St. Louis Blues find a way to circumvent the rules with their RFA

As NHL teams gear up for the 2024-25 season, general managers are finalizing rosters. While restricted free agents (RFAs) typically don't attend camp without a contract, Alexandrov will be an exception, thanks to a creative move by Blues GM Doug Armstrong.

Alexandrov, along with other unsigned RFAs like Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins), Cole Perfetti (Winnipeg Jets), and Dawson Mercer (New Jersey Devils), is one of the few RFAs still without a deal. However, Alexandrov will be present at the Blues' camp by attending on a professional tryout (PTO) contract. The Blues have six players on PTOs, including Alexandrov, which allows them to bypass the limit of 50 contracted players at camp.

If the Blues like what they see, Alexandrov can sign once a junior player under contract is sent back to their league, freeing up a spot for him. However, if the Blues are not satisfied, they can stick with their initial offer and let Alexandrov sit out. The Blues would retain his rights until he turns 28, giving them leverage in negotiations.

Alexandrov, 24, was given a qualifying offer by the Blues in June, with the minimum offer being $874,125. He has played 51 NHL games, scoring 6 goals and 9 points so far in his career.