The forward is set to join the club for the remainder of this season to fulfill the one-year contract awarded to him in arbitration in 2014.
At the same time, general manager Doug Armstrong has announced that the Blues have signed Sobotka to a three-year contract extension worth $10.5 million, thereby carrying a cap hit of $3.5 million.
Sobotka elected to walk away from the one-year, $2.725-million contract awarded to him as a restricted free agent in 2014, choosing instead to sign with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, with whom he spent the past three seasons.
He will play out 2016-17 under the terms of that deal, and the contract extension will kick in next season.
Originally drafted by Boston in 2005, Sobotka has recorded 35 goals and 88 assists in 381 NHL games with the Bruins and Blues. In 138 KHL games during his NHL hiatus, he scored 37 goals and added 65 assists.
The Blues, then, now have some reinforcements in advance of the playoffs, and some closure on a situation that has sat on the back burner for a few years.
The game means very little to the Blackhawks, who have already clinched top spot in the Western Conference. It holds a little more significance for the Ducks - depending on the result of the Edmonton Oilers' game against the San Jose Sharks, they could clinch the Pacific Division title.
The defenseman is having a strong rookie season, though news of a new contract comes at a rather odd time, as the NHL announced earlier this week that it will not be sending its players to the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Zaitsev says the news has not changed his mind about staying in North America, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Last Thursday, it was reported that the Maple Leafs and Zaitsev were finalizing a seven-year contract extension that would pay the 25-year-old an average of $4.5 million per season.
Zaitsev's comments suggest that deal is still likely to be signed. As far as leaving the NHL to participate in the Olympics, Zaitsev insists Ovechkin has earned the right to make those claims.
"I don’t have a $10-million salary here," said Zaitsev. "So he can do whatever he wants. He’s like a superstar player."
It's a safe bet to assume that had NHLers been allowed to go, Zaitsev would have been part of the Russian squad. He represented Russia at the World Cup of Hockey in September, contributing two assists in four games.
The Nashville Predators sold out all 41 home games this season, a first for the franchise that joined the NHL in 1998. Of the league's 30 clubs, the Predators are one of 11 to average standing-room only capacities in 2016-17, according to ESPN:
Rank
Team
Average
Percentage
1
Blackhawks
21751
110.3
2
Penguins*
19762
110.2
3
Maple Leafs*
19768
107.9
4
Jets*
15742
107.6
5
Wild
19070
106.2
6
Blues*
19553
104.7
7
Flyers
19642
100.5
8
Predators
17159
100.3
T9
Kings
18240
100.1
T9
Canadiens
21288
100.1
T9
Rangers
18020
100.1
*The Penguins, Maple Leafs, Jets, and Blues hosted outdoor games, played in larger-capacity stadiums.
"It is incredibly exciting to sell out every home game this season," Predators president Sean Henry said in a statement. "(It) puts us one step closer to reaching the 'One Goal' vision Tom Cigarran set when he became chairman seven years ago, of becoming the No. 1 sports and entertainment venue in the United States centered around a Stanley Cup champion hockey team."
The previous high mark for attendance was set a year ago, when the Predators reported 35 sellouts at Bridgestone Arena.
One of the league's most exciting teams, the Predators have given their faithful something to cheer about. Nashville sits tied for ninth in goals this season, with burgeoning stars like Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg providing plenty of offensive punch.
But it wasn't always this easy in Tennessee.
The Predators were challenged with ownership issues and relocation rumors through their early goings, fighting off challenges from BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie to relocate the team to southern Ontario followed by a fraudulent takeover by Boots Del Biaggio to move the team to Kansas City.
Through it all, the Predators endeavored, growing hockey throughout the state and becoming a model expansion franchise for the NHL. Grassroots efforts continue where more than 1,200 local children tried their hand at hockey this season through the Little Preds Learn to Play Program.
This year, the Predators will make their third consecutive playoff appearance, giving fans another opportunity to showcase their enthusiasm. The postseason begins next week, when the Predators will look to build on their success from last spring, when they advanced to Game 7 of the second round.
