Colaiacovo to IR & Strachan Recalled

Per Hockeybuzz.com Blues Insider Andy Strickland the Blues have placed Defensemen Carlo Colaiacovo on IR. The move is retroactive to January 21st meaning he will not be available to play till the 28th.

Tyson Strachan - Image via www.blues.nhl.com

Peoria Riverman Defensemen Tyson Strachan has been recalled to fill the void while Carlo is out. In 31 games this season in Peoria Strachan has 2 Goals, 14 Points, Plus-2 Rating, and 48 PIMs. In 6 NHL games Strachan has 2 Assists, Plus-3 Rating, and 4 PIMS.

Andy also says that both Colaiacovo and David Backes will make the trip to Western Canada.

It will be interesting to see if Strachan plays. He has been solid when called upon and provides a nice addition in the team toughness department. Something the Blues will need on their upcoming Canadian swing. I would ballpark it at a50/50 chance Strachan sees NHL Ice while recalled.

Andy says Backes continues to skate while he recovers from an upper body injury. Look for David to make a return as well. Will he and TJ Oshie be reunited? OR will Payne split them up and roll them both at Center? I’d like to see them split up for a game to see how it works. Maybe go Kariya-Oshie-Boyes & reunite McDonald-Backes-Perron?

Fantasy Impact:
Colaiacovo shouldn’t be starting for you in most formats. Set him on IR and find a depth replacement till the end of the week. Thursday in Edmonton could be his earliest return. Backes will likely be a game time decision Monday. Monitor his situation to determine if you want to roll the dice starting him or not.