Blues defender Broberg continues to recover from his injury

NEWARK, NJ – Philip Broberg is getting closer to returning to the Blues lineup. How close? This part is not set in stone yet.

Broberg continued his rehabilitation from a lower-body injury Wednesday morning as one of seven Blues players on the ice for optional morning skating in New Jersey. Broberg wasn’t originally traveling with the Blues, but flew to New York on Sunday and then joined them on the ice for the morning skate at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Broberg took part in contact drills for the first time during practice on Tuesday.

“I feel good,” Broberg said Wednesday. “I’m trying to get back to 100% and we’ll see when that will be.”

When Broberg missed Wednesday night’s game against the Devils, it was the 12th game he has missed since suffering the injury Nov. 2 when Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner fell on his right leg. Broberg had to be helped off the ice after the injury, a worrisome sight for a defenseman who was arguably the Blues’ best blue-liner through the first month of the season.

“Obviously it wasn’t the best feeling and definitely scary moments,” Broberg said. “But I’m glad it wasn’t too serious and I’m looking forward to just working my way back and getting healthy again.”

The Blues initially announced that Broberg would be reevaluated on November 4th in four to six weeks. Saturday’s game against the Flyers would mark the fourth weekday since the injury.

To avoid an extended absence or a season-ending injury, Broberg said, “You never know how bad it is, and I consider myself lucky.”

“Injuries happen, and I think that’s part of the game,” Broberg said. “Of course you don’t want to get hurt. It was tough but it was a good process coming back. I think everyone on the team helped me a lot. I think that definitely made it easier.”

When predicting Broberg’s potential return to the Blues lineup, Robert Thomas’ recent recovery from a broken ankle may provide additional context. Thomas returned to the Blues on a non-contact basis on November 13, then traveled with the team through Buffalo, Boston and Carolina, but did not play. When the Blues hosted the Wild on November 19, Thomas was back in the lineup.

If the Blues follow a similar plan, that could mean Broberg playing against Philadelphia again on Saturday. Even if he plays on the next road trip through Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, he would still be within the projected schedule announced by the team.

“They’ve done a great job here making me feel comfortable through the rehab process and everything,” Broberg said. “It’s been a good process so far. … We have a great group of people here that are really helping me stay positive throughout this whole time.”

Broberg arrived in St. Louis in the summer after the Blues signed both him and Dylan Holloway to the Leafs, keeping them out of Edmonton. During his 12 games for the Blues, Broberg scored two goals and seven assists. Despite missing half of the season, Broberg still ranks second among St. Louis defensemen with nine points.

When he was in the lineup, Broberg helped form a solid pairing with Justin Faulk and he was used on the second power play unit.

“I think most of my game comes from skating,” Broberg said. “I just work hard on the ice and take up space on the ice. I think it all starts with my skating and trusting my instincts.”

The Blues honored Colin Brown, who died Wednesday after being hit by a stray bullet in a car on Interstate 55 Saturday, by wearing buttons that read “72 Strong.” Brown, 16, played hockey at Christian Brothers College High School and was on his way home from a game in Affton when he was shot.

“On behalf of the Blues organization, our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Colin Brown,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “It is a terrible and tragic situation and the hockey community in the city of St. Louis supports such events. They have our full support and the Brown family is not alone.”

• After missing Tuesday afternoon’s practice for maintenance, Blues forward Thomas was in St. Louis’ lineup Wednesday in New Jersey.

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