NEWS COMING IN FROM JEREMY RUTHERFORD:
The Blues today bought out the final year of defenseman Jay McKee’s contract. McKee was due to make $4 million for the 2009-10 season, completing a four-year, $16 million contract he signed in 2006.
“I was at the gym and missed some calls,” McKee said. “I saw my agent and (Blues general manager) Larry Pleau called, so I assumed something was up. It’s not something I expected, especially after my most productive season in St. Louis. But I understand they had a decision to make and I was one of them . . .
“The bottom line is, I didn’t fit in their depth chart and my salary was probably a hindrance to their payroll,” McKee added. “They have their reasons and I accept that.”
The Blues will responsible for two-thirds of the $4 million, payable over a two-year period.
McKee, 31, becomes an unrestricted free agent and will be free to sign with any team when the free-agent period in the NHL opens Wednesday.
McKee, who is best known for his shot-blocking ability, played in 158 games over three seasons for the Blues from 2006-09, recording three goals and 14 assists. He had a combined plus-minus rating of plus-4 during that time.
“We’re just moving forward,” Blues President John Davidson said. “You can’t keep everybody. Sometimes you have to make room for others. We felt that this frees us up to do other things. As you evolve, a lot of people make a little money, and you’ve got budgets. We’re looking into the market-place and still trying to improve our team. It’s no more than that.
“But Jay was a good pro for us. It was very unfortunate his first two years with the injuries. This past season was the best he played for us.”
Sources have told that the Post-Dispatch that the Blues are in the process of re-signing defenseman Mike Weaver.
JR
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