Blues sign first-rounder Jake Neighbours to entry-level deal

The Blues haven’t wasted any time getting pen put to paper on a deal with their top pick from last week’s draft, as they announced the signing of winger Jake Neighbours to a three-year, entry-level contract.  Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 19-year-old was selected with the 26th pick of the first round following a strong season with Edmonton of the WHL.  After being a role player in his first couple of years with the Oil Kings, Neighbours broke out offensively, potting 23 goals and 47 assists in 63 games to finish second on the team in scoring.

While he might get an opportunity to participate in training camp with St. Louis, it’s likely that Neighbours will be heading back to junior hockey for next season; the WHL is targeting a start date of January 8 to kick off their 2020-21 campaign.  If that happens, Neighbours’ deal will slide, which would mean that he’d still have three years on his contract after next season at a slightly lower cap hit.