"NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he's optimistic that a group led by Blues minority owner Tom Stillman can soon finalize a deal to buy the club.

Bettman's comments came after the NHL's Board of Governors was updated on the Blues' sale at a meeting Saturday morning at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, site of the All-Star festivities.

"We've been in regular touch with Tom (Stillman) and his people," Bettman said. "I spoke to Tom last (week) and he believes that things are on track, and based on the pulse that we're taking of the transaction and the things that need to be done, we're optimistic that (the sale will be completed) hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

"In order to finish a transaction of this magnitude, and ultimately get board approval, it takes some time. But we think it's on a timely track, and so we were are pretty optimistic based on everything we're hearing, including from Tom, this should be a go."

Blues President John Davidson attended the board's meeting Saturday and said the update to the governors was brief. "It was very short," Davidson said. "They mentioned that everything with St. Louis seems to be lining up properly and all looks fine."

What a difference a month makes.

In late December, the Blues were close to a deal with Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer, who signed a purchase agreement in October. But a deadline of Dec. 31, set by the NHL, came and went without a deal, and the league terminated Hulsizer's purchase agreement."