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Report: Blues interviewing Yeo to be Hitchcock’s replacement-in-waiting

Mike Yeo

Minnesota Wild head coach Mike Yeo argues a call in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

AP

The Mike Yeo interview tour continued this week, but with a wrinkle -- he’s in discussions for a head coaching gig down the road.

Per the Star-Tribune, Yeo is interviewing in St. Louis with the goal of taking over from Ken Hitchcock. Earlier this week, Hitchcock signed a one-year extension to return to the Blues next season, and announced the ’16-17 campaign would be his last.

More:

Associate coach Brad Shaw and assistant coach Kirk Muller stepped down this week reportedly because they wouldn’t accept one-year terms. Muller was originally hired with the thinking that some day he’d replace Hitchcock.

This means the Blues are currently looking for two assistant coaches, one of whom GM Doug Armstrong hopes can be molded into Hitchcock’s successor.

Yeo is believed to be a contender for that so-called “Coach in Waiting” position.

It makes sense the Blues want to get out in front and find Hitchcock’s replacement now, rather than jockey for available candidates next summer.

It also makes sense they have interest in Yeo, who’s been a fairly hot commodity since being dismissed in Minnesota, where he spent 4.5 years, making the playoffs three straight times.

Previous reports claim Yeo’s interviewed for the Ottawa, Anaheim and Calgary gigs.