Pronger signs; Hull up in air

ST. LOUIS -- Defenseman Chris Pronger has agreed to a $10 million deal that will keep him with the St. Louis Blues for at least one more season. Left to question is whether right wing Brett Hull -- a former Blues captain bound someday for the Hall of Fame -- will be joining him.

Blues general manager Larry Pleau said Friday the 29-year-old Pronger, who was a restricted free agent, accepted the club's $9.5 million qualifying offer and will get a $500,000 signing bonus.

Pleau said the Blues talked with Pronger about a long-term deal but deferred because of uncertainty about labor issues. The league's collective bargaining agreement with the players association expires Sept. 15, and a potential lockout could threaten next season.

"It was a question of what would the landscape look like. The uncertainty put both sides in a peculiar position," Pleau said. "Both sides have spent a lot of time talking about a long-term deal. Our eyes and ears are open."

In April, after St. Louis' second straight first-round NHL playoff exit, Pleau said "we've said all along that Pronger is a guy we definitely want to build around. We want Pronger around for a long time, and our goal will be to try to find something that's right for both sides."

Pronger had 14 goals and 40 assists in 80 games last season, a year after wrist and knee injuries kept him out of all but five games, winnowing his output to just a goal and three assists.

Entering his 10th season, the Ontario, Canada, native has 94 goals and 306 assists in 722 career games.

Pleau again put feelers out for Hull, acknowledging only that he chatted Thursday with that star's agent -- Hull's younger brother, Bobby Hull Jr. Pleau refused to discuss the matter further, saying "I don't talk about negotiations."

The Phoenix Coyotes said Wednesday they have made a two-year contract offer to Hull and were awaiting his reply.

"Brett loves Phoenix and he's very comfortable with the situation," his brother said. "Their offer is both generous and very serious."