Kevin Shattenkirk: (Abdomen) Likely To Return Saturday

Shattenkirk (abdomen) is expected to return to the lineup Saturday against the Blue Jackets, Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

Coach Ken Hitchcock had suggested over the last couple of days that Shattenkirk was close to a return, and Wednesday's demotion of blueliner Petteri Lindbohm would seemingly verify as much. Shattenkirk's All-Star season was interrupted by abdominal surgery in early February, but after he was able to practice with the team the last few days and work out on the power-play unit Tuesday, the Blues believe he'll be ready to go. With eight goals, 40 points, and a plus-18 rating over his 49 games prior to suffering the injury, Shattenkirk should be automatically plugged back into fantasy lineups once his return is confirmed by the team.