Armstrong Recalled

Blues Forward Derek Armstrong - Image via blues.nhl.com

Hockeybuzz.com’s Andy Strickland reports that the Blues have recalled Forward Derek Armstrong from their AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. With Keith Tkachuk’s new injury (pinkie finger + surgery = out 10 days) and Cam Janssen’s 5 Game suspension, the Blues were down to 12 active forwards. With David Backes coming back from the Olympics (and a potentially tired Backes) the Blues were likely running with only 11 forwards at 100% coming out of the break. Armstrong’s recall will allow the Blues to carry 13 forwards as they await the return of Tkachuk and Janssen. With the first 6 games after the break being on the road, the Blues will likely need the depth.

Armstrong has five NHL games on the books this season. In those five games he has no points and is a Minus-2 while averaging a 7:34 in ice time per game.

If I were a betting man I would expect to see Armstrong centering a line with King or Winchester + BJ Crombeen to compose the Blues “4th line”.