Vladimir Sobotka expected to return to the NHL next season

Blues GM Doug Armstrong holds no ill will for Vladimir Sobotka, after the winger signed with the KHL, saying it’s a business decision that he respects.

According to Andy Strickland of Fox Sports Midwest, forward Vladimir Sobotka will soon announce his intention to return to the NHL.

Andy Strickland on Twitter

Sobotka left the St. Louis Blues for the KHL after the 2013-14 season. He’s spent the last two seasons with Avangard Omsk, totalling 72 points in 97 games.

Should the 28-year-old decide to return the NHL, the Blues hold his rights for one season at $2.725 million, the result of a salary arbitration hearing the team filed for when Sobotka left the league as a restricted free agent two years ago.

If he plays out the season with St. Louis, he would then become an unrestricted free agent. Sobotka scored nine goals and added 24 assists in 61 games with the Blues in 2013-14.

The five-foot-10, 197-pound centre was recently named to the Czech Republic’s roster for the World Cup of Hockey.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.