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St. Louis Blues Recall Chris Butler Under Emergency Conditions

By Patrick Karraker

Jan 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Butler (25) clears the puck in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Butler (25) clears the puck in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Butler is back with the Blues for the second time this season.

The St. Louis Blues announced on Sunday morning that they’ve recalled defenseman Chris Butler under emergency conditions from the AHL Chicago Wolves. The 30-year-old Butler, who serves as the Wolves’ captain, has suited up in 69 games for the Wolves this season, collecting five goals and 20 assists. He has a plus-23 rating and has collected 46 penalty minutes.

Butler, a veteran of 387 NHL games, saw action for the Blues during the previous two seasons, scoring three goals with six assists, a plus-7 rating, and 27 penalty minutes over 38 total games.

It’s not immediately clear why the Blues had to recall Butler, but since they’ve got just six healthy defensemen and will be playing their second game in less than 24 hours, they may have a guy who’s dinged up and is questionable for Sunday’s regular season finale against the Colorado Avalanche.

Even a player with the most minor ailment will likely be rested today, as the Blues already have their playoff seed locked up and will probably roll with a less-than-optimal lineup to avoid injuries and get their stars some extra rest. That means that if Alex Pietrangelo or Colton Parayko is dinged up, Butler will almost certainly play against Colorado.

This is the second time that Butler has been recalled this season, though he did not suit up for the one game that he spent with the NHL club.

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The Blues recalled Petteri Lindbohm under emergency conditions from Chicago last week and he played in two games, so it’s unclear why they didn’t just bring him up again. With Chicago playing a game today, it’s possible that Butler’s chances of playing for the Blues aren’t great and the Wolves preferred to have Lindbohm in the lineup.

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