The St. Louis Blues have a big pending free-agent this summer.

Captain Alex Pietrangelo will be able to test the open market for the first time as an unrestricted free-agent once July hits. In his 12th season with the Blues, he is having one of his best seasons ever. He has tallied 52 points so far this season, not far from his career mark. He reached that point total in only 70 games played. The 16 goals he has scored represent a career-best. All of this goes without mentioning that he led St. Louis to their first Stanley Cup victory in their history in 2019.

His production is among the best in the National Hockey League. He is currently a top contender for the Norris Trophy, an award given to the best defenseman in the league. Only two defensemen have more goals than Pietrangelo in 2019-20, and few are better regarded in their defensive prowess.

The Blues have re-signed many of their restricted free-agents as of late; including Marco Scandella, Sammy Blais and Mackenzie McEachern, however, UFA Alex Pietrangelo remains uninked for the 2020-21 season. With the plethora of re=signings, money is starting to get low for a potential Pietrangelo contract extension. It was reported a few months ago that the Blues and Pietrangelo’s agent were going to begin contract negotiations in the summer, however, with the current circumstances, there’s no reason they shouldn’t get something done right now.

If the Blues want to keep a consistent leader around, re-signing Pietrangelo is a no-brainer.