Former Colorado Avalanche centre Paul Stastny has penned a new deal with the St. Louis Blues. He’ll cost $7 million per year, over 4 years. After being reportedly wooed by several teams, he’s chosen to move to St. Louis, after spending all eight previous seasons of his career in Colorado.

The Blues will be acquiring a very talented centre. At 28 years old, Stastny is very much in his prime. He’s capable of slotting into pretty much any lineup; Stastny was quite an effective first-line centre for the Avalanche. Last season, the Avs surprised everyone by winning the central division, aided in no small part by Stastny. The centre finished with 25 goals and 35 assists, for 60 total points. The Quebec City native is an excellent, and often underrated, playmaker.

Stastny decided to test free agency, after playing out a 5-year, $6.6 million/year contract in Colorado. The Avs expressed interest in re-signing him, but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement. His new deal is, then, a slight increas on his last contract. Indeed, he deserved a raise, based on his very solid performance last season. Upon entering free agency, Stastny (who was picked 44th overall in the 2005 draft) immediately became one of the most coveted players available, as arguably the best centre available.

Stastny and the Avalanche are parting ways, since it would appear that Colorado want to give the first-line job to Matt Duchene. The Avs have very good depth at centre, since rookie of the year Nathan MacKinnon and Lady Byng Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly are also capable of playing in the middle and the Avs acquired Daniel Briere on Monday. So, Stastny would be the odd man out in this situation.

Stastny should do well with his new club. He’ll get plenty of opportunities to lead the team offensively.

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