Zach Sanford News
The Senators COVID-19 protocol list now sits at eight players, with Sanford, Chris Tierney and Thomas Chabot entering protocol on Monday.
After a breakout season with 16 goals, 14 assists (30 points) in 2020, Sanford struggled to find the same level of production in 2021. Sanford was thrust into a top-6 role with the Blues but is probably better as a third-liner, where he should find himself with the Senators.
Sanford missed Saturday's game in San Jose due to COVID-19 protocol but has since had two negative COVID tests and was back on the ice for Monday's morning skate. Sanford is expected to replace Sammy Blais on the third line.
Sanford missed Friday's practice with an undisclosed issue, which the Blues have now revealed is a non-COVID related illness. With Sanford out, Mike Hoffman will move up to the top line with Ryan O'Reilly.
Sanford missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but will play Monday vs. Colorado. Sanford, who will replace Ivan Barbashev (upper-body), will skate with Ryan O'Reilly and David Perron on the second line. He has 10 points (3G / 7A) in 26 games this season.
Sanford was injured Saturday against the Maple Leafs and is "just day-to-day right now, so we'll see how he is tomorrow" head coach Craig Berube told reporters. Austin Poganski was recalled from San Antonio (AHL) and will make his NHL debut in Sanford's place.
Sanford has been a healthy scratch for the last four games but will replace Sammy Blais (thumb) on Thursday. Sanford has no points in four games this season and will skate on the third line with Tyler Bozak and Robert Thomas.
Sanford was a healthy scratch in the Blues season opener. With Robert Thomas (upper-body) out, Sanford will draw into the Blues lineup on a line with Tyler Bozak and Robby Fabbri.
Sanford played just 5:09 TOI in Game 3 and will be replaced by Robby Fabbri in the lineup for Game 4. Sanford has not recorded a point or shot in 21:42 TOI total through three playoff games.
Sanford is set to return to the Blues lineup on Wednesday after missing the last three games with a concussion. Sanford, who has 11 points (5G / 6A) in 30 games this season, will replace Jordan Nolan in the lineup.
Sanford was forced to leave Tuesday’s game against the Islanders and will miss Thursday’s game because he’s in concussion protocol. The Blues will dress seven defensemen to replace Sanford.
Sanford, who has nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games with the Blues and six points (4G / 2A) in seven AHL games, could draw into the St. Louis lineup on Thursday with Vladimir Tarasenko questionable.
Sanford had three goals and one assist in five games during his demotion. He returns to the Blues where he has collected nine points (4G / 5A) in 23 games this season.
Sanford has started the AHL season with two goals in four games. After being recalled for Chris Thorburn, Sanford could make his season debut in Montreal on Wednesday. The 23-year-old had five points (2G / 3A) in 13 games with St. Louis in 2016-17.
Sanford, who had shoulder surgery in September, hasn't played a game all season, hence the Blues decision to send him down for a conditioning stint. Sanford registered five points (2G/3A) in 13 games with the Blues last season.