While just two games remain on the season, this year's playoff opponent remains to be decided. The Predators have collected 92 points through 80 games and will close out the regular season Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Thursday, April 6 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockeyand apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
C Auston Matthews (69K) and D Jake Gardiner (39K), Maple Leafs (vs. Lightning): It's a night Leafs fans have been waiting for - and you know the players are going to be fired up. A Toronto win vaults the Leafs into the playoffs, and Matthews - who has eight goals in his last 10 games and 39 on the season - will be front and center. Pair him with Gardiner, who has four assists in his last four games.
C Brandon Dubinsky (45K) and RW Cam Atkinson (65K), Blue Jackets (vs. Jets): Columbus still has plenty to play for as the regular season winds down, sitting three points back of Pittsburgh for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Look for Dubinsky and Atkinson to help shake Columbus out of its offensive doldrums against a Winnipeg team allowing the third-most goals per game in the league.
C Connor McDavid (73K) and LW Milan Lucic (38K): No team scored more goals in March than the Oilers, who averaged 3.46 per game en route to ending a decade-long postseason drought. On the flip side, the Sharks were one of only 10 teams in the league to allow more than three goals per game for the month. Pair McDavid with Lucic, who joins the NHL's leading scorer on the first power-play unit.
Goalie Breakdown
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
TARGET - Devan Dubnyk (108K), Wild (at Avalanche): Dubnyk appears to be back on track following a dreadful showing in March, stopping 57 of 62 shots en route to a pair of victories over Colorado and Carolina to open the month. Thursday, he gets another crack at an Avalanche team that has scored two or fewer goals in four of its last six games. Dubnyk is pricey, but you'll be glad you started him.
BARGAIN - Jaroslav Halak (81K), Islanders (at Hurricanes): With the Islanders' playoff chances hanging by a thread, Halak will need to be at his absolute best in Carolina. The 31-year-old has been terrific of late, limiting opponents to six goals over his last four games while picking up three victories over that stretch. If he can continue his red-hot play, he should provide huge value in Squad Up.
FADE - Jonathan Bernier (104K), Ducks (vs. Blackhawks): Bernier has fallen on hard times of late, having been tagged for seven goals in road games in Winnipeg and Calgary. And while his 43-save shutout against Chicago back on March 9 stands as his best game of the season, the chances of another 40-save blanking aren't good. These Blackhawks can score, and should do so multiple times on Thursday.
CONTRARIAN - Joonas Korpisalo (115K), Blue Jackets (vs. Jets): It isn't often that you see a team's backup netminder as one of the most expensive options of the night - but with Sergei Bobrovsky coming off a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh two nights earlier, Korpisalo gets the call against visiting Winnipeg. He hasn't won since March 18 but looked good last time out, stopping 29 of 31 shots in a loss to Carolina on March 30.
Bargain Plays
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
C Leon Draisaitl (46K), Oilers (at Sharks): Draisaitl is priced at an absolute bargain given that he ranks eighth in league scoring and has five goals and 14 assists during an 11-game point streak. But here's the catch: You can't roster both he and McDavid, since both are listed at center. If you're looking to load up at other positions, you could do a whole lot worse than a guy with 75 points.
LW Richard Panik (32K), Blackhawks (at Ducks): Panik is far removed from his high-scoring days of earlier this season, but he's still a decent daily fantasy option while skating on Chicago's top line. Panik has seven points over his last 10 games and recorded multiple shots on goal in nine straight games in March. He has just two shots over his past three games, so expect some positive correction there.
D Jacob Trouba (27K), Jets (at Blue Jackets): This game appears one-sided on paper, but that doesn't mean you should ignore Trouba. He has four assists over his past three games for the Jets, who have scored four or more goals in four straight contests. Trouba might end up on the wrong side of the final score, but he's too gifted an offensive talent to be left unowned at his rock-bottom salary.
Top Fades
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
C Patrice Bergeron (67K), Bruins (vs. Senators): While Bergeron is off to a sizzling start this month with three goals in three games, he and the rest of the Boston offense will take a significant hit Thursday as winger Brad Marchand serves the opener of a two-game suspension levied earlier in the day. Bergeron can still generate offense without Marchand, but it becomes a whole lot tougher.
