Blues forward Jamie Langenbrunner is expected to miss the next four weeks after x-rays showed a fracture in his left foot. The injury happened Sunday in Chicago after blocking a shot. The exact time of the injury is unclear as the veteran forward didn’t complain until after the game was over.

Langenbrunner has been unreal this season for the Blues. His name may not always show up on the scoresheet but this guy has been as versatile as any forward on the roster. He can play a checking role, play with skilled players, kills penalties, and has played the point on the power play.

He’s as intelligent as any player the Blues have and his work ethic is unmatched by most.

His awareness defensively sets a great example with his ability to apply backside pressure as well as his strength on the boards. You need players who can get pucks out or chip pucks in and this guy has been better than advertised.

Of course the Blues will miss Langenbrunner’s leadership on and off the ice. He’s a winning player who’s had a tremendous impact on numerous teammates. The good news is the club knows they’ll be getting him back. This isn’t a season ending injury and the team has no choice but to move forward.

The Blues aren’t the only team to be hit with injuries, just look around the league and you’ll see plenty of teams dealing with similar circumstances.

Detroit will be without Pavol Datsyuk for a few weeks after he suffered a knee injury. Chicago Captain Jonathan Toews is also sidelined with an upper body injury. The days of the Blues feeling sorry for themselves when it comes to injuries are in the rearview mirror.

They’ve been able to push through all year and I see no reason to expect this to change.

    
Colaiacovo Returns…

D-man Carlo Colaiacovo returns Wednesday vs. Boston after missing the last three games. Kent Huskins will sit this one out.

Sobotka Replaces Langenbrunner…

Vladimir Sobotka will replace Langenbrunner on a line with T.J. Oshie and David Backes. This will eventually become Alex Steen’s spot once he returns from a concussion. Steen did not practice with the team today.

Neither did Matt D’Agostini who has not skated since suffering a concussion earlier this month.

David Perron slides down to play with Patrik Berglund and Andy McDonald.

Chris Stewart joins Jason Arnott and Chris Porter.

Reaves, Crombeen and Nichol round out the top four lines

The Blues will be taking an extra forward from Peoria with them on the upcoming road trip.

Brian Elliott starts Wednesday with Jaro Halak scheduled to get the nod Thursday in Nashville.

Shanahan meets with Blues…

NHL Executive Brendan Shanahan continued his tour around the league Tuesday in St. Louis.

Shanahan showed several video clips and explained how he and the NHL determine whether or not a player is deserving of a suspension. Evidently there is a formula and the players were filled in with how this is utilized when it comes to discipline.

I like that Shanahan does this as it allows players to ask questions and gives both sides a better understanding of where each of them are coming from.

With that being said Shanahan should also be meeting with the media so we can ask questions and hopefully eliminate some of the obvious confusion that exists.  

Ownership Update…

A high ranking NHL official tells me the league remains optimistic in Tom Stillman’s ability to close on a purchase to buy the Blues. They also said this is probably taking longer than Stillman anticipated.

The league continues to show a tremendous amount of support and patience with Stillman as the task of buying an NHL hockey team is no easy challenge. Stillman’s exclusive agreement runs through March 15th and it appears unlikely a deal will be consummated before then. This isn’t to alarm fans as he will still have the opportunity to close after March 15th should he need more time. 
 
More to come,
Andy Strickland
Strickland.andy@gmail.com