Blues Forwards Out with Injuries; Team Trades, Recalls Player

The St. Louis Blues announced Monday that they will be without several key forwards for extended periods, exacerbating challenges for a team that has struggled through much of the season. Winger Nathan Walker is expected to miss at least eight weeks due to an undisclosed upper-body injury, while rookie Jimmy Snuggerud faces six weeks of recovery following surgery on his left wrist. Forward Alexey Toropchenko is listed as week to week after sustaining burns to his legs in a home accident.

Walker, a 31-year-old Australian who became the first player from his country to reach the NHL with the Washington Capitals in 2017, contributed to that team's Stanley Cup victory later that season. This year, he has recorded three goals and six assists in 25 games for the Blues, providing energy on the lower lines. His absence leaves the team thinner up front at a critical time, as St. Louis has managed just two consecutive wins for only the second time this season.

Snuggerud, a 21-year-old rookie, has appeared in all 26 games, tallying five goals and 11 points while logging significant ice time on the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours. Coach Jim Montgomery noted that the...