Bortuzzo quickly became a fan favorite last season after his acquisition at the trade deadline.
Robert Bortuzzo was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a deal that sent long suffering (depending on your definition of such) defenseman Ian Cole to the Eastern Conference. Bortuzzo became a fan favorite with his rough, stand up play at the blueline and his propensity to defend teammates.
Bortuzzo's new contract with the Blues ensures that the team has their seven defensemen for next season. It also at the very least ensures a rotation between him and Chris Butler for the sixth spot; at the most it means that Hitchcock will probably put him in to play during the playoffs.