Blues GM: Signing Schwartz a priority, uncertain about retaining Backes

With head coach Ken Hitchcock officially back in the fold for one more season, the St. Louis Blues will turn their attention to roster composition.

During an end-of-year press conference Tuesday, general manager Doug Armstrong addressed key decisions facing the club this summer, saying signing restricted free agent Jaden Schwartz is priority number one, while remaining less sure about the ability to re-sign captain David Backes.

"I'd love to keep him here. But it has to work out for David and his family and work out in our math equation," Armstrong admitted.

Armstrong, to be sure, is demonstrating some forward thinking when it comes to Backes.

Based on the strength of his 2016 playoff performance, the 32-year-old is expected to command much attention on the open market - and a raise over his $4.5-million cap hit - and re-resigning Backes with a much younger and talented Schwartz in need of a new deal would limit the already high-spending Blues.

Troy Brouwer, Steve Ott, Kyle Brodziak, and Scottie Upshall are also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this summer.