The Blues are bringing Theo Lindstein back into the fold as they head out on a four-game road trip, giving the club another young defense option if Colton Parayko can’t go.
Lindstein opened the season with St. Louis, then ended up back in the AHL after four appearances and five healthy scratches. He’s earned another look after posting one goal and one assist in two games with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
That production may put him in position to step in for Parayko, who missed Friday’s practice with an upper-body injury. Jim Montgomery told NHL.com’s Lou Korac that Parayko is “probable” for Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
The recall also means the Blues now have two rookies available if they need to dress an extra defenseman. Quinton Burns, who got the first call-up of his career last Saturday, is still waiting for his NHL debut. In seven games with Springfield to start the AHL season, Burns has one point and 29 penalty minutes.
Burns brings a heavier, more physical edge. Lindstein, though, looks like the better fit if St.
Louis wants someone who can help move the puck and handle play-driving minutes. That’s been the calling card for Lindstein so far, even if the offense has been modest.
He had one assist in four games during his first NHL run this season, and last year he put up four points in 17 NHL games along with 14 points in 59 AHL games.
Lindstein has already shown flashes in the Blues lineup, and this road trip could give him a chance to take on bigger minutes if Parayko is unavailable. If St.
Louis needs to reshuffle the blue line, it would have to accommodate either Burns or Lindstein on the left side. That likely would push Adam Jiricek back into the top four alongside Cam Fowler, with the replacement joining Justin Barron on the bottom pair.
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