The Blues have brought back a familiar face between the pipes, announcing the signing of goaltender Jon Gillies to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 27-year-old spent last season with St. Louis but didn’t see any action with them. Instead, he was their taxi squad netminder for a good portion of the year while also getting into five games with AHL Utica. Gillies has remained at the AHL level this season, getting into three games with Boston’s affiliate and one with Philadelphia’s.
Gillies won’t be going back to the minors though, at least not yet. Instead, his presence is needed with backup goaltender Ville Husso out with a lower-body injury and Jordan Binnington still in COVID protocol. They’re using an emergency roster exception to have Charlie Lindgren up and that carries a maximum allowable cap hit of $850K; anyone making more can’t be recalled. That takes their other AHL netminder Joel Hofer off the table which means they needed to sign Gillies to have a second goalie available for tomorrow’s game against Detroit.
Speaking of that roster exception, they were able to bring up Nathan Walker earlier today after playing short a forward. However, defenseman Jake Walman sustained an upper-body injury on Tuesday night and the team will once again have to play short a player on Thursday before being able to recall a replacement for him.
Just so the Blues know, I’m ready to get between the pipes for $1000.00 a game! :)
Always thought Gillis would get a regular NHL gig at some point. Guess not.
@Gbear – I thought I recognized that slogan on your business card — “Mercenary EBUG – I’ll play for real money, none of that escrow crap!” :)
I do demand a daily per diem for food and travel too. :D
@Gbear – And I believe that it qualifies as “fair and reasonable.” To borrow the Alpine Credits slogan, “Approved!” When asking for the traditional doggie bag, always add “Please” and “Thank You!” (Also add “my agent, who also doubles as the seventh D-man, also says Thank You!”)