The St. Louis Blues have officially activated Patrik Berglund from injured reserve, and intend to insert him into the lineup tonight when they play the Anaheim Ducks. Berglund has been out since June after injuring his shoulder and needing surgery. Originally slated to return at some point in December, the 29-year old center will get back into the lineup a little early.
Berglund joins what is already one of the deepest and most dangerous forward groups in the NHL, and gives them another big body down the middle that can contribute. A three-time 20-goal scorer, Berglund is coming off a 34-point season and looking to make an immediate impact. More importantly, he gives them another option in the middle where Brayden Schenn and Paul Stastny have already dominated.
- Zach Parise was back on the ice this morning for the first time since his surgery in October, and all things went well. Coming off microdiscectomy, there was some concern over his ability to return this season. Parise doesn’t seem to be worried about his future, telling Dan Myers of NHL.com he’s “very confident that everything is going to get back to normal and even better than it was.” The Minnesota Wild, struggling in Parise’s absence, could use him back as soon as possible.
- Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid also got back onto the ice for the first time since his own surgery, a procedure to fix a broken fibula suffered earlier this year. It’s not clear exactly when he’d be able to return, but he’ll have company when he does. All three of Brad Marchand, Ryan Spooner and David Backes are expected back in the lineup tonight for the Bruins when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, each coming off injuries of their own.