60 Second Rant: Blues Made Smart Moves In Free Agency

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Blues All-Star forward David Backes got some help this
 off-season when the Blues signed Jason Arnott and Jamie
 Langenbrunner. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Earlier this week the St. Louis Blues announced that they had come to terms with veteran forwards Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner.  Both received identical one year contracts that will pay them $2.5 million.

The signings capped off a bevy of moves made by Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, who feels good about what the team has been able to accomplish since free agency started on July 1st.

"We feel we've really improved our team since July 1st," Armstrong said. "I think we're very comfortable with the group that we have."

Armstrong should feel good about how next year's team is shaping up.

Landing veterans Arnott and Langenbrunner was a brilliant move.  Sure both are past their prime and their days of scoring 30 goals in a season are long gone.  But both will provide the type of veteran leadership that the young and sporadic Blues covet.

Both veterans have served as captains of their respective former teams in the past.  Both are Stanley Cup Champions.  Both will not only do their best to keep up with the young Blues who play with as much energy and determination as any club in the NHL.  Both plan on teaching these Blues to harness that energy and learn how to win.

While Langenbrunner and Arnott will provide scoring depth to support David Backes, Chris Stewart, and Andy McDonald, the Blues also added depth at goalie and on defense.

Speaking of the defense, the Blues suddenly have a nice problem on their hands.  Certainly the blue-line will be led by youngsters Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk, but the Blues have eight players capable of playing meaningful minutes in front of Jaroslav Halak.

None of the Blues signings were sexy but they have put this team in position to not only compete for a playoff spot next season, but to expect to make the playoffs.

If the Blues fail to make the playoffs next season it will not fall on the front office or the organization's financial difficulties.  Instead, it will fall directly on the players.

There should not be anymore excuses for the Blues.  This team is built to win next season.

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