St. Louis Cardinals sign Willson Contreras

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have found their new catcher to replace future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina, they have signed free agent catcher Willson Contreras to a five-year contract, worth $87.5 million. The contract includes a team option for 2028, worth $17.5 million. Contreras, 30, hit .243 with 65 runs, 101 hits, 23 doubles, 2 triples, 22 home runs, 55 RBI's, 4 stolen bases, and 45 walks with the Chicago Cubs in 2022. The runs were a career high for Contreras.

Contreras helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. Contreras has been an All-Star three times: (2018, 2019, and 2022). 

Contreras had his best season in 2017. That season, Contreras hit .276 with 50 runs, 104 hits, 21 doubles, 21 home runs, 74 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 45 walks. The batting average, RBI's, and stolen bases were all career highs for Contreras. In 2018, Contreras had career highs in hits (118), doubles (27), triples (5), and in walks (53). Contreras had a career high 24 home runs in 2019. 

Overall, Contreras has played 7 seasons in the MLB. Contreras has played 734 games with 353 runs, 636 hits, 133 doubles, 10 triples, 117 home runs, 365 RBI's, 22 stolen bases, 279 walks, and a .256 batting average. 

Contreras should be a great addition for the Cardinals lineup. The Cardinals also killed two birds in one stone by signing Contreras/ Their number one priority was to find a starting catcher, it fills that need. Contreras can also bat 5th in the lineup. 

The Cardinals might lose a bit of defense, since Conteras isn't really that good on defense. But his offense should make up for that. What if Ivan Herrera also develops overtime? That would help the Cardinals a lot too. Then you could have one DH at times and the other at catcher. All in all, it it's a win-win for Contreras and the Cardinals. It should be interesting to see what the Cardinals decide to do next.

St. Louis Cardinals name Matt Holliday bench coach; announce rest of coaching staff for 2023

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have hired former left fielder and 7-time All-Star Matt Holliday as the teams' new bench coach. Holliday, 42, replaces Skip Schumaker (who became manager of the Miami Marlins). Holliday had been working for Oklahoma State University as an outfielding and hitting coach for the 4 seasons (2019-2022). 

Brandon Allen, 36, has been promoted from Triple-A Memphis to be assistant hitting coach. Allen has been working as a hitting coach in the Cardinals minors since 2017. Allen was hitting coach for the Memphis Redbirds the last 2 seasons (2021-2022). Allen would have been their hitting coach in 2020, if the season wasn't cancelled due to COVID-19. Turner Ward, 57, has been promoted on the Cardinals coaching staff to be the main hitting coach. 

Dusty Blake, 40, has been promoted to pitching coach. Blake has been pitching strategist for the last 2 seasons with the Cardinals (2021-2022). Before joining the Cardinals coaching staff, Blake was pitching coach for the Duke University Blue Devils for 3 seasons (2018-2020). In 2020, the Blue Devils set a school record for consecutive scoreless inning (37). The Blue Devils also had their 1st ever perfect game. In the same season, the Blue Devils led the Atlantic Coast Conference in ERA. 

Julio Rangel, 47, will be assistant pitching coach/bullpen coach. Rangel was pitching coaching for 2 seasons with the Texas Rangers (2019-2020). The last 2 seasons, Rangel has been pitching coordinator with the Boston Red Sox (2021-2022).

The rest of the coaching staff will remain the same. Patrick Elkins (run production), Stubby Clapp (first base coach), Ron "Pop" Warner (third base coach), Willie McGee (coach), Jamie Pogue (bullpen catcher), and Kleininger Teran (bullpen catcher).

On paper they all appear to be good hires for Oliver Marmol's coaching staff. It will help a lot if the Cardinals upgrade the roster.

St. Louis Cardinals Re-sign Adam Wainwright

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed starting pitcher Adam Wainwright to a one-year contract extension. Wainwright, 41, returns for his 18th season with the Cardinals. Wainwright has said 2023 will be his last season. Wainwright was 11-12 with a 3.71 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 1 complete game, 191.2 inning, 143 strikeouts, and 54 walks. 

