St. Louis Blues Sign Jake Neighbours to A Two-Year, $7.5 Million Extension

The St. Louis Blues have locked up one of their most promising young talents, Jake Neighbours, to a two-year, $7.5 million extension, with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.75 million. Coming off a breakout season in 2023-24, where he tallied 27 goals and 38 points, Neighbours is proving that he is ready to be a key contributor in the Blues lineup. Though still early in the 2024-25 campaign, the 22-year-old winger has notched one goal and three points through six games, continuing to establish himself as a dynamic forward for St. Louis.

A Breakout Campaign in 2023-24

Neighbours 2023-24 season was a pivotal year for both the player and the franchise. After showing flashes of potential in previous years, Neighbours broke through last season, scoring 27 goals which is an impressive total for a player still finding his footing in the NHL. His 38 points may seem modest compared to his goal scoring, but it underlines his role as a high-impact, shoot-first winger who is finding his niche in the Blues system.

Neighbours ability to get to dangerous scoring areas, combined with his strong net-front presence, was a major factor in his breakout. The Blues, a team in need of offensive firepower, saw Neighbours emergence as a crucial boost to their forward group. His production not only showcased his development but also hinted at a player capable of growing into a consistent top-six option.

Consistency and Maturity

At 22, Neighbours still has room to develop, but his extension indicates the Blues faith in his trajectory. Neighbours is a power forward in the making, blending skill with physicality, which makes him a perfect fit for a Blues team that values players who can contribute at both ends of the ice. His ability to play with grit, win board battles, and go to the hard areas makes him a key piece in the team’s forward core.

The two-year extension provides Neighbours with financial security while also allowing the Blues flexibility as he continues to evolve his game. With an AAV of $3.75 million, the contract is a fair deal for a player who has shown significant upside but is still developing into a consistent contributor. If Neighbours continues to improve, the contract could set the Blues up to extend him long-term in three years, especially in a salary cap world where efficient deals are key to building a contender.

Early Signs in 2024-25

Through the first six games of the 2024-25 season, Neighbours has recorded one goal and three points. While these early numbers might not jump off the page, it’s important to remember that the season is still young, and Neighbours is continuing to build off his success from last year. The Blues have leaned on Neighbours to play a bigger role, and it’s clear they see him as a long-term piece of their puzzle.

Neighbours start to the season could be a sign that he’s ready to take on more responsibility and potentially exceed the numbers he put up in his breakout 2023-24 campaign. As the Blues look to find their offensive identity this season, Neighbours ability to drive play and create scoring chances will be vital.

A Key Building Block

The extension of Neighbours represents a financial commitment and it also signifies the Blues belief in his ability to be a foundational piece of their future. With a core developing in St. Louis, including players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, Neighbours fits right into the team’s timeline. The 22-year-old has the potential to become a fixture in the top six for years to come, providing the Blues with much needed secondary scoring to complement their established stars.

In many ways, Neighbours progression is symbolic of where the Blues are as a team. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, St. Louis has gone through several roster changes and is now looking to reshape their identity while remaining competitive. The growth of players like Neighbours is central to this transition. If he continues to develop as expected, Neighbours could become a pivotal piece of the next era of Blues hockey.

Final Thoughts

The St. Louis Blues decision to extend Jake Neighbours for two more years at $3.75 million per season is a smart move that balances both the player’s current value and his future potential. Coming off a strong 27 goal season in 2023-24, Neighbours is showing signs that he can be a long-term piece for St. Louis.

As the season unfolds, Neighbours will continue to be a player to watch, and if he can build on the promise of his breakout season, this extension will look like a bargain in the near future. For the Blues, locking up a player like Neighbours for the next two seasons is a step toward ensuring their forward corps remains competitive in the years to come.