The St. Louis Blues have locked down one of their promising young stars, inking forward Jake Neighbours to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension. The deal, announced Tuesday, comes on the heels of Neighbours’ career-high 27 goal season in 2023-24 and secures the 22-year-old’s future with the team through the 2026-27 campaign.
Neighbours, the Blues’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key piece of the franchise’s future. After a solid rookie season in 2022-23, he took a significant leap forward this past year, notching 27 goals and 26 assists for a total of 53 points in 82 games.
A Rising Star in St. Louis
The Calgary native’s blend of skill, grit, and two-way acumen has endeared him to both coaches and fans alike. Blues head coach Craig Berube had high praise for Neighbours’ development:
“Jake’s growth over the past two seasons has been remarkable. He’s become a key contributor for us in all situations, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our core moving forward.”
– Blues head coach Craig Berube
Neighbours’ extension is a savvy move by Blues GM Doug Armstrong, locking up a rising star at a reasonable price before he hits his prime. The $3.75 million annual cap hit represents a significant raise from Neighbours’ entry-level deal but could prove to be a bargain if he continues on his current trajectory.
Securing the Future
The Neighbours signing is part of a broader strategy by the Blues to retain their young talent and build a sustainable contender. The team has several other key RFAs to address this offseason, including defenseman Scott Perunovich and forward Logan Brown.
According to a source close to the negotiations, Neighbours was eager to remain in St. Louis long-term:
“Jake loves the city, the fans, and his teammates. He wanted to be part of what the Blues are building and didn’t hesitate to commit when the offer was presented.”
What’s Next for Neighbours and the Blues?
With his contract situation settled, Neighbours can now focus fully on preparing for the 2024-25 season. He’ll be counted on to build upon his breakout campaign and help lead the Blues back to playoff contention after a disappointing 2023-24 season saw them miss the postseason for the first time since 2018.
For the Blues organization, the Neighbours extension is a positive step in what promises to be a busy offseason. The team will look to add depth at key positions while also managing the salary cap and maintaining flexibility for the future.
As one of the NHL’s most promising young forwards, Jake Neighbours’ star is undoubtedly on the rise. With this new contract in hand, he and the St. Louis Blues are poised to grow together and chase their Stanley Cup dreams for years to come.
For the Blues organization, the Neighbours extension is a positive step in what promises to be a busy offseason. The team will look to add depth at key positions while also managing the salary cap and maintaining flexibility for the future.
As one of the NHL’s most promising young forwards, Jake Neighbours’ star is undoubtedly on the rise. With this new contract in hand, he and the St. Louis Blues are poised to grow together and chase their Stanley Cup dreams for years to come.
