St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and general manager Doug Armstrong announced Tuesday that the Blues have activated forward Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Torey Krug from injured reserve.
Krug returns to the lineup after missing the last 13 games with a lower-body injury. He has collected 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 31 games this season. The 31-year-old is currently in his third season with the Blues after signing as a free agent in October 2020. Krug signed a seven-year, $45 million contract that has an average annual value of $6.5 million.
Tarasenko returns after missing 10 games with a hand injury. The 31-year-old has posted 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 34 games this season. Originally drafted by the Blues 16th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, the Russian winger has collected 553 points (262 goals, 291 assists) across 640 career games. He is currently in the final year of his monster seven-year $60 million contract he signed in the summer of 2015. Tarasenko is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st.
Additionally, Armstrong also announced that the Blues have placed forward Pavel Buchnevich on the injured reserve. Buchnevich underwent a minor medical procedure to treat an infection of his ankle. He will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Buchnevich has collected 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 38 games this season. The Cherepovets, Russia native was acquired by the Blues in a trade with the New York Rangers that saw Sammy Blais go to the big apple. Buchnevich is currently in his second season with the Blues. Throughout his career, he has recorded 309 points (124 goals, 185 assists) in 412 career NHL games.
