Johnson Signs

Erik Johnson, the Blues 2006 first round draft choice, signed with the team and will not return to the University of Minnesota next season.

I had a great time playing for the University of Minnesota and would like to thank all my teammates and coaches,” said Johnson. “It was the right time for me to make the decision to turn pro with the St. Louis Blues and I cannot wait for the season to start.”

“We are very excited about Erik’s decision to join our hockey club next season,” said Davidson. “We wanted to give Erik the proper time to make the best decision for himself and his family.”

Johnson, 19, became the Blues' first ever number 1 draft choice in 2006. A native of Bloomington, MN., Johnson spent this past season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, leading them to the WCHA Regular Season and WCHA Final Five Championships. He recorded 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in 41 games played while being named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. He led all WCHA rookie blue-liners in scoring while ranking third on Minnesota in scoring among defensemen.

Johnson is also 1 of 10 Blues that will play in the 2007 World Championships in Moscow, Russia from April 27-May 13. Andy Murray will coach Eric Brewer, Jay McClement, Barret Jackman, and Jamal Mayers on team Canada. Lee Stempniak and David Backes will join Johnson on team USA, while Petr Cajanek will play for the Czech Republic, and Christian Backman will play for Olympic gold medal winner Sweden.

Turn the Page

The Blues lost their final two games of the season to end with a record of 34-35-13. It is their second losing season in a row.

The Blues lost to two playoff-bound teams to close out the season, Thursday against Nashville 4-1, and Saturday against Minnesota 5-1.

The season was a series of ups and downs, but since the arrival of Andy Murray it's been more ups. It's a great turn around from nothing but a downer season last year.

The Blues have shown great interest in improving and the main goal for next season is to bring the team back where they belong this time of year, in the playoffs.

Read the articleA season of peaks and valleys for Blues fans from stltoday.com.

Blues Are Going Down Swinging

The Blues have started out their 4 game road trip to end the season with two wins. The first was against Dallas on Monday 4-2, and then last night against Phoenix 5-2.

Enforcer D.j. King tallied his first NHL point with an assist in Monday's game, then scored the 5th goal in the Phoenix win to mark his first career goal. King says he is getting bounces in his favor right now, but one can tell how hard he skates by watching him in action. King was just a goal away from a Gordie Howe Hat trick Monday, but finished it with his first career goal Tuesday.

Lee Stempniak scored his 25th and 26th goals on the season in the 4-2 win over Dallas. He became only the Blues' 4th draft pick ever to reach 25 goals in a season while with the team.


Doug Weight continues to be hot recording 2 goals and an assist in the two wins. Weight leads the team in points (59) and assists (43). He has a personal bet with Bill Guerin to see who can score more goals after the trade deadline. As of Wednesday, Weight has 10 and Guerin has 8.

The Blues outplayed their opponents in both wins, and are very excited about next season. For now, Blues fans will have to do what they do best, and wait for the day to come.





HIGHLIGHTS:

Thank Yous

Andy Murray:


John Davidson: