The St. Louis Blues will wait until the summer months to lock down pending restricted free agent and budding superstar Vladimir Tarasenko, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman reports that general manager Doug Armstrong is not expected to pursue a bridge contract, and will look to keep the All-Star forward in a Blues sweater for the long term.
After flirting with the league lead in goals through the season's first six weeks, Tarasenko has cooled off just a bit, scoring just four in his last 15 games. The price will be high regardless, but if Tarasenko's production continues to curb, it could benefit St. Louis down the line.
