The Blues will have a big veteran in the lineup come the start of this roller-coaster season. Doug Armstrong, Vice President and General Manager for St. Louis announced Friday that the Blues have come to terms with defenseman Wade Redden, formerly of the New York Rangers.
Redden has signed with the Blues on a one-year deal worth $800,000.
Although Redden spent the last two seasons in the American Hockey League, playing for the Connecticut Whale, he racked up 20 points in 49 games which included four goals and 16 assists. While those numbers may not impress the offensive-minded fans, the defensive side of the ice is where Redden calls home.
Standing at over six feet and just over 200 pounds, Redden totaled up 654 penalty minutes in 13 NHL seasons and 994 games. Recently, the 35 year-old Saskatchewan native, spent two with the Rangers, but he did put in an 11 year tour with the Ottawa Senators. During those years Redden also contributed 344 assists.
Those numbers are exactly what St. Louis needs on their blueline. A veteran who can feed goal-scorers down low in the offensive zone, and can play the body physically in his own end of the ice. The Blues have a notoriously young team and Redden’s years of service will come in handy, allowing his teammates to watch and learn.
(Photo from: http://espn.go.com/nhl/player/_/id/767/wade-redden)
“Wade is a solid two-way defenseman,” said Armstrong on the St. Louis Blues web-site. “We believe his experience will complement and add stability to our defensive core.”
The closest veteran the Blues currently have on the defensive roster is Alternate Captain Barret Jackman who is four years younger than Redden and has logged 598 NHL games.
According to the Blues web-site, Redden is expected to check in with a physical on Sunday, which means he may not be in the lineup when the Blues open their season at home against Detroit on Saturday.
DaveSchauer
Latest posts by DaveSchauer (see all)
- Chicago Blackhawks 2015-16 Season Preview - October 7, 2015
- Reaching Milestones: Marián Hossa - November 6, 2014
- Winter Classic Proves Chicago’s Popularity - November 6, 2014
