ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) - The St. Louis Blues get to have their first full season with coach Jim Montgomery after he took over a quarter of the way through last year. Montgomery’s arrival in November coincided with a run that got them into the playoffs. The Blues pushed Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg to double overtime in Game 7 of the first round. Jordan Binnington remains the starter in net, coming off backstopping Canada to winning the 4 Nations Face-Off. Robert Thomas was the NHL’s leading scorer in the second half of last season.

Last season: 44-30-8, lost to Winnipeg in first round.

COACH: Jim Montgomery (first full season with St. Louis; 215-102-0 career).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. Minnesota.

DEPARTURES: D Ryan Suter, F Radek Faksa, D Nick Leddy, C Zachary Bolduc.

ADDITIONS: C

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