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Hitchcock back for one last season; Free agent updates |
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Reports out of St. Louis are that assistant coach Brad Shaw will not be back next season. It appears he turned down a one-year contract to remain with the club. GM Doug Armstrong suggested that Kirk Muller is someone on the staff now who would be a potential successor to Hitchcock if it is someone from the current staff. Muller is reportedly mulling over his options.
Armstrong also said that "priority number one" is to sign forward Jaden Schwartz to a new contract and that he'd "love" to keep him David Backes in town but it has to work out for David and his family and work out in the club's math equation.
Sniper Vladimir Tarasenko addressed the media today and said he was "too pissed off" to talk to the media the other day. As I told my wife, people were taking his non-speak the wrong way. I like that a player is so upset (Backes) or mad (Tarasenko) after losing. Apathetic players drive me nuts as a fan.
Armstrong mentioned that he expects Kevin Shattenkirk back next year but that both he and the Blues will have to make a business decision.
The St. Louis general manager also said that he thinks Vladimir Sobotka will be back in the NHL but hasn't had many talks with him but has occasionally talked to his agent. Will he come back to the Blues or just back to the NHL through a draft day deal?
The Blues also announced that the team has agreed to a one-year deal with head coach Ken Hitchcock. This isn't surprising. What is surprising is that they also announced that Hitchcock is going to retire after next season.
Straight from the coach's mouth - "This is my last one year deal. Not coaching after this year. I'm done. I'm not coaching after this year." He added - "I just feel like I've got his really good year in me. This season has invigorated me like no season before."
He also joked that he might move over to the media.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
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