from Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch,

Schwartz’s agent, Wade Arnott, and Blues general manager Doug Armstrong have held lengthy discussions in recent weeks, but agree they are not close on a contract extension.

“We remain significantly apart on our respective positions at this point,” Arnott said Wednesday.

“I understand their position, they understand our position,” Armstrong said, “and there is a gap in the level of compensation.”

The success of Schwartz, 22, in such a short time has made for a complicated negotiation.

In 2013-14, Schwartz ranked third on the Blues’ roster with 25 goals and fourth in points with 56. He finished with a plus-minus rating of plus-28, tops on the team and tied for No. 13 in the NHL.

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