The St. Louis Blues announced Wednesday that forward Patrik Berglund will return to the lineup against the Anaheim Ducks. This will be his first game of the season after having surgery to repair his dislocated left shoulder in late June. He was injured during the offseason while working out in preparation for the upcoming season.
Patrick Berglund’s Impact
The Blues are currently first in the Western Conference thanks to production from the first and second lines. The third line, previously consisting of Dmitrij Jaskin, Oscar Sundqvist and Samuel Blais has been struggling offensively. They have only had 12 points on the season.
In the past, Berglund has scored 20 or more goals three times in his career and 30 points five times in his career. If he can help the third line produce, the Blues could be unstoppable.
Head coach Mike Yeo told NHL.com that he thinks Berglund can help in more ways than just production, “His presence in the middle of the ice, face-offs, his ability to distribute the puck and carry it through the neutral zone with speed…his ability to get in the offensive zone, control pucks, bring momentum to your team, he’s one of those wear-them-down type of platers that are so valuable as the year goes on.”
Fitting Berglund In
With the return of Berglund, the lines will likely look like this:
Jaden Schwartz–Brayden Schenn–Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Sobotka–Paul Stastny–Alexander Steen
Dmitrij Jaskin–Patrik Berglund–Samuel Blais
Scottie Upshall–Kyle Brodziak–Chris Thorburn
For now, Berglund is replacing Oscar Sundqvist as the third line centre. Magnus Paajarvi is an extra who may fill in for Thorburn in the future, depending on how Thorburn plays.
Berglund’s Career
Berglund was drafted by the Blues in the first round in 2006. He has played in 637 NHL games over nine seasons, all with the Blues. In those 637 games, he has 296 points. His career high in points was in his rookie season, 2008-09, in which he had 47 points.
Photo: SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 16: Patrik Berglund #21 of the St. Louis Blues looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on March 16, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)
