In the past, and this could very well still be the case into the future, RFA players were basically automatic to re-sign with their teams; the only question being how much they'd sign for. Since Doug Armstrong ransacked the Oilers for Broberg and Holloway via offer sheets this past off-season, the game has changed -- no Blues RFA is safe.

Unless, of course, they sign those RFA's themselves ahead of time.

That's exactly what the Blues did with Neighbours, giving him a 2-year $7.5M extension ($3.75M AAV) that runs through the 2026-2027 season and buys out 2 of his RFA years. Neighbours could still sign elsewhere as a UFA in 3 years, but no offer sheet fireworks will be had here in the meantime.

Neighbours has spent time in the NHL over 3 seasons, progressively playing more games each year (9 in 21-22, 43 in 22-23, and 77 in 23-24) and breaking out last year for 27 goals and 38 total points. But Neighbours impacts the game in ways that doesn't show up on the stat sheet (not on his stat sheet, anyway). He is a consistent net front presence, creating havoc in the front of the goalie and cleaning up rebounds to create scoring opportunities for the entire offense. Even when he's not scoring points, he is facilitating his teammates scoring points. He is worth every bit of that $7.5M he just got, and he is only getting started.

Neighbours turns 23 in March. He still has work to do to become a consistent, all-around player in the NHL, but clearly the Blues think he can grow into that role. If he continues on the trajectory that he's on, we'll most likely be back here talking about his long-term contract extension with the Blues in a few years.