In 2006, Wainwright helped the Cardinals win the World Series over the Detroit Tigers. Wainwright has been an All-Star 3 times: (2010, 2013, and 2014). Wainwright has won the Gold Glove Award 2 times: (2009, and 2013). Wainwright has also led the NL in wins 2 times: (2009, and 2013). In 2017, Wainwright won a Silver Slugger Award. Wainwright won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2020.

Wainwright had his best season in 2013. That season, Wainwright was 19-9 with a 2.94 ERA, 34 games, 34 starts, 5 complete games, 2 shutouts, 241.2 innings, 219 strikeouts, and 35 walks. The games and starts both tied career highs from 2009 for Wainwright. The 5 complete games tied a career high from 2010. The innings and strikeouts were both career highs for Wainwright. Wainwright had a career high 20 wins 2 times: (2010, and 2014). In 2014, Wainwright had a career high 3 shutouts. 

Overall, Wainwright is 195-117 with a 3.38 ERA, 457 games, 390 starts, 28 complete games, 11 shutouts, 17 holds, 3 saves, 2,567.1 innings, 1,0632 strikeouts, 695 walks, and a whip of 1.22.

At some point in 2023, Wainwright will reach 200 wins for his career. Wainwright needs 16 wins to pass Jessie Haines for the 2nd-most wins by a starting pitcher in franchise history. It would be nice to see Wainwright move pass Jessie Haines in wins in franchise history. 

St. Louis Cardinals Sign Giovanny Gallegos to Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed RHP Giovanny Gallegos to a two-year contract extension, worth $11 million. The contract includes a team option for 2025. Gallegos, 31, is currently 3-5 with a 2.91 ERA, 56 games, 12 holds, 14 saves, 58.2 innings, 72 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 2022. The saves are tied for a career high from 2021 for Gallego. 

Gallegos had his best season in 2021. That season, Gallego was 6-5 with a 3.02 ERA, 73 games, 24 holds, 14 saves, 80.1 innings, 95 strikeouts, and 20 walks. The wins, games, holds, saves, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs. 

Overall, Gallegos is currently in his 6th season in the MLB. Gallegos is 14-15 with a 3.02 ERA, 233 games, 56 holds, 34 saves, 259.2 innings, 315 strikeouts, 63 walks, and a whip of 0.93. 

The contract is great for both sides. Gallegos has developed himself into one of the Cardinals best relievers since being acquired in a trade from the New York Yankees on July 27, 2018, for first baseman Luke Voit. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Jordan Kyrou to Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed right wing/center Jordan Kyrou to an eight-year contract extension, worth $65 million. Kyrou, 24, played 74 games with 27 goals, 48 assists, 75 points, and a plus 10 in 2021-2022. The games, goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Kyrou. Kyrou made the All-Star team for the first time in his career. Kyrou also won Fastest Skater when he competed for the Fastest Skater competition. 

Overall, Kyrou has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Kyrou has played 173 games with 46 goals, 76 assists, 122 points, and a plus 11. In the playoffs, Kyrou has played 21 games with 8 goals, 2 assists, 10 points, and a -8. 

On paper the contract is good for both sides, Kyrou should stay improving. 

St. Louis Cardinals Acquire Jordan Montgomery for Harrison Bader

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded CF Harrison Bader, and a player to be named later or cash considerations to the New York Yankees for starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery, 29, is currently 3-3 with a 3.69 ERA, 21 games, 21 starts, 114.2 innings, 97 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 2022. 

Montgomery had career highs in games (30), starts (30), innings (157.1), and in strikeouts (162) in 2021. In 2017, Montgomery had a career high 9 wins. 

Overall, Montgomery is currently in his 6th season in the MLB. Montgomery is 22-20 with a 3.94 ERA, 98 games, 97 starts, 502.2 innings, 478 strikeouts, 146 walks, and a whip of 1.23. 

Bader, 28, is currently hitting .256 with 35 runs, 63 hits, 7 doubles, 3 triples, 5 home runs, 21 RBI's. 15 stolen bases, and 13 walks in 2022. The stolen bases are a career high for Bader.

Bader had his best season in 2021. Bader won a Gold Glove Award for the first time in his career and hit .267 with 45 runs, 98 hits, 21 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 50 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 27 walks. The batting average, doubles, home runs, and RBI's were all career highs for Bader. 

