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Blues and Pietrangelo Talks End, D-Man To Test Free Agency

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, talks between the St. Louis Blues and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo are officially done.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, contract talks between the St. Louis Blues and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo are officially done. The two sides are no longer attempting to negotiate an extension or trying to work on a new deal.

Dreger writes:

Sources say contract talks between the St Louis Blues and Blues captain, Alex Pietrangelo have broken off. The team has advised Pietrangelo to pursue unrestricted free agency.

He adds that he spoke with Pietrangelo personally and that the d-man has confirmed the news. He says, “Just spoke with Pietrangelo who says contract talks haven’t gone the way both sides were hoping and, unless something changes, it’s in the best interests for both to see what the market looks like on October 9th.”

Of course, it is possible that both sides could get a deal done last minute and revisit the negotiating table, but it seems like things have turned a corner in a negative way and that this is going to be the end of their many year relationship. Jeremy Rutherford added, “I just hung up with Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo. He believes he’s headed to the market, but he has not ruled out a deal with the Blues.”

Rutherford also confirmed the latest offer from the Blues was a $7.7 million AAV, but Pietrangelo was expected to accept the terms without knowing the structure of the deal.

Huge For the NHL Trade and Free Agency Market

This is huge news on the trade market and free agency front as Pietrangelo is arguably the biggest name about to hit the open market in October. The news was always that he wanted to stay in St. Louis, but earlier reports on Friday were that he was confirming meetings with other teams and was ready to explore his options outside of St. Louis.

For St. Louis, the Blues have a ton of money already allocated to their blue line. With big contracts committed to Justin Faulk (a seven-year, $45.5 million extension), a deal with Marco Scandella ($13.1 million over four years) and money already allocated to Colton Parayko, there was only so much the Blues could give without completely overhauling their roster.

Related: [Report] Pietrangelo Commits to Meeting With Other Teams

What’s the Next Step for Pietrangelo?

With this news that both sides are no longer even trying to work things out, the defenseman will see what’s out there in regard to interest for his services.

Alex Pietrangelo St. Louis Blues
Alex Pietrangelo St. Louis Blues

It doesn’t see like many teams can afford to pay $8.5-$9.5 million per season to sign him and any that could, might not be on interest to Pietrangelo.

There were reports that Toronto, Vegas, and Florida could all be in the mix, but all three teams have their own cap or financial issues to deal with.

Next: Surprising Team Interested in Oilers Jesse Puljujarvi

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