In the second period against the Boston Bruins [http://thn.com/boston], Nick Bjugstad was forced to exit the game with an upper-body injury. Following the Blues' 5-2 defeat [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/observations-from-blues-5-2-loss-vs-bruins-1], coach Jim Montgomery had no update on Bjugstad's health. However, Lou Korac of The Hockey News [https://x.com/lkorac10/status/1998610017155735618?s=20] reported that his equipment was still hanging in his locker, so it's possible he won't travel for Thursday's game against the Nashville Predators [http://thn.com/nashville]. The 33-year-old signed a two-year, $1.75-million contract in the off-season with the hopes that he could bolster the Blues' bottom six and provide additional two-way stability, whether it came on the wing or as a center. He is now 25 games into his Blues career, and he's been underwhelming. He's notched just four goals and five points while averaging a career low in ice time (11:27). He's also on pace for just 12 goals and 15 points. Despite Bjugstad playing at a level far under expectations, the Blues can't afford another injury. They are currently dealing with injuries to Jordan Kyrou (lower-body) [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/blues-avoid-major-injury-scare-with-top-forward], Nathan Walker (upper-body), Jimmy Snuggerud (wrist), and Alexey Toropchenko (leg burns). With the uncertainty surrounding Bjugstad's injury, he's currently considered day-to-day. However, as the Blues complete tests to determine the severity of the injury, a clearer timeline will emerge. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6a8dd9c7-2656-4e1c-9d86-d4e1a6dc56b4.jpeg] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
