Armstrong go to Russia to meet with him. The Moscow native was on the ice Tuesday and will play with Peoria this season and likely be used in a checking style role.

Blues make changes to hockey operations

Taylor, DiMaio gain promotions; MacInnis assumes role of advisor to GM

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- With training camp approximately six weeks away, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong announced some changes to their hockey operations staff before heading into the 2012-13 season.

The following will have different titles for the upcoming season: Dave Taylor, who previously held the title of the director of player personnel; Al MacInnis, who held the position of vice president of hockey operations and Rob DiMaio, who served as a pro scout.

Taylor steps into the role MacInnis previously held. He joined the Blues in 2010 after serving the same role with the Dallas Stars from 2007-10 and as general manager of the Los Angeles Kings from 1997-2006.

MacInnis, who served as vice president of hockey operations since 2006, will become a senior advisor to Armstrong, a role Larry Pleau held after being the team's GM for 13 years beginning in 1997. before joining the front office, MacInnis concluded a Hall of Fame career of 23 seasons, including the last 10 spent in St. Louis where he compiled 452 points (127 goals, 325 assists) in 613 games played for the Blues. He won the Norris Trophy in 1999.

DiMaio, who played 17 seasons in the NHL, joined the Blues in 2008. He will assume the role held by Kevin McDonald, the team's assistant general manager and GM of the Peoria Rivermen.

Colaiacovo still available nearly month into free agency

Defenseman not ruling out return to Blues just yet

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- With each passing day without a contract, it appears that Carlo Colaiacovo's four-year stint with the Blues is over.

Nearly a month has passed by and the veteran is still feeling out offers on where he will be employed when the 2012-13 season rolls around. But the 29-year-old defenseman, who is still one of many notable unrestricted free agents that has not yet signed on with anyone, remains hopeful.


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Carlo Colaiacovo said Blues are still his top choice

despite being a free agent for nearly a month.

There has been recent talk that Colaiacovo has received offers from multiple teams, he said nothing specific has been specifically presented to him, although he did admit that there's interest from "more than a handful of teams (without naming any)." And although the odds are against Colaiacovo's return to the Blues, he isn't ruling them out.

Not yet anyway.

"St. Louis is my first choice if the opportunity's there, but it's too unpredictable to really say if there's still an opportunity there or not," Colaiacovo said by phone from his Toronto home Monday. "Honestly, I don't know. I wish I had a better answer for you. From the last communication I had with them, if I was seriously considering moving on to let them know before I do just so that they have a say before I do it. I haven't presented them with that situation yet. I know they've tried to make improvements and do other things with players and have been unsuccessful in doing it and if the opportunity is still there for me to come back. But it's got to be the right fit for me and the right fit for them, too.

"I'm definitely not ruling it out. It's something that I still hope for. At the end of the day if it's not there and I have to move on, it's going to be sad because St. Louis is a place I'd love to call home for the next couple years because I really did enjoy my time there, the people there, the people involved in the organization and obviously with my teammates. I know they're going to be a great team in the years to come moving forward and I would love to still be a part of that. I'm absolutely not ruling it out at all. ... I've waited this long to make a decision, I'm going to wait as long as I have to right now to make sure that the decision I make is the right one for me.

Phoenix free agent Shane Doan is the most notable UFA remaining on the market but there are a number of players, Colaiacovo included as well as veteran center Jason Arnott, that have not found homes yet.

With the uncertainty of a collective bargaining agreement that is set to expire on Sept. 15, players that are still available are also faced with uncertainties themselves, including Colaiacovo.

"I think that's one of the huge factors of it, but I think the other big factor is there's been talk and there's been a lot of player movement this summer and there's still a lot of talk of player movement," Colaiacovo said. "I know the teams that are involved in those talks with player movement are teams that I've had discussions with. Given the fact that nobody really knows what's coming up in the CBA, nobody really knows what the cap number is going to be, (teams are) trying to make sure that they're flexible in the decision before they make it, too.

"It is what it is, but at the end of the day, I appreciate the fact that I'm being told the truth and appreciate the fact that I have the opportunity and right now, I think I'm represented by the right people I've been around a long time and have given me the right advice. I've listened to them through this whole process. I think through good faith and through confidence and obviously through patience, at the end of the day, whatever it is that I decide to do is something that I'm going to be happy with."

