Blues president John Davidson picked up Andy Murray’s contract option Tuesday, giving some additional financial security.

That additional year was well-earned.

Remember when media skeptics (this one included) wondered about Murray’s staying power, given his rough ending in LA?

We’ve seen no signs of this with the Blues. Yes, he is ultra-intense and consistently demanding. True, he’s been known to hold a meeting or two.

But he has done a nice job with older players (getting total buy-in from Keith Tkachuk) and younger players, too. Murray has had to lean on David Perron during the kid’s first two years, but the kid had some growing up to do.

David Backes, T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund, Roman Polak . . . one good young player after another has come along nicely. Now he is working Alex Pietrangelo, Aaron Palushaj, Lars Eller, Ben Bishop, et al.

Blues young and old answered the challenge last season as the Blues made their unlikely climb from the Western Conference cellar to the playoffs. That some of the most inspirational hockey we’ve seen in these parts.

By picking up Murray’s option, the front office sent a clear message to everybody in the organization. The Blues believe they are on the right course and they intend to stay that course.