In 2018, Bader had career highs in both runs (61) and in hits (100). Bader had a career high 46 walks in 2019.

Overall, Bader is currently in his 6th season in the MLB. Bader has played 523 games with 226 runs, 376 hits, 72 doubles, 11 triples, 52 home runs, 168 RBI's, 55 stolen bases, 135 walks, and a .246 batting average. 

The trade should help both teams. The Cardinals needed another starting pitcher and Montgomery is pretty good. The Yankees also needed an outfielder. Bader even grew up a Yankees fan too. Bader is reunited with former Cardinals teammate Matt Carpenter. Montgomery is reunited the Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos. Both Montgomery and Gallegos were teammates for two seasons (2017, and 2018) with the Yankees.  

The Cardinals will probably move Dakota Hudson or Andre Pallante to the bullpen.

St. Lous Cardinals Acquire Jose Quintana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RP Johan Ovideo, and 3B Malcom Nunez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for starting pitcher Jose Quintana, and RP Chris Stratton.  Quintana, 33, is currently 3-5 with a 3.50 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 103 innings, 89 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 2022. 

Quintana had his best season in 2016, with the Chicago White Sox. That season, Quintana made the All-Star team for the first time in his career. Quintana was 13-12 with a 3.20 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 208 innings, 181 strikeouts, and 50 walks. The wins and innings were both career highs for Quintana. In 2017, Quintana had a career high 207 strikeouts.

Overall, Quintana is currently in his 11th season in the MLB. Quintana is 86-85 with a 3.81 ERA, 303 games, 277 starts, 2 complete games, 2 shutouts, 6 holds, 1,661 innings, 1,484 strikeouts, 488 walks, and a whip of 1.28. 

Stratton, 31, is currently 5-4 with a 5.09 ERA, 40 games, 1 start, 8 holds, 2 saves, 40.2 innings, 37 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 2022. The holds are a career high for Stratton.

Stratton had career highs in wins (10), starts (26), innings (145), and in strikeouts (112) in 2018, with the San Francisco Giants. In 2021, Stratton had a career high 8 saves. 

Overall, Stratton is currently in his 7th season in the MLB. Stratton is 30-23 with a 4.61 ERA, 218 games, 45 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 20 holds, 11 saves, 400 strikeouts, 179 walks, and a whip of 1.46.

Ovideo, 24, is currently 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA, 14 games, 1 start, 25.1 innings, 26 strikeouts, and 7 walks in 2022. The wins are a career high for Ovideo.

In 2021, Ovideo had career highs in starts (13), innings (62.1), and in strikeouts (51).

Overall, Ovideo is currently in his 3rd season in the MLB. Ovideo is 2-9 with a 4.65 ERA, 33 games, 19 starts, 112.1 innings, 93 strikeouts, 54 walks, and a whip of 1.47. 

Nunez, 21, is currently hitting .255 with 51 runs, 76 hits, 11 doubles, 17 home runs, 66 RBI's, 4 stolen bases, and 48 walks in Double-A Springfield in 2022. Nunez ranked as the Cardinals 10th best prospect. 

Overall, Nunez is currently in his 4th minor league season. Nunez has played 276 games with 160 runs, 281 hits, 54 doubles, 4 triples, 41 home runs, 182 RBI's, 17 stolen bases, 124 walks, and a .280 batting average.

Quintana might not be a top starter like a once was, but he can be a reliable starter and give the Cardinals a chance to win. The Cardinals also don't really give up lots of the farm system. Which is a good thing. Quintana is also reunited with 1B/DH Albert Pujols. Quintana and Pujols were both teammates in 2021, with the Los Angeles Angels. Stratton is also a former teammate of Pujols but with the Angels in 2019.

St. Louis Blues Sign Noel Acciari

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed center Noel Acciari to a one-year contract, worth $1.25 million. Acciari, 30, played 20 games with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, and a plus 2 with the Florida Panthers in 2021-2022. 

In 2018-2019, with the Boston Bruins, Acciari had career highs in both games (72) and in assists (8).

Acciari had is best season in 2019-2020, with the Panthers. That season, Acciari played 66 games with 20 goals, 7 assists, 27 points, and a plus 2. The goals and points were both career highs for Acciari.

