St. Louis Blues: Pavel Buchnevich staying put, signs 6-year contract extension

“St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the team has signed forward Pavel Buchnevich to a six-year contract extension worth $48 million ($8 million AAV),” announced the St. Louis Blues Press Release.

Although the St. Louis Blues were quiet initially, they have now made significant moves on July 2nd. The team’s strategic acquisitions of two experienced veterans, Radek Faksa and Mathieu Joseph, in earlier trade deals, have added depth to their roster and set a promising tone for the upcoming season.

The signing of Buchnevich appears to have rounded out the day

Buchnevich, 29 years old, will have the opportunity to further add to his already impressive resume and is poised to develop into an even more significant scoring threat in St. Louis, a prospect that is sure to excite Blues fans.

With Buchnevich’s contract extension, GM Doug Armstrong is affirming his desire to keep his roster in place and focus on the future. The focus on young players like Dalibor Dvorsky is a clear indication of the future direction and potential success of the Blues.

Hockey writer Andy Strickland reported Buchnevich’s deal will consist of a no-trade clause for this upcoming year, plus an additional four years.

Buchnevich has been one of the Blues’ most consistent scorers since arriving in St. Louis in 2021.

St. Louis Blues:

2021-22: 73 games, 30 goals, 46 assists, 76 points.
2022-23: 63 games, 26 goals, 41 assists, 67 points.
2023-24: 80 games, 27 goals, 36 assists, 63 points.

With Buchnevich now secured for the years to come, the Blues are expected to focus on bolstering their existing talent, especially young skaters Zach Dean and Zack Bolduc. Buchnevich, alongside young prospects, is integral to the team's future plans and success.

Team leader and alternate captain Robert Thomas will certainly be pleased with the extension to Buchnevich.