ST. LOUIS – Pavel Buchnevich, one of the St. Louis Blues’ top scorers over the last several seasons, is staying put for the long haul.

Buchnevich officially signed a six-year, $48 million contract extension with the Blues on Tuesday that runs through the 2030-31 season.

The move represents an effort for the Blues to stay competitive while embracing a roster retool over the last several seasons.

Buchnevich, a steady presence at the wing positions, ranks among the team leaders in points (206), goals (83), assists (123) and games played (216) since joining the Blues three seasons ago. He’s scored at least 25 goals and 60 points each season in St. Louis.

Without a new contract, Buchnevich could have been a free agent at the end of the upcoming 2024-25 season. This led to some trade rumblings last season, though nothing ever materialized before the deadline.

A Russia native, Buchnevich will turn 29 years old this season. The new deal allows him to serve as a leader for Blues prospects on the cusp of the NHL level or larger roles, including Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud and Zack Bolduc.

Buchnevich was a 2013 draft pick of the New York Rangers who joined the Blues in a 2021 offseason trade.