RW Phil Kessel (67K), Penguins (at Devils): Perhaps Kessel is just saving himself for the Penguins' Stanley Cup title defense. Or maybe he's gripping his stick too tightly. Whatever the case, the Pittsburgh sniper comes into this one having scored just one goal in his previous 23 games. His salary is far too high for his recent lack of production, and it's hard to see him getting on track in New Jersey.
LW Daniel Sedin (63K), Canucks (at Coyotes): It doesn't matter who the opponent is - no player averaging barely a half-point per game should have a salary this high. Sedin has just four points over his past 17 games, and has shown no inclination to halt his slide. Considering the collection of left wingers priced lower - including Mike Hoffman, Zach Parise and Jeff Skinner - you can do much better here.
Contrarian Options
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
C William Nylander (56K), Maple Leafs (vs. Lightning): Anytime the Leafs are in action, both Nylander and fellow center Nazem Kadri can be labeled as contrarian plays since most daily fantasy players choose Matthews. But Nylander plays alongside the rookie scoring leader and comes at a significant discount. Look for Nylander to hit the scoresheet as Toronto aims to end its lengthy playoff drought.
RW David Backes (49K), Bruins (vs. Senators): There might be a bevy of more attractive options ahead of Backes in the Squad Up pecking order, but he's a sneaky value play in a must-win game against Ottawa. Someone has to pick up the slack with Marchand on the sidelines, and Backes comes at a nice discount compared to teammate David Pastrnak (61K). Backes isn't a slam-dunk value play, but he deserves a look.
D Dion Phaneuf (28K), Senators (at Bruins): The Ottawa blue-line has been beaten and battered, leaving Phaneuf as the lone reliable offensive option on the back end. With Erik Karlsson ruled out with a lower-body injury, Phaneuf will see all the high-leverage situations he can handle. He might be passed over by most in favor of more reliable options, but he should easily return value Thursday.
Stamkos spoke to reporters in Toronto ahead of his club's do-or-die contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he admitted a return to the lineup is becoming less likely. A loss means the Lightning are eliminated from postseason contention.
Stamkos says it's "probably not looking that good" to play again before end of reg season, but will keep at it...
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed Stamkos would miss Thursday's contest, while Tyler Johnson, who's suited up in the last two games, will be a game-time decision.
Stamkos has been out since Nov. 15 with a knee injury and has nine goals and 20 points in 17 games.
The Bruins have two games remaining this season, against the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals. The team has already clinched a playoff berth, meaning Marchand will be eligible to return for Game 1. Boston's playoff opponent is not yet determined.
It's a costly infraction for Marchand, as the two lost games will see him forfeit $109,756.10, according to the NHL.
The suspension marks the second punishment for Marchand this season. He was fined $10,000 in mid-January following a dangerous trip involving Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall.
The Montreal Canadiens will get a chance to exact some revenge when they take on the New York Rangers in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
The two will face off in the postseason for the first time since the Rangers ousted the Canadiens in six games in the 2014 Eastern Conference Final.
There's a lot on the line and - like any playoff series - there are sure to be a number of players who will help tip the scales in either direction.
Here are three players who could make a difference in this first-round matchup:
Shea Weber
You may have thought it was all behind us, but no, the P.K. Subban-Weber trade deserves to be brought up once again.
The deal that had many Montreal faithful up in arms looks to have paid off - at least for the time being. The Canadiens clinched a postseason berth after missing out last season, while Weber has also bested Subban with seven more goals and four more points this season, in 14 fewer games.
The reason the trade is worth bringing up again is because, during his time in Montreal, Subban played some really inspired playoff hockey.
Subban has 11 goals and 38 points in 55 career playoff games, and who could forget his incredible display against the Boston Bruins during the team's 2014 run.
Weber won't be forced to match Subban's production, but like the man he was traded for, he will be looked at to be a difference-maker for the Canadiens.
Henrik Lundqvist
Much like Subban, Lundqvist has historically been a gamer who brings his best to the postseason.
The Rangers netminder has a career .921 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average over 116 playoff games. Meanwhile, he's been among the most consistent goaltenders since his NHL debut in 2006.
