BUFFALO -- By trading Brian Elliott to the Calgary Flames on Friday, the St. Louis Blues made a statement that Jake Allen is their No. 1 goalie. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong plans to keep it that way for a long time by signing Allen to a contract extension.

Armstrong said he has been in contact with Allen's representatives about an extension. Allen is signed for one more season.

"He wants to be here," Armstrong said of Allen. "He wants to be the guy. I believe that before the start of next season we'll have something done with him."

Allen mostly split time with Elliott this season and was 26-15-3 with a 2.35 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. With Elliott, he helped the Blues finish with a League-high .924 save percentage.

Allen hasn't fared that well in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; he has three wins, a 2.29 GAA and .902 save percentage in 12 games, including eight starts.

Armstrong is not deterred by Allen's playoff numbers; he believes he is the best goalie for the Blues going forward and doesn't want to risk the potential of losing him next season, which was one reason he traded Elliott on Friday. He said he would look in the unrestricted free agent market for a backup goalie.

"I knew with 100 percent certainty that those two guys [Elliott and Allen] would not both sign here a year from now," Armstrong said. "Both want the net more than they got it. Both want it on a regular basis. It just seemed like the proper time."