Nikita Soshnikov is one of four players recalled from San Antonio by the Blues today.
Two days after an impressive and desperately needed win against the Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues announced they have recalled forwards Robby Fabbri and Nikita Soshnikov, defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, and goaltender Ville Husso from San Antonio.
The recall of Husso indicates that Jake Allen will be sidelined with his injury for at least 1 game. He would be placed on Injured Reserve, therefore no player would need to be demoted in order for Husso to occupy a roster spot.
Gunnarsson coming back gives the Blues 9 defensemen on the roster, with Bortuzzo on Injured Reserve. They could keep 8, but more likely they’ll want to keep 7, meaning a player will be sent down to San Antonio. Or, Jerabek could be designated for assignment.
Where the roster moves get really interesting is with the forward corps. The Blues were 1 under the max roster size of 23 players before these moves. But with both Fabbri and Soshnikov soon to be activated to the roster, not everyone can stay.
Look for Thomas to be sent to juniors and either Sundqvist or Kyrou to be sent to San Antonio. There is no way that Sanford is going anywhere right now, and Barbashev is also playing quite well. How good was it to see him give it to Brent Seabrook Saturday night? More of that please, Barby.
With the top 3 lines fairly entrenched right now, the 4th line is the one that will be most affected. Coach Mike Yeo could ice a line of Fabbri, Barbashev, and Soshnikov. That’s a fast, skilled line, with good NHL experience.
We’ll see how it all shakes out.
Open Ice Notes 