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Hobbling to a Finish: Breaking Down All the Injuries that the St. Louis Blues Have Suffered in 2015-16

By Patrick Karraker

January 8, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks Corey Perry (10) reacts after colliding with St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 8, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks Corey Perry (10) reacts after colliding with St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (4) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. St. Louis Blues won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (4) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. St. Louis Blues won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Carl Gunnarsson

six total games missed; one on December 22 (upper-body), five from January 12-20 (upper-body)

Many Blues fans have argued during 2015-16 that Carl Gunnarsson is an average, replaceable piece at best and a liability at worst. While Gunnarsson has the second-best plus-minus rating on the team at plus-9 (which, it could be argued, is largely due to the fact that Gunnarsson has been paired with ultra-disciplined rookie Colton Parayko for much of the season), the Blues’ record with and without him would back up the assertion that he’s replaceable.

When Gunnarsson has been in the Blues’ lineup this season, they’re 25-16-9. When he’s been out due to injury, the Blues are 5-1. That’s a small sample size, but it should be stated that both of Gunnarsson’s injuries came during periods of significant inconsistency, yet the Blues found ways to win without him. Despite the disparity in records, however, it’s hard to argue that Chris Butler or Andre Benoit–the guys who filled in for him–are more worthy NHL defensemen than Gunnarsson, so he’ll likely stick in the lineup for the rest of the season.

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