The St. Louis Blues are looking to build on their success from last season and for them that includes re-signing a 23-year-old forward who has yet to prove himself at the NHL level. On Thursday, the Blues signed Dmitrij Jaskin to a two-year contract extension.
The contract – which will carry through the 2017-18 season – is worth $2-million and comes with an annual cap hit of $1-million, according to Cap Friendly.
Jaskin has played games in four different seasons with the Blues (just two in 2012-13) including 65 games in 2015-16 scoring 13 points (4g-9a) over that span. He added six games during the Blues’ playoff run with one goal and two points. His best season came in 2014-15 when he scored 18 points (13g-5a) in 54 games.
“It’s great to be part of a group like this,” Jaskin said according to the Blues’ website. “It’s great to have the opportunity to be part of this team. To get to the Conference Final, it’s a big motivation. You want to get there again and in (these) two years, I hope we’ll get even further.”
While his career is still young at the NHL level, Jaskin’s shown potential to break out as an offensive player. In 2012-13, as a member of the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, he scored 99 points (46g-53a) in just 51 games. His adjustment to the NHL game hasn’t been easy, but the new contract offers him another opportunity to prove himself.
A native of Omsk, Russia, Jaskin will get an opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.