NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders - Source: Imagn

3 PTO signings St. Louis Blues may consider before preseason feat. Tony DeAngelo

Modified Sep 14, 2024 00:16 GMT

The St. Louis Blues hope to improve on last season's disappointing performance. For the second year in a row, the Blues missed the playoffs.

After a big splash this offseason, which included luring Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway away from Edmonton, enthusiasm has returned to St. Louis Blues fans.

But the club might not be finished adding eleventh-hour roster pieces. St. Louis might consider rounding out its roster by offering the following players a PTO.

Here are three PTO signings for the Blues to consider leading into training camp.

3 PTO signings St. Louis Blues may consider before preseason begins

#3: Cal Clutterbuck

After the New York Islanders chose not to re-sign Clutterbuck this offseason, the 1,000-game NHL veteran is seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Given the Blues' need for bottom-six depth, Clutterbuck could be a solid, low-cost option. The 36-year-old would cost more than a league minimum deal, but he might deliver 20 points.

However, Clutterbuck may not have much left in the tank. If he washes out, the club can always part ways with him without risking a significant loss.

#2: Michael McLeod

McLeod has spent his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils. However, he is without a contract deep in the offseason. That said, he could make a solid addition to the Blues’ middle six.

McLeod’s versatility might be what St. Louis needs. He can play center and wing, giving the Blues flexibility when injuries hit.

The club might consider signing McLeod to a two-way deal. This would allow him to play in the AHL if the big club doesn't immediately need him.

#1: Tony DeAngelo

Adding Broberg gives St. Louis a potential top-pairing defenseman for years to come. However, the club still needs veteran depth on the back end.

As such, DeAngelo may provide a solid, cost-effective solution to support the Blues’ emerging blue line. At this point, DeAngelo projects as a bottom-pairing defenseman. At worst, he could slot in as the team’s seventh defenseman.

DeAngelo scored 11 points in 31 games for a deep Carolina Hurricanes’ blue line last fall. However, he may find a spot on the Blues’ back end, especially since the club lost Torey Krug for the season.

The Blues can sign DeAngelo to a contract worth around $1 million, allowing the veteran to prove he still has plenty left at the NHL level.