updated 6:47 p.m. ET May 22, 2004

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - St. Louis Blues player Mike Danton, accused by federal prosecutors of trying to hire a hit man, must refrain from talking with the man prosecutors say he wanted dead.

U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan ordered that no contact take place between Danton and his agent, David Frost, but said at a Friday status conference that Frost's family may continue to contact and visit the hockey player.

"Your best friends now are your attorneys," Reagan said. "It's best to keep your mouth shut."

Prosecutors had asked that Danton have "no communication, no intimidation, orally, in person or in writing" with Frost, who may be a witness at Danton's trial, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark.

A federal complaint alleges that Danton and 19-year-old Katie Wolfmeyer, of the St. Louis suburb of Florissant, conspired to arrange a hit April 14 at Danton's apartment in Brentwood, Mo. It says that Wolfmeyer, at Danton's urging, contacted a man they thought would kill Frost; instead, the man went to Columbia, Ill., police, who informed the FBI.

Danton pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month.

Danton's attorney, Robert Haar, told the judge the circumstances of his client's relationship with Frost were very unusual. Frost is Danton's agent, handling his personal affairs, but Danton regards Frost and his family as the only family he has.

In a statement read from jail last week to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Danton said he suffered both emotional and physical abuse during his childhood -- allegations which his parents and family friends have disputed. In the statement, Danton thanked Frost, his friends and the St. Louis Blues organization and players before he criticized his family.

Danton grew up Mike Jefferson, but legally changed his name two years ago.

Reagan's order does allow contact between Danton and Frost on business matters, but Haar must serve an intermediary. Danton also is barred during his contacts with Frost's family from speaking about the case.

The FBI criminal complaint said Danton was concerned that his intended target, now identified as Frost, planned to go to the Blues with information that could damage his career. Frost has said he urged Danton to get help for his use of painkillers and sleeping pills and his erratic behavior.

Also at Friday's conference, Haar asked for permission to have a psychologist visit with Danton in jail to conduct an evaluation; Reagan said he would consider the request.

Earlier this week, Danton's attorneys asked the judge to review a magistrate's earlier decision to hold their client in an Illinois jail while he awaits trial. Among other things, the motion says a 40-minute government tape illustrates the urgency of Danton's need for psychological help that he is not getting in jail.

In the tape, Danton sobs and begs for help, expresses thoughts of suicide, and says "I can't go on," "I can't do this anymore," and "I'm sick in the head."

A hearing on that motion is scheduled for May 21 before Reagan.

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