Blues release 2016-17 preseason schedule

ST. LOUIS -- The Blues' 2016-17 season will be notable in many ways, such as their follow-up to a campaign in which they fell one step short of the Stanley Cup Finals and a last chance for coach Ken Hitchcock to bring the Cup to St. Louis. And now we know when their warm-up for that season begins.

The Blues announced their 2016-17 preseason schedule Friday.

The Blues will begin their exhibition slate with a split-squad game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, Sept. 25. They also will host the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

Overall, the Blues will play eight preseason games, including home-away series with Columbus, Washington, the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks.

BLUES 2016-17 PRESEASON SCHEDULE