Blues activate Schwartz from IR after 20-game absence

The St. Louis Blues will welcome back a key member of their lineup Thursday, as Jaden Schwartz has been activated off the injured reserve and will suit up versus the Colorado Avalanche after a 20-game absence.

Schwartz took a shot off his ankle Dec. 9, and the Blues have struggled ever since, posting a 9-10-1 record. Before his injury, St. Louis was 20-8-2 while averaging 3.3 goals per game.

Schwartz, Brayden Schenn, and Vladimir Tarasenko made up one of the NHL's top lines, and his return should help replenish an attack that ranks dead last with 2.11 goals per contest since the trio was forced apart.

In 30 games this season, Schwartz ranks third on the Blues with 35 points.