"We'd like to bring as much of the band back together (as possible), but we understand that the whole band's not coming back," general manager Doug Armstrong said at NHL Awards Media Day on Tuesday.
The biggest questions are the futures of forward Pat Maroon and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, plus a contract for goalie Jordan Binnington. Maroon and Gunnarsson are among those who can become unrestricted free agents July 1; Binnington is among the pending restricted free agents.
Coach Craig Berube is also unsigned for next season, but Armstrong has said the only question is economics.
"When the press release goes out, that's when we'll have the announcement," Armstrong said.
It might take time to sort out everything.
The Blues won the Cup in Boston on Wednesday and had a parade in St. Louis on Saturday. A group of players flew to Las Vegas after the parade to celebrate.
The 2019 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone are here on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN). Armstrong is a finalist for General Manager of the Year, Berube for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, Binnington for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, and center Ryan O'Reilly for the Selke Trophy as best defensive forward and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and ability.
The 2019 NHL Draft is in Vancouver on Friday and Saturday, and the free agent interview period begins Sunday.
"Our focus is going to be getting through Friday and Saturday," Armstrong said. "That's just the reality of it. And then when we get back, we'll sit down. We don't expect to have anyone signed before the talking period, but that shouldn't alarm anyone. It's just sort of the nature of where we're at right now."
