Blues Re-Sign Weaver, Winchester

[Snipes19]

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced Thursday the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Mike Weaver and forward Brad Winchester.

“Mike stepped up and had a great year on defense this season and was a key contributor on the penalty kill (which finished third in the league),” said Davidson.

Weaver, 31, played in a career-high 58 games this past season for the Blues, recording seven assists and 12 penalty minutes. The 5-9, 188-pound defenseman made his Blues debut on Oct. 11, 2008 at the New York Islanders and tallied his first point (assist) as a Blue on Oct. 16, 2008 vs. Dallas.

The Bramalea, Ontario native was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Atlanta on June 15, 2000.

Winchester, 28, played in a career-high 64 games for the Blues this past season and registered career-highs in points (21), goals (13), assists (eight) and penalty minutes (89). He has skated in 183 career NHL games with the Blues, Edmonton and Dallas, collecting 34 points (18 goals, 16 assists) along with 242 penalty minutes.

“Brad had a career season and played a key role for our club by providing scoring and muscle up front,” said Davidson.

The 6-5, 228-pound forward was originally Edmonton’s second round pick, 35th overall, in the 2000 Entry Draft.

[OilersHockey]

I miss Winny

[Snipes19]

I like these moves. The Blues are rewarding two hard-working players that helped the team get to the playoffs.

Mike Weaver was a very solid defenseman for us last year. The Blues were without top-pairing guys like Brewer and Johnson basically the whole season, and Weaver really stepped up and played sound defensively. He's a good player to have as your #6 or #7 d-man. I'll take him in a heartbeat. He won't do anything spectacular, but he blocks shots and does a good job. He's an underrated player and I think Vancouver fans will say the same thing about him.

And the Blues were also without a few key offensive players for a while such as Kariya, McDonald, and Oshie for a bit, and Winchester really stepped up and played well on the 3rd line. He's a big guy who plays physical, and he also showed that he has the potential to score 10-15 goals a year. Every team needs guys like that and it's why Winny became one of my favorite players.

Safe to say, the Blues wouldn't have made the post-season without the "utility" guys like Winchester, Weaver, etc. I'm glad to see them back.

[CapsFan99]

Originally Posted by Snipes19

He's an underrated player and I think Vancouver fans will say the same thing about him..

Under rated especially in the fighting department, when he wants to fight he can stand and punch for a long time while taking a few as well like his fight versus a stronger glencross who I think he gave up 10 or 20 pounds to as well

[JKidd]

Said it about Wincy a while ago. The guy is an underrated player and fighter.

Give him the right linemates, and allow his big frame to crash and bang and cause havoc, you're looking at a productive big guy.

Good to see JD and the Blues realize it, and give him a re-up.

[stevecanuck16]

Agreed, I really enjoyed Weaver during his time in Van. Never gonna be more than a solid 5-6 D-man, but he's definitely not gonna hurt you. And he can chuck em when need be.

[PilotsFan]

Hated to see the Stars let yet ANOTHER player of his caliber leave and excel somewhere else. Good for Winchester and the Blues though.