The Blues, coming off a stellar regular season with 109 points, have made it known that they would like to find a left-handed defenseman, preferably somebody that can play on the top pairing with Colaiacovo's close friend Alex Pietrangelo, either through free agency or trade. But so far, the price has been too high for free agents (Ryan Suter and Matt Carle to name a few) and potential deals for players rumored to be on the block (Jay Bouwmeester and Keith Yandle as examples) don't have any merit as the asking price appears to be too high.

And for Colaiacovo, who has 18 goals and 106 points in 259 career games with the Blues, he doesn't seem to be in any hurry to latch on quickly since he didn't make any commitment early in free agency.

"I'm not in a hurry to do anything right now is basically where I'm at," Colaiacovo said. "I'm stuck in a waiting period, waiting for the right time to commit for both sides. It's one of those things that it's been a little bit of a weird summer, it's part of the process but it hasn't changed my work ethic, my confidence and obviously the fun I've been having this summer.

"It's been a busy summer for me. Trying to plan for a wedding next year. I'm going about my business and at the same sense, I've got the right people taking care of my business. When the time comes, it will be the right fit for me."

Colaiacovo, who was acquired along with Alex Steen from Toronto for Lee Stempniak in 2008, is looking for a multi-year contract. His last deal with the Blues was for two years that he signed in the summer of 2010.

"Obviously the big thing for me is term," he said. "I'd like to find something that I can find myself settling into for a couple years. I wouldn't say teams are hesitant, but I think that's where teams are willing to wait it out for me to see what else opens up for me."

Colaiacovo holds the Blues close to his heart. This, after being a healthy scratch in Game 4 of the series against Los Angeles, which turned out to be the last game of the season for the Blues, as well as another game scratched late in the regular season. 

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Carlo Colaiacovo (left) has received offers from "more than a handful of

teams." 

Colaiacovo, who has never played in more than 67 games in a season for the Blues and has been an injury risk (concussions are the main culprits) at times throughout his career, hasn't talked directly to the team, specifically general manager Doug Armstrong, but said that the lines of communication are open.

"I know in talking to my agent that yes there has been direct line of communication," Colaiacovo said. "I don't know how much, but I know it has been there.

Colaiacovo is also receiving a vote of confidence from a number of his teammates here in St. Louis regarding a return, namely Pietrangelo, whom he had lunch with Monday in Toronto. The team hasn't closed the door on his return.

"I'm grateful for that and grateful an opportunity may still be there. I can't say yes or no right now whether or not it is still a possibility. It's more of a wish than anything right now. ... That's always the player's wish to get something done (early) so you're put in a better place in your mind. But sometimes good things happen to good people when you wait. That's the reality I'm facing right now. I wish things were different, but waiting this long doesn't change a thing. It would mean something if I had absolutely no teams contacting me, which that isn't the case. I have considerable interest in more than a handful of teams. Right now, I'm waiting for the dust to settle and pieces to fall into place before I make my decision."

Blues, Oshie avoid arbitration with five-year contract

Deal will pay winger $20.875 million total,

$4.175 million on average after a career-high season

By LOUIE KORAC

ST. LOUIS -- High Noon was fast approaching for both the Blues and T.J. Oshie.

But instead of stating their respective positions in front of an arbitrator, the Blues and Oshie agreed to a contract that benefits both teams when a deal was struck late Thursday night between the two sides on a five-year contract worth $20.875 million (or an average of $4.175 million per season).

Oshie, who was a restricted free agent scheduled to have an arbitration hearing this morning in Toronto, his agent Matt Oates along with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong were able to hammer out a contract that certainly benefits both sides. Oshie gets the lengthy security he desired for the first time in his career (he played three years on a two-way contract plus a one-year deal last season) and the Blues have Oshie locked up for including the last three in which Oshie could have become eligible for unrestricted free agency (under the current collective bargaining agreement).

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T.J. Oshie will remain part of the Blues' core after signing a five-year

contract late Thursday night, this avoiding arbitration.

But his heart is in St. Louis, and it was important for the 25-year-old, who will make $3.375 for the upcoming season, $4 million in 2013-14 and $4.5 million in each of the final three seasons.

"It's great. I couldn't be any happier to resign with the Blues," Oshie said Friday via conference call. "It's where I've grown as a player and as a pro. As far as the long-term security goes, it's something that I've never had in my career. ... It's nice to have that security, but I still want to keep getting better every day and definitely every year."

