Boyes has Blues singing happier tune

Boyes has turned into an absolute steal for St. Louis since the club acquired him from Boston in exchange for Dennis Wideman on February 27, 2007. In 65 games so far this year, Boyes has a career and team-high 32 goals to go along with 15 assists for 47 points.

The 25-year-old was rewarded on Sunday by the Blues with a new contract. Though the details were not announced by St. Louis, published reports have the new deal at four years, $16 million.

"Getting Brad signed was one of our top priorities this season," said Blues president John Davidson. "We are counting on him to be an integral part of our offense for years to come."

This despite Boyes' recent struggles. He hasn't posted a point in his last six games and has only three goals in his last 17 tests.

While Boyes' efficiency at lighting the lamp has been a surprise, his ability to create plays shouldn't. With Boston two seasons ago, his first full campaign in the NHL, he had 43 assists.

The Canadien-born forward posted his 30th goal of the season on February 5, becoming the first St. Louis skater to notch 30-or-more goals in a season since Keith Tkachuk in 2003-04.

And, Boyes has been lighting the lamp with accuracy. Entering play on Tuesday, he is second in the NHL with a 19.9 shooting percentage. He has 11 multi-point games and five multi-goal games this season.