Blues Sign Ross Johnston to 3-Year Contract

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Ross Johnston to a three-year contract, according to Jeremy Rutherford. The deal is worth $2 million per season.

Blues Sign Johnston

Johnston, 32, spent the last three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. In 62 games, he scored three goals and 11 assists.

In 307 games in his career, Johnston has scored 14 goals and 46 points. In addition to the Ducks, he has also played for the New York Islanders.

Role in St. Louis

Johnston will add a physical presence to the Blues’ lineup that has been missing since they traded Brayden Schenn last season. While Nathan Walker can be a physical presence, Johnston will fit the bill better likely playing on the Blues’ fourth line. It is unclear who will leave that line, but the answer might be Alexey Toropchenko.

While Johnston is known for his physical game, he is an underrated two-way player. He can hold his own in the offensive zone, something the Islanders benefited from during his time on Long Island.

Steen Using 2019 Playbook?

Alexander Steen has been officially named the team’s new general manager. He seems to have a vision for his lineup, which matches the one that won the Stanley Cup in 2019. The 2019 team had plenty of physicality on the bottom two lines, with Pat Maroon being the standout. Steen is looking to add some balance to the lineup as well as add a player who will use his body to make a play.

This move will likely not blow people away, but this is a decent add for the Blues. At 32, a three-year deal may seem a tad much, but for now, this should work out for St. Louis. Furthermore, adding some lineup balance and physicality is yet another sign the Blues are looking to make the playoffs in 2026-27.

Stay tuned with The Hockey Writers as we continue to cover the first day of free agency!