Blues' Schwartz activated off IR, expected to return Friday

Help is on the way.

The St. Louis Blues have activated Jaden Schwartz off injured reserve and expect the winger to return to the lineup Friday against the Florida Panthers.

Schwartz has missed 49 games with a fractured ankle suffered in practice back on Oct. 23, an injury he said was the most painful he has ever experienced. Now fully healthy, he's hoping it won't take too long to get up to speed.

"It will almost feel like a new season for me," he said to Chris Pinkert of the team's official website. "I've been out for so long. It will take me a few shifts to get up to speed and calm down a little bit. It'll be a new experience for me with only 27 games left to jump in. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to get up to speed and I'm just hoping I feel comfortable doing everything on the ice."

Schwartz recorded four assists in seven games prior to the injury, and is coming off a career-high season in goals (28) and points (63).