Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009

Blues cut ties with McKee

Sign Weaver, Winchester to one-year deals

Veteran defenseman Jay McKee's tenure with the St. Louis Blues came to an end Monday when the team bought out the final year of his four-year, $16 million contract.

The Blues also signed winger Brad Winchester and defenseman Mike Weaver to one-year deals worth $800,000. Defenseman Jeff Woywitka did not receive a qualifying offer, making him a free agent.

The NHL free-agent signing period begins July 1.

McKee, placed on waivers as a formality before being bought out, will receive two-thirds of his contract amount, or $2.66 million. Known as one of the NHL's premier shot-blockers, he also becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Buying out McKee gives the Blues a salary cap hit of $1.33 million in each of the next two years. The Blues saved money by signing Weaver and hope to apply that savings to a new multiyear contract for defenseman Roman Polak and perhaps bringing in another defenseman and goaltender.

"We'll see what comes," Blues President John Davidson said when asked about potential moves the club might make. "We'll see what's there, but we're not going to get crazy and waste any money, I'll tell you that."

Davidson credited McKee for playing through injuries and the professional way he approached his job.

"He gave his heart and soul to us," Davidson said. "He had some unfortunate injuries, and they were serious injuries. His best was the last half of this season; he played very well for us. We're just moving forward, trying to become a better team. You can't have six $4 million defensemen. It doesn't work like that."

McKee signed a four-year, $16 million deal with the Blues in the summer of 2006. Injuries limited him to 23 games his first season in St. Louis, but he played in 66 and 69 games the following two seasons.

"The first year I wanted to come in and make a statement, keep rolling with the really good season I had previously before coming to St. Louis," said McKee, who was injured during 2006 training camp and spent much of the year in street clothes. "It was a tough year. I thought my next year there was OK and this past year was the strongest."

McKee, 31, had three goals and 17 points in three seasons along with 98 penalty minutes.

He got the news Monday in a phone call from Blues General Manager Larry Pleau.

"They don't have to explain themselves and I didn't ask for details," McKee said. "It's the business of hockey and you move on."

McKee thinks he knows where the Blues are headed with so much young talent stars and had hoped to be along for the ride.

"I wish them nothing but the best," he said. "They've got great young talent and depth on defense, great leadership with the older guys. That organization is going nothing but forward at a full sprint.

"I'm almost envious of what they have to look forward to."

McKee said he treasured the Blues' strong second-half run to the playoffs last season.

"It was a special year for every guy in that dressing room, myself included," he said. "There were comments made by our goaltender that meant the world to me when things were going so well. That's what matters to a player most, how his teammates feel about them and respect them."

Signed as a free agent last July, the 6-foot-5 Winchester brought size, strength and intensity after being called up from the minors Nov. 21.

The 28-year-old winger finished with 13 goals, 21 points and 89 penalty minutes.

"We became a better team when we added some size, and he was a big part of that," Davidson said. "He had to go the extra step in becoming a conditioned, more consistent player and he's dedicated himself to that.

"Now he's got a chance to do it again. He's got a one-year contract, which is incentive for him."

Weaver, 31, was signed last summer to provide insurance on defense and came up big when given an opportunity to play regularly. He had seven assists in a career-high 58 games and was among the team's top penalty-killers.

"He's going to get an opportunity here and we're going to get our money's worth," Davidson said. "He's played very well."

BlueNotes

Davidson said veteran defenseman Eric Brewer is making satisfactory progress after undergoing two back surgeries to repair a herniated disc and related nerve issues.

He played in only 28 games last season.

"There hasn't been any glitches or setbacks," Davidson said. "He's moving forward following the exact plan the doctors have prescribed for him."

Barring any potential trades or signings, here is what the Blues have available on defense:

Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman, Erik Johnson, Carlo Colaiacovo, Roman Polak and Weaver. Battling for the remaining spots are Alex Pietrangelo, Tyson Strachan, Jonas Junland and Steve Wagner.