Audio Courtesy Doug Armstrong and Ken Hitchcock

Photo Courtesy KTRS Sports

The cat had been let out of the bag late last night that Ken Hitchcock would be returning to the Blues’ bench next season. What hadn’t yet been revealed was Hitchcock’s intentions beyond 2016-17.

“I’m telling you right now, this is my last one-year deal. I’m not coaching after this year. This is it. I’m done.”

Hitchcock stopped short of calling it a retirement, but he made it clear he doesn’t have what it takes, to put in the preparation for a season, once this upcoming campaign is over.

“I feel like I have one good year left in me,” said Hitchcock. “I have a real passion to coach this team next year. I’m selfish here, because I think we’re gonna keep winning, and that’s the best feeling around.”

G.M. Doug Armstrong conveyed that internal options like Kirk Muller could be candidates for promotion after next season.

Other notes from today:

*Armstrong indicated that the team is interested in bringing back unrestricted free agents like David Backes and Troy Brouwer back, but the price would need to be right on both sides.

*The team’s top priority would be a long-term extension for Jaden Schwartz.

*Armstrong thinks there’s a good chance Vladimir Sobotka will return from the KHL, but he is unsure of all the details of his KHL contract.

To hear the press conference in its entirety, click the audio player above.

Twitter- @brendan_mw16