St. Louis Blues Sign Austin Poganski, Mitch Reinke

The St. Louis Blues announced they have signed restricted free agents Austin Poganski and Mitch Reinke to one-year, two-way deals. CapFriendly reports that Reinke’s deal is worth $750K with a $100K AHL salary. No terms have been released on Poganski’s contract.

The 24-year-old Poganski was a fourth-round pick of the Blues back in 2014, but opted to go the college rout, playing four years at the University of North Dakota. He signed with the Blues after his collegiate career ended, joining the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL. He has been a solid contributor there for two seasons, posting 10 goals and 30 points last season in 56 games last season and he made his NHL debut last season, playing in one game for the Blues. He likely will continue a similar track next season as an AHL veteran and solid penalty killer with the hope to fill in as an emergency replacement for the Blues.

Reinke, also 24, made his only NHL appearance back in the 2017-18 season and since has found himself developing his skills with San Antonio. He posted a solid 12 goals and 45 points in 76 games back in 2018-19, breaking a Rampage rookie record for a defenseman. However, he saw some of those offensive numbers dip this past year as he posted five goals and 22 points in 46 games. He has been recalled at different points, but hasn’t had a chance to see any game action for St. Louis.

With two more restricted free agents signed, the Blues have two restricted free agents to deal, included defenseman Vince Dunn and Jake Walman still unsigned.