Pleau, who’s been in the Blues’ GM chair for 10 years, will enter the final month of his contract in June. While it might seem that the Blues are about to relinquish Pleau of his duties or re-assign him within the organization to make room for a guy like Nonis, that is not the case. At least not yet.

Davidson says the Blues need another set of eyes in the sky.

“Larry is our general manager, so it would be somebody that would report to Larry,” Davidson said. “In talking to our ownership, and they’ve certainly blessed it if we wanted to add somebody to make us deeper and better, we’re going to do it.”

Let’s look back at the last two seasons: Pleau has been a savior for Davidson as the former broadcaster was indoctrinated into hockey management. More than one source has said that JD would be “lost” without the help of Pleau, who is well-respected within the NHL and is very informed and organized when it comes to the day-to-day chores of a GM.

Davidson would like to keep Pleau on board. However, over the past two seasons, Pleau has understandably needed some time away from the rink as he supports his wife Wendy in her battle with cancer. The organization has been very cooperative with Pleau, allowing him to make his own schedule so that he can assist Wendy. The Blues, in fact, have organized several functions behind the scenes to show even more support for Mrs. Pleau.

Last season, Manny Legace kept a puck from every Blues’ win and had it autographed by the No. 1 star and delivered to Wendy. Also a year ago, several players, coaches and team employees held a blood drive across the street from Wendy’s hospital room, where after donating blood they could wave up to Wendy.

I’ve never seen anyone more touched personally than when I spoke with Larry about the blood drive. “The organ-I-zation has been tree-mendous,” Pleau said in his East Coast accent.

The care shown by the Blues doesn’t seem to be slowing down, but there appears to be a question of how much more time Pleau can spend balancing his personal and professional lives. He has not been able to attend a majority of games the past two years.

Therefore, the Blues have a tough decision on their hands. Knowing that the organization must move forward with a full-time GM, Davidson must gingerly juggle the situation with Pleau. Still new to his management role, Davidson often shows more of a human side than many pro sports executives.

So on Wednesday, while dancing around the issue of bringing in another staffer, Davidson said simply: “We’re always looking to improve. We’ve talked about it, Larry and myself, about maybe adding another person to the management team to just be a part of our group. There’s nothing imminent and there’s no rush on this particular need.”

I spoke briefly with Pleau, who politely declined to discuss his role going forward with the team. His only comment was that ”JD and ownership have treated me really well and I would like to stay here.”

In the meantime, the Blues seem to have a fascination with Nonis and don’t want to let him get away. Nonis, who has reportedly met already with Blues owner Dave Checketts, has spent the past two days interviewing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs don’t seem to be in a hurry to take Nonis off the market, but you never know when it comes to that franchise.

Davidson said the Blues are talking to a few other candidates, one of which is believed to be former Dallas Stars GM Doug Armstrong.

The big question is who would be willing to come to St. Louis with Pleau still in place? Davidson said Wednesday that “Larry Pleau is our general manager” and meanwhile sources have indicated that his contract will be extended.

For one year? Two? Who would wait that long?

“That would be something you would have to ask Dave (Nonis),” Davidson said. “There’s opportunity sometime down the road possibly. It could be somebody that could come here for long term or short term. We just want to make sure that we’re doing our job in that area.”

Nonis, who was not available for comment, spent six seasons as Vancouver’s director of hockey operations before replacing Brian Burke as GM in 2004. His Canucks made the playoffs just once in his three seasons on the job. Nonis’ tenure was most noted for his acquisition of goaltender Roberto Luongo from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi.

As far as a timetable for making the new hire, Davidson said: “No (timetable), but I think if we found the right person . . . get ‘er done. If we find the right person, and we feel that’s the way we want to go, we’d do it. But you don’t bring somebody in for the sake of bringing somebody in. You’ve got to make sure it’s the right person, who you’d be comfortable working with . . . who Larry is going to be comfortable working with . . . and be a team player with us . . . be a Blue.”

Most hockey observers would consider Nonis joining the Blues as a good move by the organization. There’s no secret, though, as to why the Blues are courting him with Pleau still occupying an office at 14th and Clark.

JR