Blues sign Oshie to one-year deal

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues and T.J. Oshie agreed Thursday to a one-year contract extension worth $2.35 million.

He would have become a restricted free agent today. The 24-year-old center and the Blues avoided salary arbitration.

Oshie was the team's No. 1 pick (24th overall) in the 2005 NHL entry draft. Oshie completed his third season, scoring 12 goals and adding 22 assists in 34 games.

He considered arbitration and receiving an offer sheet.

"A little bit, but I think mostly I just wanted to sign, just wanted to get here," Oshie said. "I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else. I'm very happy with it. I'm glad it's finally done."

He missed 31 games early in the season with a broken left ankle and another two games because of disciplinary action.

"The compensation is fair, I think, for both sides, but it allows [Oshie] to continue to put that one full season together that will really show that his health is nothing to be concerned about," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said.

Oshie has played in 182 career games over three seasons with the Blues, totaling 44 goals and 77 assists.