St. Louis Blues Place Forward Dylan Holloway on Injured Reserve
The St. Louis Blues have officially placed forward Dylan Holloway on injured reserve as of Thursday, citing a lower-body injury. This move comes as the team deals with multiple injury concerns ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Holloway's Recurring Ankle Issues
Holloway's placement on injured reserve is due to complications related to his right ankle, which has plagued him throughout the current NHL season. The 24-year-old forward initially suffered a high ankle sprain in his right foot during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 12th, causing him to miss a total of 19 games.
He made a brief return to action against the Edmonton Oilers on January 18th but has not played since, missing the Blues' last four consecutive games. In total, Holloway has participated in only one of St. Louis' last 20 matches, highlighting the persistent nature of his injury.
Season Performance and Career Background
Despite the limited appearances, Holloway has managed to contribute significantly when available. In 34 games this season, he has recorded 17 points, comprising eight goals and nine assists. His performance reflects his potential, which was fully realized last season during a breakout campaign where he tallied 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points in 77 games.
Originally selected 14th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Holloway spent two seasons with Edmonton before becoming a restricted free agent. The Blues signed him to a two-year, $4.58 million deal, which the Oilers declined to match, leading to his move to St. Louis.
Additional Injury Concerns for the Blues
The Blues are facing further uncertainty with other key players also dealing with injuries. Forwards Jordan Kyrou (upper body) and Jake Neighbours (lower body) are currently listed as day-to-day, with their availability for upcoming games in question.
Reports indicate that Kyrou exited after the first period of a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday after blocking a shot from Esa Lindell. These injuries compound the team's challenges as they prepare for their next home game against the Florida Panthers.
Team Adjustments and Recall Moves
In response to Holloway's placement on injured reserve, the St. Louis Blues have recalled forwards Matt Luff and Hugh McGing from the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds. This move aims to bolster the roster depth and address the immediate gaps left by injured players.
The Blues are expected to hold Holloway out of action until after the Olympic break, emphasizing a cautious approach to his recovery. This decision underscores the team's focus on long-term player health and performance sustainability throughout the season.
