- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The agent of Blues RFA Jaden Schwartz’s said they are not close on a contract .
“I would characterize it as the discussions are ongoing,” Wade Arnott, Schwartz’s agent, told the Post-Dispatch Wednesday. “We’ve had lengthy discussions over the past few weeks with (Blues general manager) Doug Armstrong regarding Jaden’s situation. We remain significantly apart on our respective positions at this point.”
Blues GM Doug Armstrong.
“I understand their position, they understand our position and there is a gap in the level of compensation,” Armstrong said Wednesday.
After they initially talked about a long-term deal, they have moved on to a short-term deal.
“Right now we’re focusing our efforts on a shorter-term contract,” Arnott said. “The Blues have sort of directed the conversation there. It’s their preference on that front, I think, for a couple of reasons. I assume their salary-cap situation is one. If you look at it, I’m not sure they can go longer term at a big number right now.
- Andy Strickland: The Blues are likely looking to keep RFA Jaden Schwartz in similar ranges to what they did with David Perron ($2.15 million AAV), Patrik Berglund ($2.25 million AAV) and TJ Oshie ($2.35 million AAV). Schwartz’s game may be a bit more defined at this point than the others were and is likely looking for something closer to $3 million. Schwartz’s camp had been looking for something longer term, but he had no arbitration rights and little leverage.
- Hockey Central: Dustin Penner’s agent said he has NHL and European offers.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Former Senator and tough guy Matt Kassian has two-way offers and PTOs on the table from four or five teams.
“I’ve been fairly consistent in my play. I’m not a skilled player but you know what you’re going to get. It’s a tough year for a lot of guys for contracts right now and there’s a lot of guys out there looking.” said Kassian.
