MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — One day after getting Robert Thomas back in the lineup, the St. Louis Blues got some more encouraging news.
Defenseman Philip Broberg has started skating less than three weeks after injuring his right knee on Nov. 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs when Leafs forward Mitch Marner fell on his leg in the second period.
The Blues announced he would be sidelined 4-6 weeks, but to have him skating on the front end of that four-week timeline is encouraging.
“‘Broby’s been really good,” Blues coach Drew Bannister said after practice on Wednesday. “He’s been on the ice; he’s had a couple skates here on his own. He looks really good. I don’t think there’s any timetable right now, but he’s probably ahead of where we thought he would be.”
Broberg, who signed a two-year, $9.16 million offer sheet ($4.58 million average annual value) that the Edmonton Oilers did not match on Aug. 20, had nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 12 games to begin the season.
* Schenn, Faulk miss practice — Blues captain Brayden Schenn and defenseman Justin Faulk each missed practice on Wednesday.
Coach Drew Bannister said each had a maintenance day and is hopeful each can suit up on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.
I hope so, but it is a maintenance day and I would imagine they would be ready for tomorrow,” Bannister said.
* P.O. Joseph close — Defenseman P.O. Joseph, who has missed the past three games with a lower-body injury sustained Nov. 14 in a 4-3 overtime loss against the Buffalo Sabres, has been taking part in the skates the past few days and could be a option against the Sharks.
“I think he’s getting pretty close,” Bannister said. “I wouldn’t say that he’s going to play tomorrow, but I think he’s very close.”
* Leddy remains status quo — The news regarding defenseman Nick Leddy is … well … no news.
Leddy, who has now missed 16 games with a lower-body injury, an injury that has bothered the defenseman going back to training camp, remains sidelined and nobody seems to know how much longer it will continue.
“That’s something I couldn’t answer for you,” Bannister said when asked about surgery. “I’d be lying to you if I told you one way or the other. He’s been skating. It’s more of him getting on the ice and getting his confidence up and strength up right now.”
