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St. Louis Blues Assign Magnus Paajarvi to AHL; He Scores in First Game with Chicago Wolves

By Patrick Karraker

Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival (32) pursues St. Louis Blues left wing Magnus Paajarvi (56) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival (32) pursues St. Louis Blues left wing Magnus Paajarvi (56) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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After clearing waivers, Magnus Paajarvi returned to the minors on Friday.

The St. Louis Blues received some good news on Friday morning, as forward Magnus Paajarvi cleared waivers. Paajarvi, who skated in three games earlier this season and scored one goal, had been waived on Thursday as the Blues activated Jori Lehtera from injured reserve, necessitating the removal of a player from the 23-man NHL roster. After clearing on Friday, Paajarvi was assigned to the AHL Chicago Wolves.

Paajarvi, who was selected 10th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Draft but has never quite lived up to his potential, last played with the Wolves from December of 2014 to November of last year. While he’s had to rely on his speed and grit to make an impact in the NHL, Paajarvi has repeatedly shown an ability to dominate in the AHL, as he collected 15 goals and 21 assists over that 43-game stint in the minors.

Paajarvi once again displayed that knack for scoring in the minors in his first game back on Friday night, as he scored a goal in the Wolves’ 3-2 loss to the Rockford IceHogs. Whether it’s the expanded ice time, the lesser competition, or simply an increased comfort level, Paajarvi clearly has something figured out at the AHL level that he hasn’t yet found out how to do at hockey’s highest level.

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Regardless, now that he’s cleared waivers, Paajarvi has a good shot to return to the Blues as a depth player at some point later this season. He’s more qualified than any other forward on Chicago’s roster for a call-up in the event of injury, and it’s not exceptionally close.

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