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Blues make it official: Sobotka to stay in KHL next season

St. Louis Blues v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 21: Vladimir Sobotka #17 of the St. Louis Blues takes the puck in the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 21, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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After months of uncertainty, the St. Louis Blues finally know the status of forward Vladimir Sobotka -- on Monday, the club announced Sobotka would spend the 2015-16 season with KHL club Avangard Omsk.

The 27-year-old, who fled to the KHL last season following an arbitration hearing with the Blues, had been linked to a possible North American return following the end of Omsk’s season. Sobotka’s contract reportedly contains an annual window for a return to the Blues at the culmination of each KHL campaign.

Earlier this month, it looked as though Sobotka going back to St. Louis was all but dead, until GM Doug Armstrong gave a faint glimmer of hope by saying the organization hadn’t received official word.

Today, it was made official.

Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to monitor the relationship between player and club. It’s clear the Blues are interested in eventually getting Sobotka back in the fold -- his departure came on the heels of his best NHL season, in which he scored nine goals and 33 points in 61 games.