Overall, Acciari has played 7 seasons in the NHL. Acciari has played 307 games with 45 goals, 32 assists, 77 points, and a -6. In the playoffs, Acciari has played 54 games with 4 goals, 3 assists, 7 points, and a -5. 

Acciari is a good offensive center, who doesn't tend to take penalties. Acciari is reunited with defenseman Torey Krug. Both Acciari and Krug were teammates with the Bruins. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Thomas Greiss

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed goalie Thomas Greiss to a one-year contract worth, $1.25 million with bonuses. Greiss, 36, played 31 games, with 28 starts and had a record of 10-15-1, a .891 save percentage, and a 3.66 goals-against average with the Detroit Red Wings in 2021-2022.

Greiss had his best season in 2016-2017, with the New York Islanders. That season, Greiss played 51 games, with 49 starts and had a record of 26-18-5 with 3 shutouts, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.69 goals-against average. The games, starts, and wins were all career highs for Greiss. 

In 2018-2019, Greiss had a career best .927 save percentage and won the Williams M. Jennings Trophy. Greiss also had a career high 5 shutouts that season. 

Overall, Greiss has played 13 seasons in the NHL. Greiss has played 347 games, with 305 starts and has a record of 155-120-37 with 15 shutouts, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.72 goals-against average. In the playoffs, Greiss has played 17 games, with 14 starts and has a record of 7-8 with 1 shutout, a .922 save percentage, and a 2.43 goals-against average.

Greiss is a solid backup goalie, and is capable of starting if needed. He should be able to help the Blues and help push Jordan Binnington into being better. Greiss is also reunited with defenseman Nick Leddy. Both Greiss and Leddy were teammates with the Islanders and Red Wings, 

St. Louis Blues Sign Robert Thomas to Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Robert Thomas an a eight-year contract extension, worth $65 million. Thomas, 23, played 72 games with 20 goals, 57 assists, 77 points, and a plus 17. The games, goals, assists, points, and plus mark were all career highs for Thomas. 

Thomas helped the Blues win their 1st Stanley Cup in 2018-2019. 

Overall, Thomas has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Thomas has played 241 games with 42 goals, 122 assists, 164 points, and a plus 25. In the playoffs, Thomas has played 45 games with 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points, and a -9.

The Blues did a great job to lockup Thomas long-term, he should only get better in the future. 

St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Nick Leddy

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Nick Leddy to a four-year contract extension, worth $16 million. Leddy, 31, played 75 games with 3 goals, 21 assists, 24 points, and a -30 combined between the Detroit Red Wings and Blues in 2021-2022.

Leddy had his best season in 2016-2017, with the New York Islanders. That season, Leddy played 81games with 11 goals, 35 assists, 46 points, and a -3. The games and assists both tied career highs from 2015-2016. The goals and points were both career highs for Leddy. 

In 2012-2013, Leddy helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup.

Overall, Leddy has played 12 seasons in the NHL. Leddy has played 851 games with 68 goals, 292 assists, 360 points, and a -60. In the playoffs, Leddy has played 130 games with 8 goals, 30 assists, 38 points, and plus 2.

The Blues did a good job to keep Leddy around. Leddy ended up helping the Blues nicely after they acquired him in a trade from the Red Wings on March 21, 2022. 

St. Louis Cardinals Sign Harrison Bader to Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed center fielder Harrison Bader to a two-year contract extension, worth $10.4 million. The contract covers Bader's find two years of arbitration. Bader, 27, hit .267 with 45 runs, 98 hits, 21 doubles, 1 triple, 16 home runs, 50 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 27 walks in 2021. The batting average, doubles, home runs, and RBI's were all career highs for Bader. Bader also had a career high in OPS (On-Base + Slugging Percentages) with .785. Bader ended up winning his 1st Gold Glove Award. 

Bader had career highs in runs (61), hits (100), and stolen bases (15) in 2018. In 2019, Bader had career highs in both triples (3) and in walks (46).

Overall, Bader has played 5 seasons in the MLB. Bader has played 451 games with 191 runs, 313 hits, 65 doubles, 8 triples, 47 home runs, 147 RBI's, 40 stolen bases, 122 walks, and a .244 batting average. 

