Blues Prospect Returning to Sweden?

With the Blues not in the playoffs there isn’t much hockey talk in Baseball crazy St. Louis. Blues puck heads were treated to some early off-season news last Friday morning.  Prospect Defenseman Jonas Junland signed a contract with SEL club Farjestad.

Thanks to the hard work of Jeremy Rutherford (St. Louis Post Dispatch) and Andy Strickland (Hockeybuzz and KFNS 590 the Fan) the details have come to light.

- Junland was offered a one way, $500,000 contract by the Blues. The Blues expected him to take it, but he never signed it. Impression is that the Blues were a little “blindsided”.
- He took a $400,000 one year contract offer from Farjestad.
- There was speculation that the contract contained an out clause. Strickland confirmed Tuesday that no out clause is present. The Blues can still sign Junland to play in North America per the current transfer agreement.
- Junland has a history of saying he will go back to Sweden and not return to the AHL.

Not the biggest of news stories, but certainly an interesting talking point for Blues nation over the past few days. Is another “anticipated” prospect falling by the way side or simply a free agent playing all available angles?

Junland was a 3rd Round pick in the 2006 draft, 64th overall. Hardly a can’t miss prospect. The anticipation comes from his offensive skills with few expectations combined with offensive success and accolades in the AHL. From the lockout going forward the Blues have lacked the young athletic ability and skill that several other teams have. Junland fits in to that mold perfectly. He is young, skilled, and developing in house. Junland’s ascension to the NHL would help to vindicate the “Davidson Plan” to the fan base.

Competition for roster spots at training camp is always intense and there are many others wanting the role Junland can fill. However, there are several factors working in his favor.

- His amount of professional league experience (3+ years).
- Reduction in fast tracking development prospects just out of college/juniors.
- His relationship with Head Coach Davis Payne from his time in Peoria.

Logically, he should be a virtual lock for the big club. Why then is he signing a European contract? The simple answer could be money, but there are more variables at work here. It is very likely Junland felt his assurances of a roster spot were not as high as he wanted. A perceived lack of opportunity (the addition of Daryl Sydor / Brendan Bell?) this past season also potentially played a part.  Junland was returned to Peoria a few days before the team left for Sweden for the 09-10 season opening pair against Detroit in Stockholm. It would have likely been a non-issue if the Blues were not playing his former SEL club Linkopings HC in his hometown of Linkoping in an exhibition as well. When given the choice of possible AHL time or Sweden, he elected to return to his native country.

The bottom line is that Junland felt slighted and decided he had enough for now. Right or wrong, mature or immature, that is his decision.

No team wants to “lose” a promising prospect. All teams need a consistent funnel of capable players maturing in their system, ready when needed. Junland looked ready when he was needed. However, if Junland was willing to cut and run and not compete for the roster spot, is he really that big of a loss?

The hole in the depth chart is quickly filled. Tyson Strachan, Alex Pietrangelo, and Ian Cole provide immediate coverage. Mark Cundari is coming off a solid OHL playoffs (to date) and could be a surprise to compete for a roster spot. At the very least he will head to Peoria and be still be available. Beyond those four, David Rundblad, David Warsofsky, and Cade Fairchild are still coming down the pipeline as well.

I wish the best of luck and continued growth to Jonas. I just hope he isn’t upset if everyone involved on this side of the Atlantic moves on. I don’t think the Blues will give up on him, but they certainly won’t set a precedent and give in.