Oshie, who is coming off of career highs in goals (19), assists (35), points (54) and games played (80), was a restricted free agent who made $2.35 million on a one-year contract in 2011-12. He was the Blues' first-round pick (No. 24) in 2005. His 54 points were tied for the team lead this past season and was the last of the rostered restricted free agents to get a contract done. David Perron signed a four-year, $15.25 million deal last week.

"We're obviously excited to have T.J. under contract as he enters the prime of his career and to know that we'll have him through that portion," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. "It's very rewarding and we think he's a big piece of our team from last year and he's a big piece moving forward."

The Blues and Oshie, were set to have an arbitration hearing Friday at 9 a.m., where both sides would have presented their respective cases for a contract, which would either be a one- or two-year deal of the team's choice. A deal between the two sides at some point leading up to the hearing always seemed like the most likely end result.

"Arbitration is just a tool that both sides have available to them," Armstrong said. "It's just a piece of the process. We exchange briefs and we get an idea where each side is coming from. I think everyone's comfortable with the business side of it that you try not to have any hangover of emotion based on an arbitration hearing.

"We knew today at 9 a.m., we were going to put T.J.'s fate in someone else's hands and we both decided it was best to try and see if we can work out something together."

Oshie agreed, saying that getting an agreement done beforehand was best for both sides despite being ready to have his fate determined by an independent mediator.

"I definitely wanted to get a deal done," Oshie said. "St. Louis is where I want to be and that's where I want to be for a long time. That was my No. 1 goal. But after reading the team's briefs and the briefs that the (NHLPA) and my agent put together, I was fine with the way it would have went (in arbitration), too. It's kind of a roll-of-the-dice depending on what the arbitrator wants to do, but my No. 1 goal was to get a long-term deal and solidify myself in the core group of this team for a long time."

After playing in only 49 games during a 2010-11 season that included some off-ice issues, the Blues gave Oshie a one-year deal to prove himself. Oshie proved worthy of a long-term commitment with a solid season that helped the Blues to the second-most points in franchise history this past season with 109. Adding a veteran coach in Ken Hitchcock also was a catalyst in Oshie's success.

(Getty Images)

T.J. Oshie (74) is coming off a season in which he set career highs in goals

(19), assists (35), points (54) and games played in a season (80).

"We certainly thought he had a good, productive season last year," Armstrong said of Oshie. "A lot of the things that we were looking for as far as consistency on the ice, the ability to play 80 games was there. I also think with the coaching change, I think he embraced the new coach and someone with Ken's experience obviously he became a valuable player for our franchise with the amount of ice time he got. He and David Backes mirror each other. We know what David means to our team, so I just felt knowing Ken was here and knowing what T.J. means to the team and how he's coached by Ken just made it a natural movement to get him signed for a longer term as possible and we were able to do that."

Add this contract to the recent signing of Perron, and the Blues now have a good portion of their core group under contract for the long term. Defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk as well as center Patrik Berglund will be restricted free agents after the 2012-13 season, and are likely the next targets for long-term deals.

Oshie avoided surgery on both wrists (ECU tendons) that were ailing him last season and a minor knee injury suffered against the Kings stemming from a Dustin Brown hit in the playoffs. He talked about possibly skating this week and continues to train hard over the summer and expects to be ready for camp healthy.

The wrists are good. I didn't have surgery this summer like I thought I would," Oshie said. "The wrists ended up feeling pretty well. I haven't skated yet from a little knee injury I had against LA, but the conditioning's going well. The strength's improving. I'm training just like I did last summer. ... I'm already ahead of where I was at the start of last summer. It's going real well. I'm getting into possibly some skating this week to see how everything feels, see how the wrists feel. First and foremost, I want to get my strength and my weight up a couple pounds."

Oshie will continue to be part of that core group of players and is pleased to be included in the long-term growth of the franchise. In his career spanning four seasons, Oshie has 175 points, including 63 goals and 112 assists in 262 games.

"It means the world to me," Oshie said. "I always want to be the best team guy that I can be. To be included and to know that you're in the core group of the team that's been improving and has had a good year the year before, it means the world. You look at the core guys on this team, every one of those guys is a team-first guy. To be included in that group, I can't say enough about how proud I am to be there."