Martin Rucinsky signs in Czech Republic

From Steve Zipay of Newsday:

Martin Rucinsky, the Czech winger who played 136 games with the Rangers in three separate stints, has decided to return to play for Prague in the Extraliga, his new team reported.

Rucinsky, 37, was injured much of last season when he played for the Blues, scoring five goals and 11 assists.

Read the entire post from Blue Notes here.

Rucinsky is not the player he once was, and has chosen to finish his hockey career back home.

Mike Gillis takes the high road

From Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province:

"We have a great deal of respect for the St. Louis Blues, John Davidson, Larry Pleau and their management team," added Gillis. "The offer sheet to Bernier is a clear indication of how highly Steve is thought of in our league."

Read the entire story here.

I'm pretty sure the NHL did its best on both sides to not make this Burke/Lowe II.

Canucks match Bernier offer sheet

From TSN:

One week after the Vancouver Canucks signed restricted free agent forward David Backes to an offer sheet, the St. Louis Blues struck back.

The Blues signed Group II free agent forward Steve Bernier to an offer sheet worth $2.5 million for next season, which the Canucks were quick to match. If they didn't, Vancouver would have received St. Louis' second round draft choice in 2009.

Read the entire story here.

Wow. I step out for dinner, and this happens. Clearly a counter-punch by the Blues after having the Canucks tender David Backes an offer sheet last week. Obviously the Blues were not happy with the Canucks' move and figured they'd make the Canucks overpay just the way they had to. Regardless, it sure makes for interesting news.

Backes signs offer sheet with Canucks

From TSN:

The Vancouver Canucks have signed RFA David Backes to an offer sheet for three years at $2.5 million per year. Compensation is a second round pick. St. Louis must match within seven days or he goes to Vancouver.

Well, this is going to be news throughout the NHL. The physical Backes regressed last season for the goal-starved Blues. Coming off a season where he made $0.5 million, Backes will make five times that amount next season. I would guess the Blues will let the 24 year old winger go for a 2nd round pick.

Alex Pietrangelo doesn't get ahead of himself

From Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

To know the Blues' 18-year-old first-round pick is to know his family, a
down-to-earth foursome that includes his father, Joe, and brother, David.
Despite a hockey career that has blossomed the past few years, highlighted by
his selection as the fourth overall pick in last week's NHL draft, Alex has been
kept grounded by glamour-less ideals and pride that stays close to the vest.

Read the entire story here.

Hard not to cheer for a player so grounded and respectful. Never mind the fact that he is a supremely talented defender. Looks like the Blues made a pretty good pick at number four last week.