Blues Sign Veteran Defenseman To Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a two-year, $1.9 million contract extension. It will begin during the 2022-23 season and carry a $950,000 cap hit. 

Bortuzzo was initially acquired by the Blues from the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2014-15 season. Since then, he has been a mainstay on their bottom pair because of his overall dependability in his own zone and a strong degree of physicality. Although he is not a star, he has become an important part of their roster and is now being rewarded for it with this multi-year extension. 

In 37 games this season, Bortuzzo has one goal, two assists, and a plus-4 rating. He also has an impressive 69 hits on the campaign, so he hasn't been easy to play against, either.

When looking at its cheap cap hit, this looks like a good contract for the Blues. Even if Bortuzzo is utilized as an extra defenseman as the deal ages, it is still not outrageous in the slightest. In 341 career games with the Blues, he has 14 goals, 32 assists, and 46 points. Now, he will have the chance to build on those numbers for a few more years. 

Photo Credit: © Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports