This piece is from yesterday's Buddies Briefing newsletter, which is emailed out at 6pm every Thursday. To receive our full, free St Mirren newsletter straight to your email inbox, click here.

Stephen Robinson will have plenty of important decisions to make between now and the end of the season. Few, though, could be more of a priority than a new deal for Alex Gogic.

To be fair, work is already well underway to resolve a possible concerning contract situation in the summer with as many as 12 players who could leave Paisley for pastures new.

James Bolton, Scott Tanser and Jonah Ayunga have all signed new deals at St Mirren in recent months to reduce the chances of a mass exodus.

Elvis Bwomono could remain with the club holding the option to extend his contract by a year, and Caolan Boyd-Munce's deal includes an appearance-based extension clause.

Regardless, there could be significant change in the St Mirren squad in the summer with Keanu Baccus, Ryan Strain out of contract and loan signings Zach Hemming, Jaden Brown and Kwon set to return to their parent clubs.

Of course, efforts have been made to tie down Baccus and Strain after remarkable performances in St Mirren colours since arriving at the club.

However, it's Alex Gogic who may well be the most important player to have sign on the dotted line in Paisley.

Criminally underrated outside of the St Mirren support, Gogic has been a revelation under Robinson as a commanding centre-back who at times becomes the heartbeat of the team.

He's committed in everything he does, fearless in the tackle and  - even if constantly targeted by rival clubs - has staked his claim as one of the top-performing and most consistent centre-backs in the Scottish Premiership.

That's not just lofty praise haphazardly spouted into the ether from those behind black-and-white spectacles.

READ MORE: St Mirren 2 Dundee 0: Mandron and Olusanya on target

Statistically, Gogic has made 388 ball recoveries in the league this season - that's the second-highest in the division behind only Liam Scales.

Considering players who have played at least 1500 minutes again, Gogic ranks in the second spot for interceptions at 45 this term.

Clearances, Gogic is fifth with 186, blocks made per shot faced he is eighth, defensive regains Gogic is the number one outfield player with 146 this season.

Simply put, Gogic has been utterly colossal for St Mirren this season.

Throw into the mix that he's a fan favourite for his attitude and application on and off the pitch and you've got a key player - but crucially one who could leave in the summer.

It's a thought that would send a shudder down the backs of most St Mirren fans with Gogic not only instrumental in terms of vital blocks and clearances but also in setting the tone.

Put it this way, he's not quiet or under the radar in his business on the pitch - and that's a good thing.

There is never a question over whether Gogic will be resolute in defence or commanding in the rearguard - sure, he doesn't have the armband but make no mistake he is a leader.

When things aren't quite going to plan, Gogic is the one who can turn the momentum with a crunching challenge or who will be brave enough to carry the ball into midfield and relieve some pressure.

There are plenty of quality players in the St Mirren dressing room and certainly few that Robinson would be happy to lose in the summer but Gogic is perhaps the most influential in the way the side plays every week and to lose him would leave a huge hole in the squad.

There's little doubt St Mirren chiefs will have Gogic round the table at some point and attempt to thrash out a new deal.

But it would come as little surprise should rival clubs have taken notice of Gogic's outstanding performances - let's just hope he continues to be underrated outside of Ralston.