T.J. Oshie practicing…

It’s one thing for T.J. Oshie to skate on his own or wheel around during a morning skate, but when he’s participating through a full practice you begin to take notice.

The Blues have given themselves some cushion by throwing out the All-Star break as a target return date for the third year player out of North Dakota. Considering he’s practicing without a no-contact jersey tells us he’s likely closer than basically a full month away from a return. It’s comes down to obviously getting in game shape but also strengthening up the muscle around the ankle to be able to handle the wear and tear that comes with playing NHL hockey. He seems to be having little problem pivoting, stopping and starting, and turning on his surgically repaired ankle.

Practices this time a year are slightly toned down compared to what we see during the first few months of the season but he appears to have no problem engaging and making it through a complete practice. He may be the best athlete on the team and if there’s one guy who has the mentality to play with discomfort it’s T.J. Oshie. The Blues will wisely be cautious with how quickly they give him the green light to return.

Andy McDonald won't truly be close to returning until he actually begins skating but all signs still point towards him showing progress. Will he return before Oshie has become a legitimate question?

More to come,

Andy Strickland

strickland.andy@gmail.com