However, recently there have been more question marks surrounding the 35-year-old. Lundqvist had his worst season statistically, with a .910 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average, both career lows.
Not to mention Lundqvist was also lit up in the postseason last year by the Pittsburgh Penguins who delivered the King a ghastly 4.39 goals-against average over five games.
The Rangers playoff lives could rest heavily on Lundqvist, which would depend on what version of the King shows up.
Carey Price
Price could be the difference-maker if he does Carey Price-like things.
While Price has had had a couple questionable stints this season, for the most part he's been his usual consistent self and at the moment he's playing some of his best hockey of the year.
The 29-year-old has gone 5-2-0 in his last seven games with a .944 save percentage and a 1.58 goals-against average, allowing more than two goals in a game just once.
For the Canadiens, Price's presence will be huge, especially in the revenge storyline as Canadiens fans probably recall that, in 2014, Price played just 40 minutes in the series against the Rangers before bowing out due to injury, leaving Dustin Tokarski and Peter Budaj to fill the void.
It's hard to say if he could have propelled the team to a series win, but one thing is certain: the Canadiens likely don't stand a chance without Price between the pipes this time.
The two centers will collide when the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins meet in the opening round of the playoffs. The Metropolitan Division matchup was set in stone following Wednesday's contests.
The two sides met in the postseason three years ago, just the second time in franchise history the Blue Jackets made the dance after joining the NHL in 2000.
In that hard-fought six-game series, all but one game was decided by a single goal. The Blue Jackets captured a pair of victories in extra time, but the Penguins ultimately advanced.
Both squads have undergone extensive changes since: Just 15 of the 40 players who competed in Game 6 are still with their club. Each side scratched six players that night, and all 12 are out of the picture.
The changes didn't stop on the ice. Mike Sullivan's now behind the Pittsburgh bench, not Dan Bylsma, while John Tortorella has stepped in for Todd Richards as head coach in the Ohio capital. Interestingly enough, Sullivan was an assistant to Tortorella during his short tenure with the Vancouver Canucks.
Here's a look at the 15 players set to renew the budding rivalry this spring:
Foligno and Calvert potted the two overtime winners for the Blue Jackets in 2014. Calvert's Game 2 goal notched the first playoff win in franchise history. (Columbus made its first playoff appearance in 2009 but was swept by the Detroit Red Wings.)
Malkin was the Penguins' top-scoring forward through the series, registering three goals and four assists, while Dubinsky and the since-traded Ryan Johansen led all Blue Jackets forwards with six points.
In practical terms, it's a four-person list, as it was announced Wednesday that Letang will miss the next four-to-six months following a neck injury.
Johnson led Columbus rearguards in playoff scoring in 2014, coming away with seven points, while blue-liners Matt Niskanen and Paul Martin, both since departed, picked up eight points apiece for the Penguins. Maatta collected two points in six games.
Goaltenders
Each side returns a goaltender to the series, but things have changed for both of them since 2014.
Columbus' Sergei Bobrovsky is the NHL's top goalie this season, owning an NHL-best .933 save percentage and standing second to only Washington's Braden Holtby in wins. But Bobrovsky wasn't nearly as successful the last time the two sides met in the playoffs. He picked up two wins in six games alongside a .908 save rate and 3.08 goals-against average.
Penguins veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, meanwhile, is on bench duty after losing the top job to youngster Matt Murray. The 22-year-old led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup a year ago. In a pinch, Fleury offers solid support in goal. In six games against Columbus in 2014, Fleury posted a .908 save percentage and 2.81 GAA.
The Ottawa Senators will attempt to clinch a playoff spot without the aid of their captain on Thursday night.
Erik Karlsson will be held out of the lineup against the Boston Bruins and is considered day to day with a lower-body injury, head coach Guy Boucher announced, according to TSN 1200's Dean Brown.
Karlsson had played in the team's last two games against the Detroit Red Wings - scoring a goal in each contest - after missing last Thursday's contest against the Minnesota Wild with a foot injury.
The Senators can clinch a playoff spot by claiming at least a point against the Bruins, or if both the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning lose on Thursday.
