The Blues defenseman injury bug continues this season, and Philip Broberg is the latest victim. Broberg fell at practice today, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic. Rutherford said that Broberg fell on his right leg, and had to be helped off the ice while bearing no weight on that leg.
Jim Montgomery said Broberg is being evaluated, and that there will be an update tomorrow. That's all we know at this time. Hopefully, this is something that won't keep the young defenseman out for the long term.
Broberg already has had trouble with his right leg this season, as he missed 12 games after injuring it against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 2nd. His point production has slowed down since this injury, but he's still played very well up to this point.
What does this mean for the Blues going forward?
For right now, obviously we don't know. If this injury is something that keeps him out long term, that's going to be a problem. The defense has been playing extremely well lately. If you take Broberg out of the equation, that most likely means that Ryan Suter and Justin Faulk will be upgraded to the second pair.
I'll give credit where credit is due. Ryan Suter played some very solid hockey for the Blues prior to the trade for Cam Fowler. Suter was Parayko's most consistent partner at the top and the duo looked good at times. Justin Faulk, however, hasn't looked excellent all season. He's probably at best a fringe second pair defenseman, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with him playing there for an extended period of time.
If Broberg is out long term, it's going to make the playoff push a bit more in doubt. Can this group of defenseman play well enough, sure. Do I have faith they can have the same kind of success without Broberg? I'm not sure.