The St. Louis Blues had another disappointing season of missing the playoffs last year, but they did have injury issues that played into that. This offseason, they had been quite quiet as well. However, they have finally made a couple of notable signings, as the Blues have signed veterans Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner to one year deals.
Both deals are worth $2.5 million, and St. Louis will hope these two still have another good season left in them. Split between New Jersey and Washington last season, Arnott had 17 goals and 31 points. However, he's only one season removed from a 19 goal, 46 point season in 63 games. Langenbrunner was also a New Jersey exile last season, as he played with the Devils and the Stars as he tallied nine goals and 32 points in 70 games. He's one season removed from a 19 goal, 61 point season.
Arnott will be 37 this season while Langenbrunner is about to turn 36. So, obviously, they are on their last legs as players. However, they clearly seem to have at least a bit left in the tank. The Blues will hope both players can find their form from two seasons ago, but even if they just repeat what they did last season they could be worthwhile signings.
Still, there is reason for concern in St. Louis. Detroit, Chicago, and Nashville all made the playoffs last season, and they are all looking like postseason contenders again. Meanwhile, Columbus made a big splash by trading for Jeff Carter and signing James Wisniewski to a big deal. The Blues play in the tougher conference and in probably the toughest division in said conference. I don't know if simply adding Arnott and Langenbrunner is going to be enough. Maybe combined with a full season from Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk, combined with a healthly T.J. Oshie and David Perron and a better season from Jaroslav Halak, it will be enough. However, I don't know if these two veteran signings will be enough. They definitely help the Blues, but Arnott and Langenbrunner are far past their primes and can't be relied on to carry a team anymore.
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