If Bader can stay improving on offense, the contract should end up being good for both sides. Bader has already proven he's great at defense. 

Hopefully Cardinals' left fielder Tyler O'Neill is next in line for a contract extension. 

Albert Pujols Returns Home to St. Louis

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have brought back fan favorite and future Hall of Famer 1B/DH Albert Pujols on a one-year contract, worth $2.5 million. Pujols, 42, last played for the Cardinals in 2011 and helped them win their 11th World Series in franchise history. 

As a free agent after the World Series, Pujols signed a ten-year contract, worth $210 million with the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols ended up not doing as well with the Angels as he did with the Cardinals. Pujols only made the All-Star team 1 time with the Angels. The Angels also only won their division 1 time, which was in 2014.The Angels would end up designating Pujols for assignment on May 6, 2021. Pujols would end up signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent on May 17, 2021. 

Combined between the Angels and Dodgers, Pujols hit .236 with 29 runs, 65 hits, 3 doubles, 17 home runs, 50 RBI's, 2 stolen bases, and 14 walks. Pujols found life with the Dodgers mostly playing against left-handed pitchers and as a pinch-hitter. Pujols also helped give energy to the Dodgers bench players and clubhouse. 

In 2001, Pujols had a career high 4 triples. Pujols had career high in runs (137), hits (212), and in doubles (51) in 2003. In 2005, Pujols had a career high 16 stolen bases. Pujols had career highs in both home runs (49) and in RBI's (137) in 2006. In 2009, Pujols had a career high career high 115 walks.

Pujols has been an All-Star 10 times: (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2015). In 2001, Pujols won NL Rookie of the Year. Pujols has won the World Series 2 times: (2006, and 2011). Pujols has won the MVP 3 times: (2005, 2008, and 2009). Pujols has won the Gold Glove Award 2 times: (2006, and 2010). Pujols won NLCS MVP in 2004. Pujols has won the Silver Slugger Award 6 times: (2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2010). Pujols won the NL batting champion in 2003, hitting a career high .359. Pujols led the NL in RBI's in 2010, with 118. 

In 2008, Pujols won the Roberto Clemente Award. Pujols also has won the NL Hank Aaron Award 2 times: (2003, and 2009).

Overall, Pujols has played 21 seasons in the MLB. Pujols has played 2,971 games with 1,872 runs, 3,301 hits, 672 doubles, 16 triples, 679 home runs, 2,150 RBI's, 116 stolen bases, 1,345 walks, and a .297 batting average. 

Pujols is reunited with Cardinals' teammates Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. Both Molina and Wawinright are said to retire after the 2022 season. Could the MLB see all three retire together? That would be nice to happen, if Pujols can stay healthy. The Cardinals plan to use Pujols in a similar role as he was in with the Dodgers. There's a chance he could see less at bats, because the Cardinals want to see younger players use the DH role. Pujols will probably just be a pinch-hitter/bat off the bench for late innings. 

If the Cardinals want to contend more, they need to find a starting pitcher at some point and need their pitching to stay healthy. Another bullpen arm at some point would be nice too. We'll see what will happen in 2002, but Pujols should also help sell tickets. 

St. Louis Cardinals sign Drew VerHagen

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RP Drew VerHagen to a two-year contract, worth $5.5 million. VerHagen, 31, can earn also earn up to $1 million in performance bounces in both seasons. VerHagen last pitched in the MLB in 2019, with the Detroit Tigers. That season, VerHagen was 4-3 with a 5.90 ERA, 22 games, 4 starts, 1 hold, 58 innings, 51 strikeouts, and 23 walks. The wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for VerHagen. VerHagen had a career high 5 holds in 2017.

Overall, VerHagen has played 6 seasons in the MLB (2014-2019). VerHagen has a record of 10-10 with a 5.11 ERA, 127 games, 8 starts, 14 holds, 199 innings, 156 strikeouts, and 75 walks, with a whip of 1.43.

After leaving the Tigers, VerHagen played 2 seasons (2020-2021) in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. In 2020, VerHagen was 8-5 with a 3.22 ERA, 18 games, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 111.2 innings, 115 strikeouts, and 29 walks. Last season, VerHagen was 5-8 with a 3.80 ERA, 21 games, 97 innings, 101 strikeouts, and 33 walks. 

