St. Louis Blues place veteran forward on waivers

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues have placed veteran forward James Neal on waivers.

Neal, 34, hasn't played since late-November after reaggravating a previous injury in practice. On November 27th, the Blues placed Neal on injured reserve and that's where he's been ever since.

The Whitby, Ontario native joined the Blues on professional tryout (PTO) during training camp and played quite well during the pre-season including a hat trick in his first game in a St. Louis uniform. His strong showing during the pre-season earned him a one-year contract worth $750,000.

It's unclear why St. Louis waived Neal, the most likely reason is to send him down to their American Hockey League affiliate for conditioning purposes. If Neal clears waivers and suits up for the Springfield Thunderbirds, it will be his first AHL appearance since the 2008-09 season when he played five games for the Manitoba Moose.

In 17 games with the Blues this season, Neal has four points (two goals, two assists), no penalty minutes and is a minus-one.

Related: James Neal to play in the AHL for first time in 13+ years

James Neal (STL) on waivers— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 2, 2022

MUST READ

47 minutes ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

14 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

15 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

16 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

18 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

21 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

22 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

23 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

MORE STORIES