Mackenzie MacEachern knew his game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators earlier today was significant, but the rookie benefited more than that as the St. Louis Blues announced they have signed the 24-year-old forward to a one-year, one-way extension worth $750K.
MacEachern has come a long way since last summer, when he re-signed with the Blues to a one-year, two-way deal in which he was coming off a 2017-18 campaign as the former Michigan State scorer tallied just 10 points with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.
However, MacEachern turned a corner this year, putting up nine goals and 16 points in 33 games with San Antonio of the AHL before getting called up on Jan. 10. He has two goals and three points in 10 appearances, including Saturday afternoon’s game-winner in the second period against the Predators.
MacEachern, who was making $650K on a two-year deal, now gets a small pay raise and must continue to show he can contribute like he did when he tallied 33 goals in three seasons at Michigan State. He might have a tough time earning that however, as the team only has one player, Patrick Maroon, who will be an unrestricted free agent and isn’t expected back.
However, with young players such as Robert Thomas, Sammy Blais and Jordan Kyrou expected to vie for more playing time next season, as well as a number of other young prospects fighting for a spot, MacEachern will have his work cut out for him.
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