Alex Pietrangelo’s impressive sophomore season is paying off in a big way as the talented D-man has already maxed out his A-level performance bonuses.

There are multiple categories in which a D-man on a entry level contract can earn bonuses including goals (10), assists (25), points (40), ice time (among top 4 on team), +/- (top 3 on team among D-men), blocked shots (among top 2 D-men on team), points per game (0.49 points per game).

These are negotiated before a player signs his contract and are awarded for performance on the ice. Pietrangelo will take home $850,000 in bonus money in addition to his $875,000 salary. The former fourth overall pick can earn up to four bonuses at $212,500 per. The King City, Ontario native has met the requirements for goals, assists, points, and ice time. He could have received bonuses for other categories but maxes out at $850,000.

With 14 games still to be played Pietrangelo sits in the top 10 among all NHL D-men in goals, points, and assists. He leads all NHL players with over 32 shifts per game.  His 24:23 time on ice leads all Blues players.

This is the second year in a row Pietrangelo has maxed out his A level bonuses.

Pietrangelo was drafted in 2008 in what could go down as the greatest first round in NHL history for defenseman. Others to go in the first round include Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers, Michael Del Zotto, Erik Karlsson, Jake Gardiner, and John Carlson.

At the draft we were told Pietrangelo could take the longest of the group to develop but his long-term projection excited the organization. Many stayed firm over the years in believing he could turn out being the best of the group. This thinking stayed consistent even after Pietrangelo was sent back to the OHL two straight years before finally sticking in the NHL last season.
What a season it’s been for the 22 year old as his 10 goals, 31 assists, and 41 points leads all Blues defenseman.

Kevin Shattenkirk is right there with Pietrangelo. These two, along with Roman Polak, have the Blues right side of their defense setup nicely for years to come.

Shattenkirk will also max out his A bonuses paying him an additional $425,000. The former 14th overall pick can be paid up to two bonuses based off of what was negotiated when he signed his deal. His Plus-26 rating is good for third overall among NHL D-men. He’s also proven to be a great partner for veteran Barret Jackman who has pieced together his finest season in years. Shattenkirk has 9 goals, 27 assists, and 36 points on the season.

The Blues are happy to pay bonuses especially when you consider the value these players bring to the table. They’re quality people of the ice and even with their bonus structure they’re still probably underpaid when you look around the league and see what some guys are being paid.

There are also “B” level bonuses in which a player can earn up to an additional $2 million dollars if he receives a league award at the end of the year. This includes awards such as The Norris Trophy etc…In this case the bonuses would be paid by the league where as the team is responsible for paying A bonuses.

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