NHL Rumors: Update On 2 Blues Stars' Contract Situations

The St. Louis Blues are about to go through a large change as two of their long-time top contributors are going to be moving on this season. Pierre LeBrun says that it's more likely Ryan O'Reilly gets traded over being re-signed and Vladimir Tarasenko will not sign an extension, that's for sure.

There have been rumours swirling around O'Reilly for most of the season due to his poor play and many teams are in need of a centerman like him - former Selke Trophy winner and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He has just 10 goals and 16 points in 36 games and is a team-worst -26 in plus/minus.

He has been streaky this season, having scored one goal in his first 10 games of the season and just one goal in his last eight. That means he recorded eight goals and 14 points in an 18-game stretch, more indicative of the kind of player he has been in the past. But with what the Blues can get for him at the trade deadline, it is worth moving him.

Tarasenko has a no-trade clause, but if the team isn't competing for a Stanley Cup this season which it doesn't look like they are, he will more than likely waive it to go to a new team. Since he won't re-sign either, the situation could work out for him and the team. He has 10 goals and 29 points in 33 games and would be a huge acquisition for any team with Cup aspirations.

There's only one Patrick Kane and Bo Horvat to be acquired by contenders this season, so many teams will also be calling for O'Reilly and Tarasenko. The Blues will have their choice in deals.