"With 48 hours remaining before Blues forward T.J. Oshie becomes a restricted free-agent, and permitted to receive offer sheets from other team, there appears to be some progress in negotiations.

Earlier in the week, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said that there had been continual dialogue with Oshie's camp, but "not to the point where there's comfort with the other side's position."

But this afternoon, Matt Oates, Oshie's agent, told the Post-Dispatch: "Doug and I have been talking a lot over the past couple of days, and things are going well."

Oates declined to comment further, but there is belief that a deal could be struck between Oshie and the Blues before free agency opens Friday at 11 a.m. (St. Louis time).

Even if Oshie hits the market on July 1, the Blues retain his rights and could match offer given to the winger. The compensation for the Blues should they decide not to match would depend of the amount of the contract he signs with another team."