The Blues face a serious setback as Aleksanteri Kaskimaki is recalled from the AHL to help fill the roster gap after Jimmy Snuggerud’s left-wrist surgery sidelined him for at least six weeks, removing a steady source of offense.

Management will need to reshuffle lines and roles, providing Kaskimaki with an opportunity to prove himself against the Ducks as the Blues recalibrate during a challenging stretch.

The situation unfolds amid a broader political-legal backdrop as the paper notes Habba’s appointment and related federal appointment scrutiny.

Blues open December by hosting the Anaheim Ducks, with a preview noting the team’s current injury woes and the need to stabilize the lineup.

Kaskimaki is a forward from Espoo who joined the Blues as a third-round pick in 2022, 73rd overall.

Kaskimaki has been recalled from Springfield and could debut for the Blues as soon as the home game against Anaheim, after contributing in the AHL this season.

Snuggerud has played in all 26 Blues games this season, with 11 points, highlighting the significance of his absence through six weeks.

Toropchenko’s injury joins a broader NHL pattern of off-ice accidents affecting players, including high-profile cases like Jack Hughes, Eetu Luostarinen, Ilya Samsonov, David Pastrnak, and Dustin Penner, underscoring a season with unusual injury risks.

The Blues’ injuries could mark a turning point in momentum, shaping the rest of the road trip and the team’s development for younger players.

With multiple forwards sidelined, the Blues’ depth is being tested in a tight Central Division race.

Blues coach Jim Montgomery said details about the injury incident at home would not be disclosed beyond confirming it happened off the ice.

Kaskimaki, a 21-year-old Finnish forward drafted 73rd overall in 2022, has been recalled to the NHL to inject depth as the club navigates the loss of Snuggerud and Toropchenko.