3 Blues who need to step up in Schwartz's absence
A harmonious start to the season in St. Louis hit a very sour note with the announcement that Blues forward Jaden Schwartz will be out at least six weeks with an ankle injury.
Schwartz had been excelling on a line with Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko, arguably the NHL's top trio so far this season. Through 30 games, he recorded 14 goals and 21 assists, one point behind Schenn for the team lead and good for ninth in the NHL, tied with Edmonton's Connor McDavid.
Those numbers had him on pace for 38 goals, 57 assists, and 96 points, all of which would demolish previous career highs. Now he'll watch as a Blues team that sits first in the Central Division toils on without him well into 2018.
Here are three teammates who will need to step up in his absence.
Ivan Barbashev
Immediately recalled from the AHL's Chicago Wolves in light of Schwartz's injury, Barbashev is out to prove he belongs with the big club.
A second-round pick in 2014 (33rd overall), the 21-year-old center/winger has appeared in 129 AHL contests, averaging 0.57 points per game after scoring 33 goals and adding 44 helpers. His production has dropped off at the NHL level, though, as he's been good for only five goals and seven assists in 36 appearances, albeit in limited ice time.
Barbashev was a dominant force in his junior days, and St. Louis could greatly benefit from a big step forward taken at this point in his pro career.
Paul Stastny
St. Louis' second-highest-paid forward will likely get a run on the top line with the highest, allowing Stastny to earn that $7-million salary alongside an elite player in Tarasenko.
Stastny can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, giving him extra incentive to make use of a plum line assignment.
He's recorded a decent 21 points through 30 games, but he's only on pace for 16 goals after scoring 18 in 66 games last season. Stastny's shooting percentage sits at 9.7, down from his 12.6 career average.
There's no better time for an uptick in that department, both for the team and the pending UFA.
Magnus Paajarvi
Drafted 10th overall by Edmonton in 2009, Paajarvi hasn't been able to put it together in the NHL, putting up 45 goals and 96 points in 334 contests.
He's managed to stick around due to some decent AHL numbers (33 goals, 99 points in 141 games), but could find himself struggling to find work in North America if he can't take advantage of the gaping hole left in Schwartz's absence.
Like Stastny, Paajarvi can hit the open market in 2018 with UFA status upon the expiry of his one-year deal that carries a cap hit of $800,000.
If he wants to remain with the Blues, or sign with any NHL team for that matter, he'll need to drastically improve on the two goals and three points posted in 26 games. If not, European hockey is likely in his future.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)