Overall, in Japan, VerHagen was 13-14 with a 3.49 ERA, 39 games, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 208.2 innings, 216 strikeouts, and 62 walks. 

VerHagen if he learned how to pitch in Japan might end up being a good addition for the Cardinals. They've had some success in finding pitchers in Japan. In VerHagen's 6 seasons in the MLB, he had a groundball rate of 53.6 percent. That could end up being good behind the Cardinals defense. 

The Cardinals view VerHagen as a flex starter or a swingman (someone who can handle innings, pitch in middle relief, or start if that's needed). 

Hopefully VerHagen isn't the only new Cardinals' pitcher signed in free agency being re-opened. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Head Coach, Craig Berube to Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed head coach Craig Berube to a three-year contract extension. The new contract will keep Berube through 2024-2025. Berube, 56, through 44 games in 2021-2022, has guided the Blues to a record of 26-13-5 with 57 points. Berube first took over as head coach for the Blues on November 19, 2018. The Blues went 38-19-6 with 82 points the rest of the way and ended up winning their 1st Stanley Cup in franchise history, after defeating the Boston Bruins in 7 games. 

In Berube's 2nd season (2019-2020), the Blues were 42-19-10 with 94 points and won their division for their 1st time since 2014-2015. Last season, the Blues were 27-20-9 with 63 points under Berube. 

Berube is currently has coached 234 games and has a record of 133-71-30 with a .632 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Berube is 18-21 with a .462 winning percentage. Berube also currently ranks 7th games coached in franchise history, 4th in wins, and 2nd in winning percentage. 

Overall, Berube is currently in his 6th season as an NHL head coach. Berube has coached 395 games with a record of 208-129-58 with a .600 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Berube is 21-25 with a .457 winning percentage.

If all remains well, this will be Berube's 1st season in St. Louis playing a full 82-game schedule. Berube since becoming head coach with the Blues, seems to have become Phil Jackson for their franchise. The Blues did a great job to keep Berube beyond this season. 

Tampa Bay Lightning Re-sign Pat Maroon

 

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed left wing Pat Maroon to a two-year contract extension, worth $2 million. Maroon, 33, currently has played 45 games with 7 goals, 6 assists, 13 points, and a plus 9 in 2021-2022. 

Maroon had his best season in 2016-2017, with the Edmonton Oilers. That season, Maroon played 81 games with 27 goals, 15 assists, 42 points, and a plus 13. The games, goals, and plus mark were all career highs for Maroon. In 2017-2018, Maroon had career highs in both assists (26) and in points (43) combined between the Oilers and New Jersey Devils. 

Maroon has won the Stanley Cup in each of the last 3 seasons. The 1st Stanley Cup was with the St. Louis Blues in 2018-2019 and then has won back-to-back with the Lightning in the last 2 seasons (2019-2020, and 2020-2021). 

Overall, Maroon is currently in his 11th NHL season. Maroon has played 613 games with 108 goals, 152 assists, 260 points, and a plus 24. In the playoffs, Maroon has played 121 games with 19 goals, 25 assists, 44 points, and a plus 3.

The Lightning did a good job to keep Maroon beyond this season. Maroon has proven to be a great leader for the Lightning and is a big reason why they've done well.

St. Louis Blues Re-sign Robert Bortuzzo

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a two-year contract extension, worth $1.9 million. Bortuzzo, 32, currently has played 37 games with 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, and a plus 4 in 2021-2022. 

Bortuzzo had his best season in 2017-2018. That season, Bortuzzo played 72 games with 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points, and a plus 11. The games, goals, and points were all career highs for Bortuzzo. Bortuzzo had a career high 10 assists in 2013-2014, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2018-2019, Bortuzzo helped the Blues win their 1st Stanley Cup in franchise history. 

Overall, Bortuzzo is currently in his 11th NHL season. Bortuzzo has played 454 games with 18 goals, 48 assists, 66 points, and a plus 38. 

The Blues did a good job keeping Bortuzzo beyond this season. He's proven to be a solid defenseman when he plays.