The Blues have extended the contract of head Coach Ken Hitchcock through the 2013-2014 season. The veteran coach is coming off a 43-15-11 record that earned him the Jack Adams award for NHL coach of the year. An extension was a formality when you consider the success he and the team enjoyed last season. He originally signed through next season and an extension is certainly worthy.

It appears the St. Louis Blues are closing in on a one-year contract extension with veteran forward Scott Nichol. Fans can expect the 37 year old to be paid a slight bump off of the $600,000 he made last season.

Nichols’s a heart and soul type player. Even at an advanced age he can still get around the ice and continues to play with the edge that’s earned him the reputation as one of the more feisty players in the Western Conference. He understands and accepts his role as a fourth line player and his presence alone will continue to be useful off the ice.

Things have gotten quiet in relation to Jamie Langenbrunner. The Blues have a decision to make on the soon to be 37 year old and an extension doesn’t appear as likely as it did earlier this month. The two time Stanley Cup winner had 24 points last season in 70 games. There’s a lot of mileage on the Langenbrunner’s tires but I’m told he’d like to play a few more years. I’m not suggesting the Blues have entirely closed the book on Langenbrunner but it may not be as automatic as once thought.

More to come,
Andy Strickland
Strickland.andy@gmail.com