McDonald signs four-year extension with Blues

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues signed center Andy McDonald to a four-year, $18.8 million contract extension Monday.

"The St. Louis Blues realize how integral Andy is to the future of our organization," team president John Davidson said. "He's a top line center who will play a major role in the development of our team."

The 31-year-old McDonald is in his eighth NHL season. He has missed the past 35 games with a broken left leg, but practiced Monday and could play today when the Blues host Vancouver. In 16 games before the injury, he led the Blues with 18 points, including six goals and 12 assists.

"I've been really itching to get back in," McDonald said. "I feel like now I'm at the point where I can contribute."

McDonald has 20 goals and 54 points in 65 games with St. Louis since he was acquired from Anaheim in the middle of last season. He was part of the Ducks team that won the 2007 Stanley Cup.

— AP