Newz Forum: HOCKEY: Lalime signs one-year deal to avoid arbitration

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - The St. Blues Thursday signed newly-acquired goaltender Patrick Lalime to a one-year contract, thus avoiding arbitration. The deal also includes a club option for a second season.

Lalime was acquired from Ottawa on June 27 for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2005 NHL Draft.

The 30-year-old Lalime was 25-23-7 in 57 contests last season with a 2.29 goals against average. He played in seven playoff games, allowing 1.96 goals per game, and recorded three wins as the Senators reached the Eastern Conference quarterfinals before losing in seven games to Toronto.

In 2002-03, Lalime earned his first All-Star selection and led Ottawa to within one game of Stanley Cup Finals

Lalime started his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins before spending the last five seasons with Ottawa. Lalime complied a 146-110-30 record with the Senators and owns a 167-112-32 mark in his career.

Chris Osgood was the Blues' starting goaltender last season, going 31-25-8 with a 2.24 GAA, but was only 1-4 in the playoffs with a 2.51 GAA.

St. Louis also avoided arbitration by signing right wing Jamal Mayers to a one-year contract Thursday. Mayers, 29, played in a career-high 80 games last season, producing six goals and five assists.


[Edited on 16-7-2004 by ProudAmerican]

Does anybody know what he'll be making with the new deal.

The contract is for one year for $2.9 million, with a club option for a second year worth $3.2 million. This is a $325,000 raise for one of the best chokers in the game. Go Leafs ! I think he's going to look even worse in St. Louis.


[Edited on 7/16/2004 by Karlsberg]

True.
Ottawa had defense. He probably will suck in St. Louis.