Blues GM on Schwartz's 2-year, $4.7M contract: 'It's a really good deal for both sides'

The St. Louis Blues announced a new two-year, $4.7-million deal for Jaden Schwartz on Saturday, and general manager Doug Armstrong believes the bridge-type deal is a win-win for all involved.

"The two-year contract is good for both parties," Armstrong said, as per Lou Korac of NHL.com. "It gives Jaden the opportunity to establish himself in the NHL."

Make no mistake, Schwartz's 25-goal season let it be known that he can certainly hang at the NHL level. Armstrong, like many GM's across the NHL, simply wants to make sure that kind of production can be copied on a consistent basis before offering a big payday:

When you're projecting term on any player, it's easier to do when they have a longer resume. Jaden had a great year last year. I think if he's a three-time 25-goal scorer, he's going to be paid at a much different rate than we're paying him at now ... We just want to make sure that's the consistent player we're going to get moving forward. I think these bridge deals are only done to allow both sides to get comfortable where players fit into the league.

Armstrong added he wishes Schwartz could have been at training camp from day one, but he remains confident the 22-year-old will be able to catch up and get acclimated to the new faces on the roster in short order.

After signing the new deal, Schwartz may need some time to find a new place to live, though.

"I should kick him to the curb now," said roommate Alex Pietrangelo said. "The first thing he wanted to know was how to get into my house. He can afford his own place now. If I can help him out, that's fine, but he's got 30 days and then I'm locking the door."

Schwartz's training camp/condo search begins on Monday.