There was a quote of some sort posted the other day from Thomas Steen basically squashing those rumours and saying that Alex has no desire to put up with the pressures of playing in his hometown, etc.
I posted that one unfortunately. It was from Tessier on HockeyBuzz.
"One other thought on Winnipeg and possible players. With a fair bit of cap space coming up this off-season speculation has come as to whether the Jets make a play for Alexander Steen, son of long-time Jets player and current Winnipeg city councilor Tomas Steen. Not gonna happen. The elder Steen has been quite open about saying his son is not looking to have the pressure of a hometown fan base around him."
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Peter-Tessier-Taking-Notice-Kane-and-Byfuglien/1/56126
I have been posting about wanting to get Steen here since before his great season this year.
BUT, I think the smart money is on him re-signing in St. Louis. It's a great team, he probaly is pretty comfortable there, and he has a good chance at a cup.
That being said, if he did make it to FA, I also don't think just because he spent a few years in Winnipeg that all of a sudden he wants to come here, or that we would be the front runners. It might help a tiny little bit that he has family here, etc, but I think that is secondary to contract $ and term, and the quality and opportunities that different teams offer. Nor does the reason I really think he would be a great fit for us have anything to do with him spending time here as a kid.
If he makes it to FA, I just hope Chevy makes him a very good offer and we have a chance. Steen either on the wing or at C would be a massive upgrade to this team. On the ice, off the ice, offense, defense, leadership, etc.