As NHL training camps were about to begin in the middle of September, new St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson had hopes he’d be ready for the start of the season.
It now appears that won’t happen. Gunnarsson is coming off hip surgery completed at the end of last season. And his absence from the lineup when the season begins could be a big opportunity for 21-year-old prospect Petteri Lindbohm, a sixth-round pick of the Blues from 2012.
Hitch said Gunnarsson will not be ready to start regular season. Until he comes out of red jersey, he's a non-factor. #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) October 3, 2014
Hitch said Lindbohm has basically filled Gunnarsson's role so he remains in the mix. #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) October 3, 2014
Hitch- Lindbohm: "He's really grabbed an opportunity coming from basically nowhere to be a consideration to make the hockey club." #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) October 3, 2014
The Blues acquired the 27-year-old Gunnarsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Roman Polak at the NHL Draft in June.
Gunnarsson had said this summer that he was on schedule with his recovery.