TORONTO - Vladimir Sobotka says he is no longer optimistic about returning to the St. Louis Blues after two years in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League because of a contract holdup.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday in Washington that Sobotka was having ''issues'' getting back. Sobotka has a year left on his KHL deal, but Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had said the plan was for the 29-year-old forward to be back this season.

Sobotka says he's ''had enough'' of the squabble, which has lasted five months. He says agents continue to discuss the subject, but he voiced doubt about being in St. Louis for the start of the season in October.

In 381 NHL games, the Czech native has 35 goals and 88 assists for 123 points.