Blues suffer early injuries, prospects can fill spots

In classic Blues fashion, two players have been injured before the season starts. With a deep selection of substitutes, here are my guesses on who'll fill Zach Sanford and Jay Bouwmeesters' spots.

Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports

Zach Sanford:
​Sanford has a separated shoulder and will be out for 5-6 months. His replacement will take over his spot on the third or fourth line.  

Possible replacements: Samuel Blais, Tage Thompson, Robert Thomas, Wade Megan

My top pick: Tage Thompson
Tage dominated the prospects tournament in Traverse City with 9 points in 5 games. He looks NHL ready. 

Jay Bouwmeester:
Jay Bouwmeester has a fractured left ankle that will keep him out at least 3 weeks. His replacement will likely be on the third D pairing for a week or two to start the season.
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Possible replacements: Vince Dunn, Jake Walman

​My top pick: Vince Dunn
While Walman looked great in Traverse City, Dunn's production with the Chicago Wolves last year cannot be ignored. He tallied 45 points in 72 games and was +15 in his first season with the Wolves.

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Peter Hempstead
@petehempstead