ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues signed center Keith Tkachuk to a two-yearcontract on Saturday, one day before he would have become an unrestricted freeagent.

The Canadian Press reported that the deal was for $8 million. The Bluestraded the four-time All-Star to Atlanta in February but reacquired rights tohim earlier this week. The trade allowed St. Louis to deal exclusively withTkachuk until Sunday.

“We are excited to be able to bring a player of Keith’s caliber back to theSt. Louis Blues,” team president John Davidson said. “Keith played greathockey under head coach Andy Murray last season, and we are thrilled to have himwearing the blue note again.”

Tkachuk, 35, had seven goals and eight assists with the Thrashers after 20goals and 23 assists for St. Louis. It was the 12th 50-point season in his15-year career.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pounnd center needs 27 goals to reach 500 and is 24 gamesshy of 1,000.