LeBrun: Sobotka trade could help Blues' playoff push

Pierre LeBrun released his latest Rumblings blog on Wednesday afternoon.

On Vladimir Sobotka:

"Don't forget about Vladimir Sobotka. His name could resurface in the lead-up to the March 2 trade deadline. 

"The former Blue Sobotka signed a three-year deal with Omsk of the KHL last summer. However, he has a one-month window after the season in which he can opt out and return to the NHL. I suspect he will opt out after the season. 

"If he does, he'll have to play out the one-year contract he was awarded in arbitration last July, a deal that would pay him $2.725 million. 

"No question in my mind the Blues will get offers on him before March 2. There will be non-playoff teams trying to sell assets that could help the contending Blues in return for Sobotka. 

"Not to say the Blues won't listen, but I know that GM Doug Armstrong remains a big fan of the Czech center and sees him being an important part of their club next season if he chooses to opt out of his KHL contract. 

"Don't forget, Armstrong got lots of trade offers on Sobotka last summer during the contract stalemate. He chose not to accept any of them. Read into that teams will need to absolutely blow away the Blues to get Sobotka."

Source: ESPN.com