Blues ink Barret Jackman for $14.4M

Last Updated: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 | 2:31 AM ET

CBC Sports

St. Louis Blues defenceman Barret Jackman was rewarded Monday with a four-year contract extension worth $14.4 million US.

Jackman, who was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, will make $3.6 million US annually.

Barret Jackman was rewarded with a four-year extension on Monday.
(Tom Gannam/Associated Press)

"I have said all along that I wanted to remain in St. Louis," he said. "I'm excited about the direction of this franchise and love playing in front of Blues fans."

"We would certainly love to make the playoffs," Blues president John Davidson explained. "But we're also trying to do what is right long-term for the team."

Jackman, 26, has posted two goals and six assists for eight points with 63 penalty minutes in 58 games this season.

The Trail, B.C., native has registered 13 goals and 67 points with 532 penalty minutes in 289 games since being selected 17th overall by St. Louis in the 1999 NHL draft.

"Barret has been a staple on the blue-line for the Blues since his rookie season," Davidson said. "He logs plenty of minutes, and will continue to be a key part of our team as we move forward."

Jackman won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2002-03.