Blues Set Roster For Regular Season

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The Blues have sent rugged blueliner Tyson Strachan back to its top minor league affiliate in Peoria. The move serves as the final preseason cut for head coach Andy Murray as forward Derek Armstrong makes the club after signing a two-way contract shortly before the start of training camp. Armstrong played for Murray in Los Angeles years ago and proved to be a versatile player in the preseason.

Strachan had three points, all assists, and 39 minutes in penalties in 30 games for St. Louis last season. Armstrong netted five goals and added four assists in 56 games while adding 63 minutes in penalties for the Kings in the 2008-2009 campaign. Neither player got a taste of postseason play in the NHL.

Strachan's departure leaves the Blues with a 24-man roster and seven healthy defensemEn. Captain and rearguard Eric Brewer will join winger D-J King on injured reserve when the season begins. Brewer is rehabbing from offseason surgery while King is nursing a thumb injury that he suffered in camp before exhibition games began.

Third goaltender Ben Bishop is allowed to be, essentially, the 24th man, until the Note returns to St. Louis...when that time arrives, Bishop will likely be sent to Peoria to get the team back to the normal 23-man regular season limit.

The Blues practiced earlier today in Sweden and will do so again tomorrow before facing Detroit on Friday afternoon in Stockholm. The 2:00 (CST) drop of the puck will start the regular season for both teams. They will meet again on Saturday in another 2PM opening faceoff.

TPC