Blues' Lehtera returning to practice ahead of schedule Friday

St. Louis Blues forward Jori Lehtera is ahead of schedule in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery and will participate in a full practice Friday, the team announced.

Lehtera was expected to be off skates for 6-8 weeks after his surgery Aug. 4, but has proven to be strong enough for a full training camp session under that same timetable.

He chipped in with 14 goals and 30 assists last season and nailed down a three-year, $14.1-million bridge deal for his efforts.