Erik Johnson Signs Two Year Contract with the Blues

There was only one player left without a contract after the Blues sent DJ King to the Caps. It appears Doug Armstrong was saving the best for last. Per the Blues official website Erik Johnson has agreed to a two-year contract totaling $5.2 million. Johnson will be paid $2.2 million in 2010-11 and $3 million in 2011-12. An AAV of $2.6 million.

Armstrong continues to impress in the early stages of his tenure in St. Louis. Reviewing his work from entry draft forward he has not overpaid to obtain or retain an asset. The trades coming from surplus for an equal value replacement. The signings indicative of performance, not potential.

Johnson’s contract is perhaps the best example of the performance over potential dynamic. To date there have been flashes of a franchise defensmen breaking out followed up by periods of struggle. He rushes up ice with such ease and precision only to end up putting a slap shot right in to a defender.

Johnson may be a former 1st Overall selection, but his level of play hasn’t reached that of other previous top picks. He hasn’t earned that coveted long term length and big salary yet.

Kudos to Armstrong for not giving in and handing out a Derick Brassard type deal. Don’t get me wrong. Brassard is a very talented player who likely has a solid NHL career in front of him. However, his contract is quite a gamble. Basing a four-year commitment with an AAV of $3.2 million off 31 rookie season games prior to injury is a bit of a stretch. Is he worth the $3 million in salary if he fails to post more than 40 points for a second straight season?

That is just too much money for a small or mid market team to invest with too little track record.

Just like David Perron’s deal, Johnson will still be a Restricted Free Agent when the contract expires. The Blues win by saving money now to tweak the roster as needed during the season holding his free agent rights when he could be coming off two monster seasons. Erik wins because of a potential big payday looming in a couple years. Instead of settling for three or four years at a reduced salary he could earn a five or six year deal at $5million or more per season.

The puck is on Johnson’s stick now. He needs to come to camp and dominate all aspects of his game. Clearly assert himself as the franchise cornerstone he is destined to be. After that he just needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal till there are no more games to be played.